An incredible UK beach boasting three miles of white sand and crystal-clear water has been described as ‘Heaven on Earth’ and one of the world’s best – and yet it sees hardly any tourists
With powdery soft sand and ‘jewel-like’ waters, this stunning slice of coast feels worlds away from the dreary UK.
In fact, back in 2009 – a picture of this beautiful three-mile beach was accidentally used by Thailand’s tourist board, after they mistook it for the tropical hotspot of Kai Bae. Seriously, with sand as white as sugar, grassy dunes, and breathtaking mountain views, it’s hard to believe this ‘tropical’ beach isn’t stranded somewhere in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
Instead, it’s situated on Berneray, an island in the Outer Hebrides archipelago, around 40 miles from the Scottish mainland. Beloved by locals, and often overlooked by tourists – West Beach has been described as ‘Heaven on Earth’, and it’s easy to see why.
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“I spent two hours on this beach and despite its incredible beauty, I never saw another soul,” one traveller wrote in her review of the beach earlier this year. “The beaches of Harris are also amazing, but this is the best beach I have ever been to. It’s magical!”
Another agreed, hailing: “Three miles of white sand and tall sand dunes, crystal clear emerald-coloured waters, and you can only meet a few people along the entire stretch of the beach. The beauty of nature at its best,” while a third added: “[It’s] one of the most beautiful beaches we have ever been to. Endless empty white sand and beautiful dunes and topped with Machair.”
Now, West Beach is likely slated for a huge tourist boom, after being featured on Lonely Planet’s list of the 25 best beaches in the world. Winning the ‘best beach for untamed beauty’ category, the travel firm hailed the beach for its picturesque sands and unspoilt landscape.
“The brave might go for a swim in these chilly waters that rarely get above 13°C (55°F), but it’s a real paradise for beachcombers, bird-watchers and hikers,” it hailed. “Grassy elevated dunes offer a perfect perch for pristine beach views and are the best place to spot cormorants, gannets and more. Come in the spring when the surrounding landscape is a burst of colour thanks to the wildflowers that grow in abundance.”
Located almost 700 miles from central London, getting to Berneray isn’t so straightforward. Flying to Benbecula Airport in the Outer Hebrides is probably the quickest way. You can fly directly here from Glasgow – or get a stopover flight departing from London Heathrow.
Despite being faster than driving, indirect flights can still take around nine hours – and cost around £396 for a return in July. After touching down in Benbecula, you’ll need to drive around 45 minutes up to Berneray, or take the W16 Bernerary bus to Road End (which takes around 45 minutes) before walking down to the coast.
*Prices based on Google Flight listings at the time of writing
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