The Coast
Aberlady BeachAberlady, East Lothian. This stretch of the Forth estuary has a string of expansive beaches. This midsummer sunset catches the sense of space, looking across the water to the Lomond Hills in Fife.
Achiltibuie Boatman's BothyAchiltibuie, Wester Ross. In an area where many of necessity have more than one job, fishing comes well up the list. Local hotels and restaurants are among the fishermen's customers. Nearby is the No. 192 Bed and Breakfast, have a look at http://achiltibuie.net/192/.
Boat and Forth Rail BridgeFrom South Queensferry Harbour. A fine evening in the spring saw mist obscuring part of this always impressive structure. The proximity of the yacht on the quay suggests the bridge is farther away than it really is.
Evening at TarbertTarbert, Argyll. The green of the hillside opposite is reflected here in the sea at the harbour entrance. It is so nearly calm that smoke from two chimneys a short distance apart is blowing in opposite directions.
West Coast PoppiesGairloch, Wester Ross. The west coast of Scotland is often grey, but that can add to the atmosphere and moodiness. These early July poppies looked out over the sea the Skye in the background. For accomodation at Gairloch the Old Inn really works: www.theoldinn.net. Their website even has the sound of the sea breaking on the shore...
Embleton BeachThe coast between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Berwick-upon-Tweed boasts a string of lovely beaches, some with castles close by. Here the ruins of Dunstandburgh Castle can be seen in the distance. We had a great few days on an autumn deal at the Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel, www.dunstanburghcastlehotel.co.uk, within easy walking distance of the beach. They do winter deals, too.
UllapoolWester Ross. After an afternoon punctuated by torrential showers, a gap in the clouds shortly before sunset lit up Ullapool while leaving all around it almost dark. This view is from the Ardvreck House bed and breakfast about a mile north of the village, but only a few minutes drive from the ferry terminal. It's set some way above Loch Broom and the excellent views mirror the standard of the whole place. Have a look at www.ardvreckhouse.com
Achnahaird BeachWester Ross. Any tour of the North-west Highlands should include a visit to this idyllic beach, about three miles before Achiltibuie. It’s usually all but deserted, and is protected from the Atlantic swell by a point just to the north.
Forth Road Bridge at DuskThis famous structure, which when it opened in 1964 was the longest suspension bridge outside the USA, is silhouetted by the brightness of the western sky shortly after sunset. The trees beside the road down into North Queensferry provide an arch of branches above.
Harbour on the Antrim CoastCushendun, Co. Antrim. The Antrim coast road is rightly regarded as a very pretty drive, and Cushendun harbour is well worth a stop. There is a good beach, too. There's an excellent self-catering apartment bang on the sea front at Cushendun's larger sister village Cushendall: http://www.theseaviewapartment.com/.
Mist at Forth Road BridgeThe east coast of Scotland is well known for its sea mist, known locally as haar, and it is not unusual for it to affect the Forth estuary, especially in the spring. The Forth bridges are always impressive, but the haar, when it is not too extensive, definitely adds something.
Tug and Forth Rail BridgeThis world-famous structure never fails to impress, day or night. It’s enormous and the more impressive when one considers that it was built during the reign of Queen Victoria. On the south side, in South Queensferry, are several eateries with spectacular views of the bridges, and on the whole the food's good, too. Alternatively the chippy is fine and there's more atmosphere to the place if one stays outside.