Turquiose waters, stunning secluded beaches, the ocean dotted with tiny picturesque islands and a warm friendly welcome from the locals. Where am I describing?
The first thoughts when we hear these words are probably of the Caribbean, or of some beautiful resorts in Thailand or the South Pacific. Well, for those in the UK who fly for a whole day to reach such idyllic places, here’s something that might just surprise you. For all of the following pictures were taken last week during our visit to Barra, at the southern tip of the Outer Hebrides. Only an hour’s flight from Glasgow but a world away, this little island is a paradise for beach lovers (as long as you bring a few warm layers to enjoy it!)
Have a look and decide: can this really be in Britain?
A Barra beach
Another Barra beach
Beach at Mingulay
Vatersay, looking toward Castlebay
This really is in Britain! Beach at Vatersay
Beautiful clear waters, Barra
Barra, Halaman Bay
Huge seal colony on Mingulay
Seal on Mingulay
Sunset on Barra
Related posts:
The island of Barra; small but packed with things to do
A life’s dream fulfilled: Landing on the beach in Barra
A different world: the seductive charms of life on a small island
Yes, this is Scotland – that area actually has a very mild median temperature, and is (statistically) in the summer more similar to places like Tenerife than the rest of GB. Of course, you have to be lucky to get the good days. Gotta love the maritime effect!
Gorgeous snaps.
Cheers Andy. Yup, they get milder winters, and warm summers (between the many showers). A beautiful part of the world for sure. And a great experience to fly there and land on the beach (ash clouds permitting). Scotland is a top destination!
Amazing place and awesome photos, Andy. That makes me wonder why do lots of European go to places as the Maldives – beautiful but totally fake – when there are wonderful spots to discover close (relatively) to home…
Thanks for sharing this little jewel,
Simon
http://www.wild-about-travel.com
I have to admit, I`m quite surprised by these pictures. Never thought of Britain having such blue water! Thanks for sharing. The sunset picture is my favorite, beautiful!
Glad you enoyed it, totally agree a beautiful part of the UK. Barra in particular has to be one of my favourite islands. Did you rent a cottage?
Thanks for the kind comments, Isabelle and Simon. It is a beautiful place. Well worth an addition to a UK itinerary. It would be a definite highlight.
You’ve been too Ben? It is wonderful isn’t it? We stayed in a lovely s/c apartment about 20 mins walk out of Castlebay (an over-garage extension to a house). We must share Barra stories sometime.
Who are you kidding? Its flaming cold and NOTHING like the Maldives. It may look lovely on a postcard but it feels barren when you’re there.
Wow, it sure looks stunning. Bet the water is freezing though!
Yep, I’ve been … was struck by the variety of wildflowers, esp. orchids. And by the airport … on the beach!
yea I can’t believe its Britain – I thought it must be somewhere in Ireland but as it transpires it seems like there are one or two places in Britain that look to have beauty on par with Ireland at least!
wow its amazingly beautiful there. i especially love your pic of barra, halaman bay. the contrast beween the green grass and blue water was unexpected. great insight on a little known place. thanks!
JR @ The Drifter’s Blog
Wow! Remind me to visit Scotland in summer. Those aren’t the typical image of Britain – I love the photo of Halaman Bay.
Looks like Barra may get more visitors this year! You’ll all love it. Straden, you’re quite right it’s not the Maldives. I guess it’s a matter of preference. I’ve been to both, and I would return to the Western Isles any day ahead of the Maldives. But I suspect most would not agree.
what a wonderfull beach….. isn’t any villages around there??….
Great Beaches! I hope i can visit it one of this days…
WOW! I would never have guessed Scotland! This is gorgeous.
Wow, what an amazing set of pictures. I really need to visit Scotland. The sunset picture is enough for me to want to go.
Have you been to the Scilly Isles just off the most southern west tip of England? Same kind of thing, turquoise blue seas, pretty rolling hills covered in fox gloves, just lovely. Can highly recommend it!
Hi Colleen, I haven’t yet been to Scilly but I’d very much like to go. It sounds just as pretty but warmer than the Scottish islands. I hope to make it there soon!
Stunning. Though I lived two thirds of my life in UK I never got to The Hebrides, but are now on my list for my nostalgia visit next year (ok a side trip from nostalgia!). I live in Tenerife and any of those pix, apart from the sea lions and the one of Halaman Bay could be mistaken for landscapes here. So glad you posted this!