Luskentyre Beach

Luskentyre Beach is regularly cited as one of the most beautiful beaches not just in Scotland or the UK but in the world: a vast expanse of white shell sand lapped by water that turns turquoise and azure in sunlight, backed by the dramatic mountains of North Harris and looking out across the Sound of Harris to the Isle of Taransay. At low tide the beach expands into an extraordinary interconnected system of sands, joining with Seilebost to the south across the bay in a single immense stretch. The light here is unlike anywhere else in Britain, and on a clear day the views from the beach encompass a sweeping arc of island, sea, machair and mountain. This is a dog friendly beach of the highest order.

There are no dog restrictions at Luskentyre Beach. Scotland's Land Reform Act gives a general right of responsible access that applies across virtually all outdoor land including beaches, and the Outer Hebrides has no equivalent of the English seasonal bans. Dogs can be exercised freely year-round. The beach is reached via a single-track road from the A859 south of Tarbert, with a small car park and toilet block. The car park fills quickly in peak season so an early arrival or visit out of July and August is recommended. No other facilities are present: take food and water.