Five great Scottish coastal walks

The Sutherland coastline makes for a beautiful walk. Picture: Donald MacLeod

CRAIL TO ANSTRUTHER

The Fife coastal path is an epic network of walks, almost impossible to complete in one day. Take this small four mile section of the coast instead, situated next to a sprinkling of idyllic villages.

Start in the harbour at Crail and follow the coastal path along some hilly terrains with a view of the Isle of May. From here, you’ll make your way to Cellardyke, up onto John Street, to your finishing point at the Anstruther harbour, where you can enjoy one of the best fish suppers in the whole of Scotland.

Crail offers hilly terrains with stunning views

STRATH OF APPIN TO PORT APPIN

This gentle walk on the west coast would make a nice family day out.

It uses part of the old railway line – in some places the walkway is improved by the old sleepers – which runs though the Strath of Appin and then crosses over to Loch Laich to reach a coastal road for Port Appin. At just two miles long, it is also suitable for young children.

At Loch Laich, you get a lovely view of Castle Stalker, run by the Stewarts of Appin in the 16th century.

Curving away from Loch Laich, the final mile takes you along the sheltered edge of Loch Linnhe - the ferry point for the island of Lismore.

When you reach Port Appin, it’s time to treat yourself to a rest in the Pierhouse Hotel.

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EYEMOUTH TO ST ABBS

This walk offers great views close to the cliffs, made up of good tracks, which are well signposted for those worried of getting lost in the wilds.

The four-mile walk starts at the Eyemouth visitor information centre and makes its way along the quayside. Staying in line with the cliffs for the most part, the bays look out to Killiedraught, Coldingham, Starney and Horsecastle.

The route only takes around three hours, though this is wholly dependent on how often you stop to take in the amazing views.

Don’t forget to stop in at The Rialto in Eyemouth before heading home. The independent cafe sells some of the best homemade artisan sandwiches and soups around.

NORTH BERWICK AND YELLOWCRAIG BEACH

This six-mile walk lets you walk lets you complete your journey on the beach in low tide, or just above the shore on a path in high tide.

You can follow the John Muir way in a circuit back to the car park near the beach, which is signposted along the way.

The path will take you along to a wooded area, but follow a track to a gate at the edge of the woodland instead, which will help you complete a circuit.

The Scottish Seabird Centre has a great café; otherwise, North Berwick has a wide range of places to stop and rest. You can normally get an ice cream from a van near the Seabird Centre all year round.

SANDWOOD BAY

Regarded as one of the finest beaches in Scotland, this eight mile walk rewards travellers with some beautiful views.

The hike starts through exposed moorlands at Blairmore, rife with wildlife.

The track along Loch Aisir is part of the John Muir wildlife trust conservation area, so take great care to stick to the track and not disturb the flora and fauna along the trail. Follow the route over the outflow of Loch na Gaimimh and then turn north to walk by Loch a Mhuilinn where the track narrows to a path, turning northeast again by the larger Sandwood Loch to reach the stunning surrounds of Sandwood Bay and the great Atlantic Ocean.

The bay often offers sightings of dolphins and porpoises.

There are no refreshment stops along the way, so supplies are essential.

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