Couple on Scottish getaway find 'UK answer to the Maldives' with white sands
A beautiful beach in a country better known for sheets of drizzle and delicious baked goods has been compared to the Maldives.
Sam and Chris Hoar recently visited Traigh Mheilein beach on the Isle of Harris, Scotland and were bowled over by the oasis that lay before them.
Despite being separated by more than 5,000 miles, the "white sand and the crystal-clear water" they found felt like it could've been out of a brochure for the Indian Ocean paradise.
The married couple shared their experience of the beach on TikTok in a video that has since gone viral and begins with them sending a drone into the sky to capture the coastal stretch from above.
It is at this point that Sam and Chris spot Traigh Mheilein, an "incredible" stretch of white sand fringed by turquoise waters", prompting them to rush over.
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The comparison for the duo was clear as they'd both been to the Maldives twice before, once during their honeymoon.
"The secret beach reminded us of the gorgeous waters there. So clear. We caught it on such a perfect day where it was very still and shimmering in the sunshine," they told MailOnline.
Such is the tucked away nature of the beach Sam and Chris were unable to find it on Google Maps, later discovering its name when they turned to Ordnance Survey maps.
The beach is near Hushinish on the Isle of Harris (Alamy Stock Photo)"We enjoyed the gorgeous soft white sand and couldn’t stop staring at the clear turquoise waters. There was one other couple there when we arrived and then they left so we decided to go skinny dipping seeing as we forgot to bring our swimmers," they added.
Happily for those who want to keep the beach secluded and free from too much tourist attention, the Isle of Harris is not easy to get to.
From Edinburgh the quickest route takes eight hours by car, including a 28 mile ferry ride. Without a lot of walking or cycling in between, going via bus or train is not possible.
Although the climates on the Maldives and in Scotland are very different, both countries are blessed with some exceptionally beautiful beaches.
The wreckage of two WW2 submarines can be seen on Aberlady Bay (EduardoRM / Getty Images)Balnakeil beach near Durness is another head turned, thanks to its wide white sand bay that is surrounded by impressive sand dunes, with plenty of birds and other wildlife to be found.
If you're only stopping by, try and time it for sunset - the beach itself looks like something out of a storybook against the colourful skies.
As much as the typical Scottish beach connoisseur likes to opine about the dramatic beauty of the West Coast, there is much to be said for many of the beaches in the south east of the country.
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Travel 18 miles east of Edinburgh and you'll find Aberlady Bay, a charming stretch of golden sands.
Look back towards the Capital and you'll see the iconic Arthur's Seat on the skyline, or focus your attentions on the wreck of a submarine which has been allowed to sit and decay on the sea front.
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