The Scottish NC500 hidden gem beach that's a 'beautiful untouched paradise'

With long stretches of sand, crystal clear waters and cliffs of pink rock, Ceannabeine Beach is one of Scotland's best kept secrets.

And it's no wonder that a recent visitor to the beach, which sits on the famous North Coast 500 route, described it as a "beautiful untouched paradise".

Cathryn Smith from Norfolk journeyed to Ceannabeinne Beach earlier this month, and had only positive things to say about the scenic spot.

The beach is found on the far north coast of mainland Scotland, beneath Beinn Ceannabeinne — a mountain that reaches 383 metres in height. The beautiful bay is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and is accessed by heading down a grassy slope.

With tourists far and wide flocking to the north of Scotland to experience the scenic NC500 for themselves, the visitor said that visiting Ceannabeinne Beach is "a must" for anyone travelling along the route.

Taking to the NC500 Facebook group, she wrote: "This beach is a must, just a beautiful untouched paradise - you only know you’re in Scotland by the temperature of the sea!"

The tourist also shared some photos from her trip to Ceannabeinne Beach. In the stunning snaps, the water looks turquoise and crystal clear, and the sky is a vivid blue, so it easy to see why she called the spot a "paradise".

Ceannabeinne Beach is found at the very northern tip of Scotland (Cathryn Smith)

Many were keen to share their thoughts on the "gorgeous" photos. One wrote: "Great photos. Crystal clear waters."

"Gorgeous and no crowds," a second commented, while a third echoed: "Absolutely gorgeous, how can you not love Scotland eh." Meanwhile, a fourth shared: "We were on it and swimming in it. Absolute paradise."

While it may look like an island paradise, one dip in the water will quickly remind you that you're not in the Caribbean (Cathryn Smith)

At one time, Ceannabeinne Beach was known as Traigh Alt Chailgeag, which means 'beach of the burn of bereavement and death'. This ominous name comes from an old legend that says a woman once fell into the burn and was found dead on the beach.

That unsettling tale shouldn't put you off visiting Ceannabeinne Beach though, as it is easily one of the most spectacular beaches in the country. If you head there on a warm and clear day, you can see for yourself why it is a "paradise".

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