Author Archives: manonabeach

About manonabeach

On a beach…welcome to manonabeach.com, where I’ll regularly add video of my beach visits, so you can enjoy a flavour of the beach, even when you’re not there.

Clachan Sands

Season: spring

This North Uist beach is made up of a wide swathe of white shell sand. The shallow water makes it an ideal snorkeling site. The beach is part of the North Uist Machair Special Area of Conservation and the machair’s wild flowers are a fine sight in the early summer. You can see the mountains of Harris in the distance and access is good from the nearby B893.

Peter’s appreciation of the beach.

A view from beside Clachan Sands.

On the beach at Clachan Sands.

Season: summer

The beach was quiet for this visit, with a gentle ebb tide lapping against the shore in these sheltered waters. The backdrop to the beach comprises dunes and the approach is via cropped grass, so the whole setting is unspoilt and appealing. Like the South Harris beaches, the sand is white with shells and the sea appears turquoise.

What the beach means to Tony and Pat.

A peaceful morning by the beach.

Borve beach

Season: spring

This is one beach in an outstandingly beautiful collection that run down the west coast of South Harris. Borve beach is deeper and less wide than neighbouring Scaristavore and Scarista beyond. A spectacular panorama unfolds as you look out from the beach towards the sea. The beach faces west and is sandy, unspoilt and in harmony with the machair behind, which itself becomes a panoply of wild flowers in high summer. For a different perspective, climb up past Macleod’s Stone, sitting at the end of Traigh Iar, which is further along between Borve and Horgabost beaches; there’s a wonderful beach and sea view to enjoy. This is a must-visit location for any adventurous beachgoer.

The significance of the beach for Karen.

The scene at beautiful Borve beach.

Orford

Season: winter

Orford is a friendly and intimate coastal town, steeped in history and surrounded by outstanding unspoilt nature and wildlife. Between the town and the sea is the largest shingle spit in Europe and the area is home to the Orford Ness National Nature Reserve, as well as a lighthouse and the Orford Museum. Apart from the natural beauty of its setting, Orford is well equipped to receive visitors all year round, since it has associations with Benjamin Britten, Suffolk Underwater Studies and conventional attractions like Orford Church and Orford Castle. It’s also home to the famous Butley Oysters.

Orford as a reference point when travelling.

What the beach means to Roger.

A tranquil morning by the quayside at Orford.