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.

Barton-on-Sea

View map of beach Parking available Toilets available SSSI Dog friendly Beach cleaned regularly Good water quality for swimming

Season: summer

The beach at Barton-on-Sea sits below cliffs that afford breathtaking views of the coastal scenery and across the Solent to the Isle of Wight, as well as to Hurst Castle.  Views to the west are across to Christchurch Harbour and Hengistbury Head.  There is fine coast path walking too.  The beach itself is largely shingle and rock.  Swimming is safe here and beach huts adorn the setting.  There are fossil beds that visitors travel miles to enjoy.  Due to the cliffs, paragliding is popular here and there is a golf course behind the eastern end of the beach.  The nearby town has restaurants and cafes, satisfying most visitors.  Furthermore, the beach is dog-friendly, off-lead all year round.  This is a wonderful natural setting for those who enjoy an unspoilt beach.

What the beach means to Sharon.

Summer at Barton-on-Sea.

Port Ellen

View map of beach Dog friendly Beach cleaned regularly Good water quality for swimming

Season: summer

Port Ellen is located at the southern end of Islay and provides one of the island’s two ferry terminals.  This is hallowed ground for whisky lovers, with famous distilleries nearby, for example Lagavulin, which is just down the road to the east.  Port Ellen has a relaxed feel and is very welcoming, with all the shops, eateries and facilities that a visitor might need.  There are two small beaches and on this occasion I visited the eastern one, enjoying a great view of it from Port Ellen’s Community Garden.

What the beach means to Iain.

With Jay, on his travels at Port Ellen.

A view of the beach from the Community Garden.

Craobh Haven

View map of beach Parking available Toilets available Dog friendly

Season: summer

The settlement at Craobh Haven is relatively new, having been established as recently as 1983.  It supports a thriving yachting marina, itself located in an idyllic setting by the shore.  These waters are magnificent for sailing and other water sports, being tucked away just below the head of Loch Melfort.  The village has all the amenities you would need as a visitor, including the Lord of the Isles pub.  This is also a wonderful area to enjoy birds and other wildlife in their natural environment.

With Richard, on board sailing yacht “Viking” at Craobh Haven Marina.  Here’s a link to his Fresson Trust.

The scene at the marina.