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.

Helensburgh

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

Season: autumn

Sitting proudly on the upper reaches of the Firth of Clyde by the entrance to Gare Loch, Helensburgh looks across to the Rosneath peninsula, west of Glasgow.  The town has a genteel feel, with two piers and a promenade, backed by shops and eateries.  The beach is popular with families, due to quick road and rail links to Glasgow.  Water sports are enjoyed here too, particularly windsurfing, along with pleasure boat trips.  There are many walks nearby to enjoy, as Helensburgh sits on part of the John Muir Way, running a hundred and thirty four miles across Scotland to Dunbar in East Lothian.

What the beach means to Michelle and Sam.

With Stuart at Helensburgh.

On the promenade at Helensburgh.

Lunderston Bay

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

Season: autumn

Lunderston Bay has the nearest sandy beach to Glasgow, making it popular with day trippers and families.  Its location on the Firth of Clyde makes this a great place to watch passing yachts.  Sitting within the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, this area is also a haven for wildlife watching from the network of nature trails.  From the beach you can take a small footpath in either direction, to the north for Cloch Point lighthouse and beyond to Gourock, or to the south for Inverkip.  Swimming can be recommended here in the clean bathing water.

What the beach means to Paul.

A fine vista at Lunderston Bay.

Largs

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

Season: autumn

Located on the Gulf Stream to the north of Fairlie, Largs benefits from a mild climate, as witnessed by the palm trees on the seafront.  The town is popular with visitors from Glasgow and the main beach has a pleasing arc to it, situated at the northern end of the town.  The North Promenade runs behind the beach and there are cafes and restaurants to enjoy here, plus a boating lake nearby.  Pleasant views to Great Cumbrae Island and the Isle of Bute complete the picture.

Young spirits by the sea.

A bright afternoon at Largs on Glasgow weekend.