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.

Mellon Udrigle beach

View map of beach Parking available Scottish Coastal Path Dog friendly

Season: summer

I know from personal experience that Mellon Udrigle has remained unspoilt for over fifty years, but I imagine that it has looked this way for a lot longer.  There’s a primeval feel here, with a granite backdrop and islands visible out to sea.  A river runs to the sea, so it’s a fine beach for families with young children.  The flat surface makes this a popular launch site for kayaking too.  In short, there’s something for every lover of the natural world here at Mellon Udrigle.

A personal perspective from Chris.

What the beach means to Ray.

Behind Mellon Udrigle’s beautiful beach.

Season: summer

Mild weather greeted me for this summer trip to Mellon Udrigle.  The powdery white sand in front of the dunes carried the footprints of both children on holiday and water sports enthusiasts were kayaking in the bay. There’s a timeless backdrop here, with odd houses scattered behind the machair, resonating with the indigenous crofting tradition in these parts.  Children slid down the dunes at the back of the beach, as they must have done for generations.  A special place indeed.

Neil, Kathleen, Calum and Duncan at the beach.

On the beach at Mellon Udrigle.

Season: summer

The beach at Mellon Udrigle is isolated, unspoilt and placed in an inspirational setting.  It faces north west, in the lea of the prevailing winds and has steep dunes behind a white strand of beach.  There are spectacular views via Gruinard Island and the Summer Isles across to the hills of Assynt and Sutherland.  This is a special place, unchanged through time and highly recommended.

A sense of well-being afforded by the beach.

A view from behind the beach on a stormy day.

By a river that runs to the sea across the beach at Mellon Udrigle.

Camber Sands

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

Season: spring

It was a fine scene at Camber Sands, with warm weather and bright skies to complement the natural arc of the bay.  Sometimes there’s a harmony among people that you can feel palpably in a natural environment and this was such an occasion.  So thank you to my open interviewees.

The free-spirited Lynsey, Kristen, Jo, Andrew and Laura at Camber Sands.

A sense of the beach by the water.

Season: winter

Camber Sands is a popular sandy beach, with picturesque dunes and interesting wildlife, located near to the village of Camber itself.  The marram grass that you see covering much of the dunes has a deep root system which helps to hold the sand in place.  Traditional chestnut fences along the beach help sand to build up more quickly.  It’s this combination of plants and fences that prevents the dunes from moving and burying the village.  There is plenty of wildlife and vegetation to see, including the brown-tail moth caterpillar, skylarks, sea spurge and the lethal berries of the black nightshade.  The tide was high during this visit, running right up against the dunes.

Sally’s appreciation of the freedom and so much more offered by the beach.

High tide at Camber Sands on a bright winter afternoon.

Uisken beach

View map of beach Parking available Dog friendly

Season: summer

Uisken beach is located on the south coast of Mull towards the western end of the island and next to the hamlet of Ardchiavaig.  The beach is stunning and has outstanding views across to Colonsay and the Paps of Jura.  As a haven for wildlife, you can see hen harriers and merlins here, as well as oystercatchers and eider ducks.  The white sand is fine and the location peaceful and isolated.

A family through time by the beach.

The beautiful beach at Uisken.