The Project
The Scottish Beach Project is an overly ambitious, almost certainly misguided and probably ultimately unachievable attempt to explore the coast of Scotland by visiting – and walking on – every beach on the mainland and the islands. It started as a humble walking project to visit a few scenic beaches in the Highlands, but things have escalated!
So who am I? And why Scottish beaches? Well, first of all, let’s be clear. I’m not a professional adventurer or a travel writer. I don’t wild camp, or wild swim, and I’m not an off-grid hipster in a camper van. I’m just a middle-aged walker who appreciates the health and wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature and exploring the natural world on foot. I also believe that the best things in life are not things, but experiences, memories, moments of awe.
In 2019, having completed a project to ‘bag’ the 214 Wainwright fells in the beautiful Lake District, I felt I needed another challenge, and so my attention turned to Scotland. I figured that, by targeting beaches, I could visit every island and almost the entire coast of the country. And on the way, I could explore the towns, lochs, mountains and glens as an added bonus!
My project is not about driving to beaches, snapping a photo and ticking a list. This is ultimately about walking, being outdoors, getting healthy, enjoying nature and experiencing the thrill that only a long walk, a pair of boots and a full rucksack can bring. I made the right choice, because the beaches of Scotland are proving to be an intoxicating mix of breathtaking natural wonder and life-affirming experiences.
So the Scottish Beach Project is simple – visit Scotland’s spectacular beaches. I’m not attempting any records (most, fastest etc) and I intend to savour the time spent walking to, and on, each beach. The project is already into its sixth year.
I hope you enjoy following the project and reading about these incredible beaches.
Dave