Durness, a tiny village in the Scottish Highlands, has been named the best "proper escape" in Scotland by WorldAtlas. The coastal settlement was singled out for its white sandy beaches and Smoo Cave, the largest sea cave entrance in Britain.
WorldAtlas Top 10 List
On Monday, August 17, WorldAtlas published a list of the 10 best towns in Scotland for a two-day recharge. Durness, located in the remote area of Sutherland, was included for its rugged coastal scenery and beautiful beaches.
WorldAtlas praised Sango Sands and Balnakeil Beach as highlights. Sango Sands is known for its rock formations and clear water, while Balnakeil Beach is backed by stunning sand dunes.
Smoo Cave and Golf
Another highlight is Smoo Cave, a combined sea and freshwater cave just outside the village. It features a walkway into a waterfall chamber that is free of charge, with regular guided tours deeper into the cave complex.
The experts also noted golfing opportunities at Durness Golf Club, a nine-hole links with a second set of tees for an 18-hole experience. It is the most northwesterly golf course on the mainland.
WorldAtlas commented: "Smoo Cave is the reason many people make the long drive to Durness, at the northwestern edge of the British mainland. Open for tours from April through October, this combined sea cave and freshwater cave complex has the largest sea cave entrance in Britain, roughly 50 feet high and 130 feet wide."
Other Top Towns
Other destinations on the list include Lerwick in Shetland, praised for historic attractions like the Shetland Museum and Archives and Fort Charlotte. Helensburgh in Argyll and Bute was noted for its golf course and The Hill House, while Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway was recognized for its proximity to Galloway Forest Park.
The full list of the 10 best towns in Scotland for a two-day recharge according to WorldAtlas is: Lerwick, Kirkwall, Durness, Stornoway, Braemar, St Andrews, Helensburgh, Port Charlotte, Newton Stewart, and Eyemouth.
