Lunan Bay in Angus, Scotland

An afternoon at Lunan Bay can be one of your trip highlights. Pick an afternoon for lingering and being in no rush because this premier beach in Angus merits time. Take a blanket, a book, and a picnic or gear up for any number of activities.

Located 3 miles south of Montrose, Lunan Bay is easy to find and there's plenty of parking. Not that it's a worry because even though it's a popular beach for both locals and tourists, it's never that crowded. Wind your way through the little village of Lunan and just follow the beach signs. You may think you're lost about the time you pass the stables, but just follow the sound of the sea. There's plenty of parking and the beach is just a short walk over the dunes.

Lunan Bay is known as the 'singing sands' and is one of the most picturesque beaches in Scotland. There are miles of sandy walking either by foot or on horseback, and along the way you'll catch some good birdwatching as it's home to several varieties of shrikes. There'll be some fishermen who are putting nets out, a few people on horseback or running their dogs, and one or two folks looking for the agate stones which are often found there. On high surf days, you will also be able to watch some good surfers as the area is getting more popular for that sport.

If you choose to nestle down and watch the activities, the grassy areas of the dunes are wonderful for a little shelter and to get the real heat of the sun. After a doze, you can wander up to the Red Castle, which is an 12th Century ruin of a former royal hunting lodge. It's shell is eerie and stunning at the same time, and luckily, you can still really explore it. It has disintegrated a lot and one should take care, but what an experience it is!

Lunan Bay is one of those places to mark on your map and to set aside time to enjoy. As you sit and look out to the sea, dreams take you all kinds of places. Take time to have them!