Beautiful beaches in Aberdeen (Balmedie beach)
Located just a few miles north of the city of Aberdeen, Balmedie Beach is one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in Scotland. The beach is famous for its unspoiled natural beauty, golden sands, and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day in the sun or an opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Scotland’s east coast, Balmedie Beach is the perfect destination.
The beach is easily accessible by car, with plenty of parking available nearby. From the car park, it’s just a short walk through the dunes to reach the beach. The first thing that strikes visitors is the sheer scale of the beach. At over four miles long, it’s one of the largest in Scotland, offering plenty of space to relax and unwind.
One of the most striking features of Balmedie Beach is the quality of the sand. The beach is famed for its soft, golden sands, which provide the perfect spot to lie back and soak up the sun. The sand is also perfect for building sandcastles, and many families come to Balmedie Beach to spend the day building elaborate structures.
The crystal-clear waters of the North Sea are another highlight of Balmedie Beach. The sea is perfect for swimming, with the water temperature typically ranging from 10-14 degrees Celsius during the summer months. There are also opportunities for other water-based activities, such as surfing, paddleboarding, and kite-surfing.
The dunes that surround the beach are another unique feature of Balmedie Beach. The dunes provide an opportunity to explore the natural ecosystem of the area, with a diverse range of flora and fauna to be found. The dunes also offer a sense of privacy and seclusion, with plenty of quiet spots to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
For those interested in history, Balmedie Beach also has an interesting past. The beach was once home to the Balmedie Estate, a grand property that was built in the 18th century. The estate was home to a number of important figures throughout the centuries, including the famous Scottish historian, James Skene. Although the estate is no longer standing, the beach still retains an air of grandeur and history.
Balmedie Beach is also home to a number of local amenities, including a café, toilets, and a children’s play area. The café serves a range of snacks and drinks, including freshly made sandwiches, cakes, and ice cream. There are also plenty of picnic tables and benches available for those who prefer to bring their own food.
One of the most unique features of Balmedie Beach is the resident seal colony. The colony can often be seen basking in the sun on the rocks just off the beach, and they provide a unique opportunity for visitors to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. There are also plenty of bird species to be spotted along the beach, including oystercatchers, sandpipers, and eider ducks.
In recent years, Balmedie Beach has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The beach provides a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Scotland’s east coast, and it’s easy to see why it’s so beloved by those who visit. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day in the sun, an opportunity to explore the natural ecosystem of the dunes, or a chance to see the resident seal colony, Balmedie Beach has something to offer everyone.
In summary, Balmedie Beach is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled stretches of coastline in Scotland. With its soft, golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and resident seal colony, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Scotland’s east coast.