TWO incredible Scottish beauty spots, including a secret white sand beach and a stunning waterfall, have been named among the best road trip stops across the UK.
Experts at HippoLeasing have compiled a list of the top ten hidden gem locations along road trips up and down the country.
With the summer holidays well underway, tourists and families alike have begun flocking to popular beauty spots for a good day out.
And for those looking for a longer trip, many have taken to roads like the NC500 to experience the best of what the country has to offer.
But the increase in visitors means they are often overcrowded and too busy to properly relax and enjoy.
Which is why experts have come up with a list of the top hidden gems, so people can visit undiscovered places that offer equally stunning landscapes and unforgettable experiences.
They have analysed the Instagram and TikTok hashtags of 173 road trip destinations to reveal the UK’s top 10 spots that are still under the radar.
And with Scotland’s gorgeous views, it’s no wonder that two spots ranked the highest in the list.
West Beach is a three-mile stretch of beach, perfect for walks, picnics and birdwatching. If you’re lucky enough, you may even spot seals basking on the shore
Experts at HippoLeasing
Berneray West Beach on the Isle of Berneray, Scotland scooped the top spot with only 95 posts from visitors on Instagram and TikTok.
Situated on the small island in the Outer Hebrides, this beach is a haven for holidaymakers who like a bracing dip and a good walk.
The hidden gem stretches for three miles and has powdery silver-white sand and turquoise waters.
Visitors can also try to spot seals that swim in the water or visit the Clach Mhor Standing Stone, which is a panoramic viewpoint.
Experts at HippoLeasing singled it out for being “perfect for walks, picnics and birdwatching”.
They wrote: “Berneray West Beach on the Isle of Berneray in Scotland has been named the UK’s best hidden gem road trip destination, with less than 100 posts on Instagram and TikTok combined.
“West Beach is a three-mile stretch of beach, perfect for walks, picnics and birdwatching.
“If you’re lucky enough, you may even spot seals basking on the shore.
“To access West Beach, you can park at the car park past Berneray Village Hall.”
Eas a’ Bhradain is in the heart of the Isle of Skye’s breathtaking landscapes. It’s the perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers
Experts at HippoLeasing
Coming in second on the list is Eas a’ Bhradain – a beautiful waterfall on the Isle of Skye.
The name of the waterfall is of Gaelic origin and translates to ‘the waterfall of the salmon’.
It sits between Portree and Skye Bridge, on the outside of a bend on the A87 as it goes through the Red Cuillin hills.
And it is just a few hundred metres from the point where Allt Coire nam Bruadaran spills into Loch Ainort.
Most waterfalls on Skye are often dramatic single plumes, but Eas a’ Bhradain is different.
This one is actually a series of gorgeous cascades which tumble down in several steps to a broad, shallow pool.
It is best admired after heavy rain and there is a sizeable layby where visitors can park before venturing down to see the waterfall.
The experts said: “Eas a’ Bhradain on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, ranks as the second top hidden gem road trip destination in the UK.
“This waterfall has 122 posts on Instagram and TikTok combined, with just two of those being from TikTok.
“Eas a’ Bhradain is in the heart of the Isle of Skye’s breathtaking landscapes. It’s the perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
“The area around the waterfall also offers opportunities for hiking and exploring the countryside.
“There is a small lay-by along the A87 road, close to the waterfall, where visitors often park their cars.”
The full list of the top hidden gems for a road trip
Rank. Site – Location (Number of Intsagram and TikTok posts)
- Berneray West Beach – Isle of Berneray, Scotland (95)
- Eas a’Bhradain – Isle of Skye, Scotland (122)
- Blackslee Waterfall – Enniskillen, Northern Ireland (137)
- Holme Force – Lake District, England (157)
- Wild Pear Beach – Devon, England (226)
- Rutter Force – Lake District, England (226)
- Rhaeadr Dyserth – Dyserth, North Wales (246)
- Pollnagollum Cave – Enniskillen, Northern Ireland (274)
- Ritson’s Force – Lake District, England (299)
- East Gill Force – Yorkshire Dales, England (346)