Achmelvich Beach

Achmelvich is a small Assynt cove of white sand and water so clear and turquoise it could pass for the Caribbean. It's one of a string of beaches along the north-west Sutherland coast, and because it takes some getting to, it sees far fewer visitors than more accessible Scottish beaches. Rocky headlands and machair grassland frame the sand.

A narrow single-track road branches off the B869 north of Lochinver, about 3 miles from the village, and there's a small car park above the beach. Your Hopscotch driver-guide handles the single-track roads and knows when to time the visit.

The water is clear and clean but cold, usually around 10 to 14C in summer. On calm days the sheltered bay stays fairly gentle, which makes it one of the more swimmable beaches on this coast. Wild swimmers and paddlers use it through the summer, but there's no lifeguard cover, so take care.

Hermit's Castle is a tiny concrete structure on the headland above the beach, built in the 1950s by one man as a private retreat. It's said to be the smallest castle in Britain, barely big enough to lie down inside. You'll find it on the headland walk north of the beach, and it's an odd, intriguing thing to come across.