Some beaches are breathtakingly beautiful – with miles of fine white sands and crystal clear waters. Many of the world’s most stunning beaches are in altogether more tropical locations from Hawaii to the Seychelles.
However one beach that has made the cut on a recent rundown of the best beaches on the planet is located right here in Britain.
Breckon Beach, in the Scottish Shetland Islands, reached an impressive third place on the Conde Nast Traveller list of ‘The 34 Best Beaches in the World’.
The sandy little enclave which is one the UK’s most northern beaches on the ilset of Yell is listed proudly alongside Australian, Brazilian and Indonesian entrants.
The report said: “Wedged between two vivid emerald slabs of green pasture, Breckon is somewhat sheltered from the south-westerly winds that roll through these lands.
“That said, you’ll want to manifest pretty balmy temperatures to brave the often icy waters.”
Theis is the little island’s furthest north beach and is often sheltered from Shetland’s prevailing south westerly winds.
But this spot of coast has not gone without its share of dangerous waters.
Shetland’s official tourism site Shetland.org explains more about the beach’s tragic history.
It said: “There have been many shipwrecks along this stretch of coastline.
“If you have time to visit the local museum in Burravoe, you can read some of the harrowing accounts and see artefacts washed up or retrieved by divers.”
Those who have visited the beach rave about its remote location that seems a million miles away from more jam-packed coastal hotspots.
Travel blogger Shetland with Laurie explained more about the gorgeous bit of coastline on her wesbite Shetland with Laurie.
She said: “Sands of Breckon is situated in the north of Yell, (one of Shetland’s North Isles), and the area offers a fascinating glimpse into Shetland’s archaeological past.
“Not only does it boast an expanse of white sand and almost guaranteed solitude, but it also has an exciting and rich archaeological chronology, still visible to any would-be archaeologists today.”
She added: “This is an area of almost continuous habitation since prehistoric times, but the confused and muddled stratigraphy of the site may leave you scratching your head and wondering at length about past societies who lived here.”
