THE FACTS ABOUT BEACHCOMBING IN THE WESTERN ISLES

Scotland

Stay at Scarista House on the Isle of Harris and while away the daylight hours collecting pinky-orange shells and driftwood from the glorious, three-mile beach. Scarista is a smart Georgian building with just five bedrooms, packed with books and antiques (but no televisions). The three rooms in the main house are small, but have plenty of character; for the best views, choose one of two larger rooms in the purpose-built, adjacent building. The library and drawing room have open fires. Three-course dinners cost around £38 per head, and are worth every penny. X-FACTOR The ocean views at sunset. CONTACT Scarista House, Sgarasta Bheag, Isle of Harris (01859 550238; www.scaristahouse.com). Doubles from £150