THE coronavirus pandemic has tought us many things.

Being stuck in our local area, we've learned to cherise the beauty that Scotland has to offer.

And with the idea of a summer holiday abroad being less appealing to many, we've pulled together some of the hidden gem beaches close to Glasgow for a quick day trip out.

Take a look...

Boden Boo, Erskine
23-minute drive from Glasgow City Centre

Glasgow Times:
(Jamie Simpson)

This woodland is tucked beneath the Erskine Bridge and has amazing views of the River Clyde as well as its own beach.

Stroll among the trees or pack up a picnic, sit back and enjoy the views from the grassy slopes or riverside beach.

James Hamilton Heritage Park, East Kilbride
25-minute drive from Glasgow City Centre

Glasgow Times:
(Terry McGeary)

Not a beach, but still a pretty awesome way to spend a great day out in the warm weather, this four-star Visit Scotland-accredited activity centre’s vast park features a 16-acre loch which provides beautiful and tranquil surroundings for an exciting range of water sports, from canoeing to windsurfing.

Pencil Beach, Largs
49-minute drive from Glasgow City Centre

Glasgow Times:
(George Crawford)

This small, shallow bay is only around 300 metres in length and is a mix of sand, grass and pebble, interspersed with rocky outcrops.

The bay slopes gently into the sea and has great views over the Firth of Clyde.

On super-clear days, see the see the perfect views of Little Cumbrae and Great Cumbrae islands.

Lunderston Bay, Gourock
50-minute drive from Glasgow City Centre

Glasgow Times:
(George Munro)

Part of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, Lunderston Bay is on the east coast of the Firth of Clyde and provides a popular beach and picnic area.

The area is great for a picnic, making sand castles on the beach, enjoying the sea air, coastal views and walks.

If you want to get away from Glasgow and are up for travelling a bit further, head for:

Seacliff, North Berwick
90-minute drive from Glasgow City Centre

Glasgow Times:
(Richard West)

Avoid the crowds and head to this private beach. Largely unspoilt, it attracts surfers, dog-walkers and summer picnickers all year round.

Discover a tiny sandstone harbour thought to be the smallest in the UK, and enjoy splendid views of Bass Rock and the ruins of Tantallon Castle.