Tiny deserted ‘ghost island’ off the coast of the UK you can only get to during low tide

A TINY island found just outside of a UK city has remained deserted for decades - and it isn't easy to visit.

During World War II, Cramond Island was fortified in preparation for an enemy invasion.

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While it was left unscathed at the end of the conflict, it was abandoned.

Today the island, just outside of Edinburgh, remains as it was left all those years ago - waiting for a war that never arrived.

Huge concrete teeth line the causeway that links the island to the mainland when the tide is low.

The pylons were put in place to prevent boats or submarines from attacking down the Forth River estuary.

A submarine net stretched through the water from Cramond to Inchcolm Island, which was also prepped and ready for battle during the war.

The island itself had concrete bunkers and gun emplacements built onto it too, in preparation for any potential enemy contact.

A large brick building also housed a spotlight that constantly searched up and down the causeway to make sure no one was advancing on foot.

After the war, the island was deserted, remaining nothing more than a haunting reminder of the Second World War.

However, people can, and do, still visit every day, providing the tide is out and they can make their way along the walkway.

While today it makes for a curious day out, back in the 19th Century, it was a popular summer holiday spot.

Atlas Obscura explains: "Prior to its wartime use, Cramond Island was occupied occasionally by shepherds and game shooters, and was even used as a summer vacation spot in the 19th century.

"Remnants of one farmstead-turned-holiday-home can be found by digging about in the foliage, while another stands crumbling on the western cliffs."

While it may not be a holiday hotspot any longer, one of its main draws is very much still in place.

The views on offer from the island's highest point take in the three forth bridges, Fife and the Edinburgh skyline.

Other things to do on the island include walks along the beach as well as a visit to the island's village, which has shops and cafes.

In recent years, holidaymakers have praised the island on TripAdvisor.

One person wrote: "A great wee island! It's been looking fantastic since somebody painted a good Scottish saltire on it with a heart."

Another added: "What a great find, plenty to explore and learn about Cramond Island and also a great place to get away, lay on the sands or on the rocks or in or on the buildings."

There are plenty of other little-known islands dotted along the UK coast.

Piel Island

Piel Island, which sits just off the coast of the Furness peninsula in Cumbria, is home to just 10 residents.

Even though only a handful of families currently live on the island, people have lived there for more than 3000 years.

One of the island's main attractions is Piel Castle, which was built in the 14th century by the Abbot of Furness to guard Barrow-in-Furness against pirates and Scottish raiders.

In addition to the 600-year-old castle, Piel Island is also home to a pub called the Ship Inn.

Each time the pub gets a new landlord, they're crowned "King" of the island.

Canvey Island

Canvey Island, off the coast of Essex, is entirely below sea level and separated from the mainland by a number of creeks.

It was home to just 300 people at the beginning of the 20th century and became a popular seaside resort with fairground rides and food stalls.

Now home to around 40,000 people, the island's main attraction is Canvey Wick.

Found behind a Morrisons supermarket, the 93-hectare site is an abandoned oil refinery.

Osea Island is a tiny private island where all of the celebs go, with A-listers including Rihanna, Stormzy and Jude Law staying over the years.

Often dubbed the “English Necker Island,” most visit for the recording studio although tourists can book overnight stays on part of the island.

Or there is Mersea Island, named the "best kept secret in Essex".

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