'Off the Rails' provides a truly unique holiday experience in the picture postcard village of Plockton in the Scottish Highlands. With superb pubs and seafood restaurants in the village and lovely walks nearby this is a perfect holiday destination for those who enjoy walking, kayaking, relaxing or exploring this wonderful part of Scotland including the Isle of Skye.
With three bedrooms sleeping up to six people and a location in the heart of Glencoe village, this charming period holiday cottage is ideal for friends and family. Loch Leven is within walking distance, as is the village shop and cafe. Guests can climb mountains and Munros, enjoy spectacular views hillwalking and mountain biking, and sail, kayak and fish on the loch. The drive to Oban will take your breath away, or head north to Fort William and Ben Nevis for more outdoor adventures.
Does your dream holiday feature stunning countryside, fresh air and views for miles? With lochs, Munroes, beaches and friendly villages, the Scottish Highlands is the perfect choice for a holiday at any time of the year. When you stay at Stag Lodge on the Glencarron Estate you can walk and cycle, and try fly fishing, stalking and clay pigeon shooting. Its location around 15 miles from Lochcarron and within easy reach of Applecross and Inverness makes it ideal for exploring this beautiful region, and with space for eight people in four rooms, it is very comfortable for larger families and groups of friends. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
The uninhabited Ardnish Peninsula is the perfect place to get off-grid and escape the noise and stress of modern lifestyles. A total digital detox is easy when you stay somewhere without electricity - think Baer Grylls adventure so no WiFi, no bathroom and no running-water! Peanmeanach is a 120-year-old stone cottage in an isolated location accessible only via boat, kayak or a two-hour hike (carrying provisions and everything you need for your stay) . It sleeps up to six people in two simple bedrooms, with guests having to bring all food, bedding, towels etc with them. Spend long summer days exploring the coast and hillsides, and relaxed evenings in front of the fire or outside under the stars. Not for the faint hearted; adventurous soles all love it here, and we think you will too if you are seeking solitude and looking to disconnect from the virtual world.
Full of Scottish charm, Glenuaig Lodge offers a unique holiday opportunity to truly escape away from it all in a dramatic wilderness on a Scottish estate in the Highlands. Accessed via a country track (four wheel drive required - hire available locally) you can enjoy complete solitude with no near neighbours and the only visitors being red deer and the occassional eagle soaring up above. Full of Victorian charm, this former shooting lodge is less than an hour's drive from Inverness and perfect for friends and families with fishing, clay pigeon shooting, deer stalking, hiking, mountain biking and 12,000 acres of beauty on the doorstep.
Live the Highland dream at Glencarron Lodge. This wonderful Victorian shooting lodge has been sympathetically modernised to comfortably accommodate groups of up to 18 guests in ten bedrooms looking for self-catering. The 12,000 acre estate - which is less than an hour's drive from Inverness - offers fishing, shooting, clay pigeon shooting, deer stalking, hiking, mountain biking and as much space and serenity as you and your party could desire. Take a day trip to the stunning beaches on the west coast or the Isle of Skye, or spend your holiday discovering charming villages. The Highland welcome is always warm and genuine at Glencarron Lodge.
Everything about Pine Marten Cabin is designed to provide comfort without disturbing the natural beauty of its Highland setting. Sleeping four people in two superking or twin bedrooms it is ideal for couples, friends or families to enjoy a relaxed self-catering holiday. It boasts spectacular views of Loch Broom, beautiful hill walks from the door, and the pleasure of a woodland setting less than three miles from shops, cafes and other amenities in Ullapool. Bookings are available all year round to ensure you always have the opportunity to step off the treadmill and recharge in this spectacular spot.
Relax amongst woodland trees with fantastic water views at Red Squirrel Cabin. The architect-designed holiday home is in Leckmelm Wood, 2.5 miles from Ullapool and a few minutes' walk to the edge of Loch Broom. It's furnished for couples or friends to enjoy a relaxing self-catering Highland holiday, with the bedroom sleeping two people in one superking or two single beds. The ecologically conscientious design and materials in the property allow it to sit gently in its natural setting while still providing all the features you want. Bookings are available all year round to enable you to enjoy the west coast in all seasons.
A traditional blacksmith's croft within walking distance of Roybridge village centre and pubs. The two-bed holiday cottage is ideal for couples or families, with a sofa-bed in case you want to accommodate two more friends for a few days. The cottage is quiet, with lovely views of the woods and mountains, yet only a short drive or train journey from Fort William where there is a variety of places to eat, drink and shop. Local attractions include Monessie Gorge, Glen Nevis, Glencoe and the Aonach Mor Gondola. Licence (Provisional) HI-40348-P EPC:F
Perfect for couples looking to truly escape the hustle and bustle of modern day living, Lower Polnish is a 'unique' Scottish retreat for two and offers the chance to get away from modern day distractions, get back to basics and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Offering the chance to get 'off the grid' this cosy former blackhouse sits a stone's throw from the private shoreline on the Ardnish Peninsular in an isolated position away from it all with only wildlife to disturb you.
Is there anything more heavenly than a Highland holiday? Rose Cottage is a fantastic self-catering home in Badachro, sleeping six people in three bedrooms with fantastic sea views. There are beautiful walks from the garden gate (including to the local pub) and incredible cycling routes. The opportunities to be outdoors are endless, but we'd understand if your perfect day consists of settling down in front of the fire with a good book. The cottage is ideal for couples, families and friends and is available for holidays all year round.
A large stylish lochside holiday home sitting on the edge of Loch Carron on Scotland's West Coast. With amazing views over Loch Carron and the mountains beyond, this is an ideal self-catering retreat for friends or families who enjoy outdoor pursuits or want to explore this beautiful part of the Scottish Highlands.
Affording a splendid position overlooking Loch Carron in the heart of the picturesque Scottish village of Plockton, Craigview offers a lovely blend of romantic charm and Highland character. A warm welcome awaits when you stay in this comfortable Scottish holiday cottage with fabulous pubs, restaurant, scenery and wildlife on the doorstep as well as easy access to Skye.
Have you ever wanted to go back to basics and enjoy the simpler things in life? This Scottish retreat provides a 'unique' self-catering experience where you can enjoy complete peace and isolation. On the mainland, the cottage is only accessible by boat (provided as part of the rental) and once arrived, you can experience your own little slice of 'island' life.
Balnabodach is situated on our small hill farm in peaceful rural Strathnairn, only a 20 minute drive to Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands. Ideally located for visiting the many places of interest such as the Cairngorm National Park, Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield and Cawdor Castle to name but a few. We welcome dogs. If your pet is used to sitting on the furniture/ beds, please bring your own throws and bed linen including duvets. The cottage has an enclosed garden but no guarantee to contain escapologists! Loch Bunachton is a 20 minute walk away through the forest. The scenery is spectacular. Fly fishing for pike, perch and trout is available at no cost for our guests.
Stay in the magnificent Highlands of Scotland at Tigh an Eilean. The holiday cottage is on the shore of Loch Caron and sleeps five people in three bedrooms, with a single sleeper chair to accommodate an extra person if necessary. There is plenty to keep you occupied whether you're a hill walker, cyclist, bird watcher, or are taking your time touring along the North Coast 500 route. The incredible views from the garden, bedrooms and sun room are an undeniable highlight of the self-catering property. The sight of the loch and mountains is so inspiring that you would happily stay in a tent to enjoy them. Thankfully, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and room for up to six people, Tigh an Eilean is a far nicer prospect!
Enjoy a Highland fling at The Coach House. This pretty stone holiday cottage can accommodate up to four people in two bedrooms and is perfect for couples, families or friends who want to immerse themselves in the stunning Scottish Highlands. It is part of the Gruinards Estate and close to the River Carron and the village of Ardgay. Fishing, tennis, hill walking, mountain biking and golf are some of the more popular activities guests can enjoy locally, with Dornoch, Inverness and Loch Ness being under an hour by car for days out, shopping and sightseeing.
What's not to appreciate about Inverness? This vibrant Highland town has fantastic food, incredible scenery, great shops, and centuries of history wrapped in a big tartan bow! Ness on the Lane is a 10 minute walk along the River Ness to the city centre, close to both Eden Court and Bught Park. The holiday home is exceptionally well-equipped for a self-catering holiday with family and friends, sleeping ten people in five Super King bedrooms with a huge fully enclosed garden. The owners have lavished this property with love, and it shows in the quality of the furnishings and little touches like books and board games to help you relax.
Your friends will be so envious when they see you're staying at West of the Ness, so why not bring them on your self-catering holiday in Inverness? This spacious Victorian villa sleeps ten people in five bedrooms and is beautifully presented with rich colours, sumptuous fabrics, and furniture so comfortable you won't want to move. It's a stone's throw from the River Ness and about a ten-minute stroll to the city centre's bars, pubs, cafes and shops. This Highland region is renowned for the beauty of its scenery, and you can experience it first-hand when you book this holiday home.
The Herdsman's House is a highland holiday home sleeping 12 people in five bedrooms with a walled garden, outdoor hot tub and a games room. It's surrounded by fields with beautiful rural views, yet only 1.5 miles from Thurso. Families and friends love the self-catering accommodation, which is comfortable without being too fancy for relaxation. Thurso is on the spectacular North Coast 500 route, with coastal footpaths where you can spot puffins and orcas and get fantastic views over the North Atlantic Ocean to the Orkney Islands. The Thurso holiday rental is child and pet friendly.
Popular towns in and around Highland:
ArdgayArdnish PeninsularAviemoreBadachroBeaulyDuirinishFort WilliamGlencoeInvernessKyle of LochalshLochcarronNewtonmorePlocktonStrathcarronStrathdonThursoUllapoolSearch within Scottish Highlands
In terms of nature, there is no better place than the Cairngorms National Park. Voted the best national park in the United Kingdom, it has too many activities available to mention. Wildlife and plant life are in abundance in the area and nature lovers can have fun exploring the area to see what they can find. Cairn Gorm Mountain is also found here and offers thrill seekers great options. From hiking up the mountain to taking the funicular railway, there are various ways to reach the summit. Travel up the mountain and discover lots of snow sporting adventures, including skiing, snowboarding and more. The Lochaber area of the Highlands is also home to the highest mountain in the United Kingdom, Ben Nevis. Experienced climbers are able to reach the summit, where the panoramic views of Scotland are unbeatable.
For those wanting to stay closer to ground level, there are still many options in the Highland area. Escape to the area of Loch Ness for beautiful coastal regions, dark forests and hills covered in heather and local plant life. You can also learn about the legend of the Loch Ness monster, as well as trying to discover him in the mysterious loch! There are opportunities in the area for walkers, cyclists and horse riders with trails that cover the length of the loch. You can stop off at many tourist hotspots along the way, including the Fall of Foyers. This magnificent waterfall feeds into Loch Ness and is a stunning piece of natural beauty.
The Highland area has many isles, with the stand-out island being the Isle of Skye. Voted one of the top four islands in the world, its views are unmissable. The island has many bays and white coasts which are perfect for a serene, tranquil day out. Skye is also home to lots of Scottish history and heritage. From stories that the Castle Moil was home to a Norwegian princess, to dinosaur footprints in the rocks of Staffin Bay and inland stone circles, Skye is an alluring place. Gaelic culture is also of high importance on the island and true Scottish traditions can be seen everywhere. As well as this, ask the locals about the myths of mermaids, selkies and other Gaelic legends of the island for great stories of Scottish heroes and their adventures.
The Highland area is large and boasts of many must-see places to visit. From the towering mountains to the serene lochs and magical islands, the Highland holds unimaginable delights for visitors.