Affordable Achleek Cottage (week’s stay £495, sleeps five) is found on the south banks of Loch Sunart. Views, mountains and remoteness guaranteed. The nearest village is Strontian, 3 miles away, with the facilities of Fort William 23 miles by the Corran Ferry. In contrast with the wild landscape all around, the cottage is warm and snug, with central heating and an open fireplace. It’s also pet-friendly. Information
The Guardian has put together this interesting article on some of the best hotels for walkers and hikers in Britain. Lots of cosy old converted farmhouses to warm you after a long day on the fells… More here
Spacious cottage, formerly a family home. The cottage has been sympathetically modernised, while retaining the old fashioned features and the cottage has a welcome and cheerful feel to it. It stands on a quiet road that leads down to Loch Eynort and has stunning views out to sea and towards the Cuillins. Otters can be seen near the cottage More
Remote, basic but comfortable, award-winning hostel accommodation in the wilds of the Scottish Highlands. Inaccessible by car, Loch Ossian Hostel, a converted boat house, is 20 minutes walk from Corrour railway station on Rannoch Moor. Ecological from top to toe – with bat-friendly paint (for benefit of colony in attic) and powered by wind and sun. Ideal for walking and wildlife observation. More information here
The Isle of Mull is one of my favourite places in the British Isles. This place offers camping and bungalows next to the sea with views of Ben Nevis and the Caingorns. This is great base for exploring the island. There are otters on site on the loch and a seal colony nearby. Dolphins can occasionally be seen in the Sound of Mull from here. The owners note:
“Sea otters and red deer are regulars, and dolphins and porpoises are occasional visitors. Birds include terns, cormorants, eiders, curlews, herons, and buzzards, and you can watch gannets diving for fish out at sea. Golden and sea eagles occasionally fly past, and we can tell you how to find them off site.”