8 self-catering escapes where the outdoors is on your doorstep

There’s a wealth of spectacular scenery, special wildlife and exciting outdoor activities to enjoy in Scotland and this selection of comfortable self-catering accommodation has it all right on the doorstep.  If you’re planning a trip to enjoy the Scottish outdoors and looking for inspiration on where to stay, look no further.

1. Get away from it all with your canine friend to the Isle of Mull

Located on a High Nature Value Farm, rich in bio-diversity, in north west Mull, Treshnish and Haunn Cottages are 8 award-winning sustainable self-catering cottages (sleeping between 2 and 6), many of which enjoy sea views towards Coll and beyond.  Pet friendly and close to Calgary beach, they are the perfect place for those who enjoy wildlife, bird watching, walking and exploring.  The Haunn cottages offer the most remote experience…being an additional 15 minutes along the farm track from the farm.  Find out more here.

Spectacular views from one of the Treshnish and Haunn Cottages

2. Experience the thrill of winter sports from Onich, near Fort William

Set within a 17-acre private hillside location with panoramic views overlooking Loch Linnhe into the Glencoe/Argyllshire mountains, Springwell Holidays offer five self-catering cottages, sleeping between 4 and 8 people.  This is an ideal base from which to enjoy the winter sports on offer at Glencoe and the Nevis Range, which are within 30 minutes drive.  Ramblers, climbers, cyclists and mountain bikers are also spoilt for choice, with many routes nearby. Find out more here.

 

Views of Loch Linnhe from Springwell Holidays cottage

3.  Explore the hills of Ellary Estate, Argyll

As a guest in one of the Ellary Estate Cottages you can walk throughout the whole of the Ellary and Castle Sween Estates, which extend to approx. 15,000 acres!  From the heights of Corrbhan on a clear day, you can see as far as the Nevis range to the North, the head of Loch Fyne and Ben Arthur to the East, Kintyre and Northern Ireland to the South and the Isles of Jura, Scarba etc. to the West.  There are also plenty of less demanding strolls for those feeling less energetic.  The cottages sleep between 2 and 8 and many are within a stone’s throw of the sea.  Find out more here.

Cove Cottage, Ellary Estate Cottages

4.  Watch wildlife in Dumfries and Galloway

Located on the Colvend Coast (otherwise known as “Scotland’s Riviera”) and with various nature reserves close by, including RSPB Mersehead Nature Reserve and Galloway Forest Park, the Kippford Holiday Park is the perfect place for keen wildlife watchers and those looking for a quieter holiday park.  With lodges, caravans or bungalows to choose from, there’s plenty of accommodation from which to watch the resident population of Red Squirrels!  Find out more here.

Relax in peace and quiet at Kippford Holiday Park

5.  Take an outdoors break with friends or family in Assynt

Located on a working estate, Glencanisp Lodge is a splendid example of a traditional Victorian hunting lodge, sleeping 26 plus.  Set amidst some of the most stunning and beautiful natural scenery to be found in the Scottish Highlands, it offers a huge range of outdoors activities on the doorstep, from fishing and kayaking, to wildlife watching and Ranger guided walks.  Perfect for an escape to the country with your nearest and dearest.  Find out more here.

 

Glencanisp Lodge is a splendid example of a Victorian hunting lodge

6. Escape to an unspoilt Highland glen

From Culligran Cottages, located in a beautiful Highland glen near Inverness, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy abundant wildlife, salmon and trout fishing, bird-watching, hill-walking, Munro-bagging or cycling along the 17 miles of private road.  With the choice of a traditional 3-bedroom cottage or four Norwegian chalets (2-3 bedrooms), guests can enjoy unique access to Glen Strathfarrar with its mountain scenery, lochs and river, Caledonian pinewood and breathtaking views of the unspoilt wild Highlands of Scotland.  Find out more here.

7.  Go “glamping” on a working farm in Dumfries and Galloway

Set within a traditional 330-acre working beef and sheep farm, right beside the breathtaking coastline, Solway View Wigwams offers guests the chance to enjoy “glamping”!  Wooden camping pods, sleeping up to 5, come with heating, lighting and some cooking facilities.  Enjoy access to farmland, nature trails, the nearby, secluded bay and adjoining woodland, with its ever changing colour scheme, all from the comfort of your wooden “tent”!  Find out more here.

8. Take a ferry to the Morvern Peninsula and leave the rest of the world behind   

Although on the mainland, Morvern is best reached via the Corran-Ardgour ferry and after a short journey across Loch Linnhe, you’ll find yourself in a special place touched only lightly by the 21st Century.  From a range of comfortable, well-equipped accommodation – from Rahoy Lodge (sleeps 16), with the sea at the bottom of the garden, to Caorann (sleeps 8), a stunning new house with superb views over Loch Teacuis and the Rahoy Cottages (sleeping 4) - you can enjoy a paradise for anyone seeking peace and tranquillity close to nature.  Find out more here.

Peace and tranquillity at Rahoy Cottages