Had enough of the city and want to relax? If you really want to get away from it all, here are five of our most remote cottages…
1. Taigh Aonghais
This cosy cottage in the south of the island is packed with traditional features, and offers a great escape from the rat race. The small crofting community of Tarskavaig stretches out across a shallow valley down to the bay overlooking Loch Eishort on the Sleat peninsula. Access via the twisting single track road may not be for the faint-hearted, but it does offer some dramatic and extensive panoramic views along the way! With no mobile reception, this is a great place to escape the everyday. If you are feeling too cut off, there is wi-fi connection (subject to the ups and downs or being in a rural location!)
Sleeps max 4
More About Taigh Aonghais
Did you know Tarkasavaig Bay in Gaelic means ‘The bay of Cod fish’ named after bygone days when fish were plentiful!
Good for: romantic walks along the beach, brushing up on your photography (and we don’t just mean with your mobile phone!) and wildlife spotting.
Nearest places to eat:
Approx. 15-20 min drive : The Inn @ Àird a’ Bhàsair (formerly the Ardvasar Hotel) at Armadale and Gasta at Armadale Castle
Approx. 20 min drive : try community run An Crùbh Duisdale Mor 15km
Almost on your doorstep, in the summer months, there is a coffee shop with home baked cakes at the local Tarskavaig Hall! This community run venue also hosts small events and ceilidhs.
2. Tigh Anndra
This traditional cottage located on the moor near Flodigarry in the north of the island, is the perfect antidote to city living. Take a seat on the patio at the front of the cottage and lose yourself in the peace and quiet, whilst drinking in the views of Trotternish! No wi-fi or mobile reception means you can literally switch off.
Sleeps max 2 (1 double bedroom).
More about Tigh Anndra
Good for: solace; walking, wildlife spotting
Nearest places to eat
Approx 5 min drive: Flodigarry Hotel
Approx 10-15 min drive: Columba 1400 in Staffin offers lunch and evening meals or there is also a wee cafe restaurant at the community hall. A little further up the road is Telford Tea Room at Tigh Cilmartin the former manse (lunches and afternoon teas) and the Ellishader Art Gallery and Cafe
3. Claigan View
Located at the end of the peninsula, Claigan View is situated in the Glendale area in the North West of the island. With coastal walks on your doorstep, this charming holiday home is a perfect choice for a relaxing getaway. You can curl up in the snug with a good book on those rainy days! Enjoy a long soak in the roll top bath. Or sit in the garden and simply admire the views across Loch Dunvegan to the coral beaches
It may seem remote, but a short drive brings you all the delights of the Glendale peninsula including the popular walk to the lighthouse at Neist Point.
Sleeps 2
More about Claigan View.
Did you know: The name ‘Glendale’ is the anglicised version of the gaelic name Gleann Dail, which means ‘valley with level fields by a river‘.
Good for: cliff top walks, reading in the bath, seal spotting, practising your single track driving skills
Nearest Places to Eat : Treat yourself with lunch or dinner at the award winning Three Chimneys Restaurant (15-20 minutes drive – reservations essential) Or for light lunch try Cafe Lephin just up the road . If you want to venture a little further, a 25 minute drive will bring you to the village of Dunvegan where there are a number of places to eat including The Old Schoolhouse (lunch and evening meals)
4. Strath Glebe
Just 10 minutes drive from the village of Broadford, and set within open croft land, this spacious family home offers stunning mountain views. Perfect for a large family group where you can all enjoy some special down time. Local walks include the old marble railway line and the clearance village of Suisnish. For indoor entertainment Strath Glebe has a large TV and DVD player and a large selection of DVD’s, CD’s, games and books to be enjoyed whilst snuggled on the leather sofas! Should you feel the need to stay connected to the outside world, there is also free WiFi. Get yourself outside to admire those views! The garden patio area has two picnic tables. Just add a glass of wine (or whisky!)
Sleeps max 10 people
More about Strath Glebe
Did you know Gaelic for cheers is Slàinte mhath (pronounced slan-ge-var it literally means ‘ good health’)
Good for mountain scenery, fresh air, exploring the history of the area
Nearest Places to Eat
Broadford village is a 10 minute drive away where there are several eating out options. Try one of the freshly baked wood fired pizzas from Café Sia perhaps (open all day – bookings required for evening). Or enjoy locally caught seafood on the menu at Creelers.
If you are out exploring during the day then Cuillin View Gallery and Coffee Shop at Elgol is a 30 min drive away (19km) or stop off at the Blue Shed in Torrin which is just 5 km up the road.
5. Taigh Uilleim
Proving that remote doesn’t just mean traditional, Taigh Uilleim is a modern newly built holiday home situated on the Roag peninsula. Although just 4 miles from the village of Dunvegan, Taigh Uilleim feels much more remote and offers breath-taking panoramic views of the Cuillin ridge and Loch Bracadale. A great location for exploring the North West of the island, Taigh Uilleim also offers you to the chance to relax, snuggle into the comfy sofa and enjoy a DVD. Or sit out on the decking area with a wee glass of something in the evening, and drink in those views.
Sleeps 4 people
More about Taigh Uilleim
Did you know Taigh Uilleim is gaelic for William’s house
Good For: taking deep breaths, photography and wildlife
Nearest Places to Eat:
Dunvegan village (6.5 km) offers several options for eating out including newly opened The Dunvegan Deli Café and Restaurant for lunch and evening meal (including some tasty vegan choices). Or why not try lunch at Bog Myrtle in Struan is only 13 mins drive (13 km). You could also treat yourself with a booking for lunch or evening meal at the award winning Three Chimneys Restaurant which is just 10km away.