Hideaway stays
From a remote Scottish bothy to a secluded cabin in the woods, here are six of Lucy Grewcock’s favourite secret lodgings in Britain
Top six, nationwide
1 KEARVAIG BOTHY Sutherland
Set in a wild and lonely spot on Scotland’s north-west tip, Kearvaig bothy boasts its own private beach. Free to stay, this magical cottage is managed by the Mountain Bothy Association. Nearby, the cliffs of Clò Mòr (the highest in mainland UK) are visited each summer by guillemots, puffins, kittiwakes and razorbills. mountainbothies.org.uk
2 THE ARC CABIN Cambridgeshire
This cabin on the banks of the River Nene hides within the private grounds of Island House, said to have been a source of inspiration for The Wind in the Willows. The village pub is close by, and you can spot red kites from the veranda. Inside, expect everything from foraged flowers to novels and knitting items. thearccabin.co.uk
3 PURTON GREEN Suffolk
Thatched and timbered, this 13th-century cottage, surrounded by chugging tractors and rolling Suffolk farmland, is all that’s left of Purton Village. The original features include medieval walls and a dining hall that dates to 1250. Arrival is by foot, with wheelbarrows provided to transport your luggage 400 metres to the house. landmarktrust.org.uk
4 THE CABLE HUT Pembrokeshire
Metres from the shore, between two remote beaches, this historic hideaway was built more than a century ago to house the first telephone lines laid across the Atlantic. Walk the coast path, kayak to secret coves and gaze out to sea from the slipper bath, spotting dolphins, seals and puffins. uniquehomestays.com
5 THE BOAT HOUSE Lake District
This cosy bolthole is perched on Ullswater’s western shore. It’s a place of total peace – no TV, internet, passing cars or neighbours, just otters, birdsong and lapping water. Look forward to morning swims, woodland walks, sundowners on the jetty and star-gazing on the balcony. theboathouseatknottsend.com
6 THE HUT Dorset
This rustic lodge shares its secluded location with deer, pheasants, buzzards and more. It is nestled within the rolling Dorset countryside but is only four miles from the busy beach resort of Lyme Regis. It has an original AGA, wood-burning stoves and a barbecue deck. thedorsethut.co.uk