Call of the wild
SF’s subscriber reviewers get back to nature this month, enjoying spotting Scotland’s awesome wildlife from luxurious hotels and idyllic cabins
REVIEWED BY HEATHER & HENRY NICHOLSON, COUPAR ANGUS
We arrived on a cold, dark evening and were welcomed by our lovely hosts, Boban and Lizzie, into the beacon of light and warmth of Birdwatchers Cabin. Shortly after arrival we took our dog for a walk through the forest – with virtually no light pollution, the stars felt close enough to touch and we haven’t seen the milky way so clearly for years.
The cabin is perfectly sized – complete with a kitchen area, lovely bathroom and, most importantly, an Esse stove which could be used not just for warmth but also for cooking. No effort has been spared giving the cabin all the mod cons.
One wall is almost entirely windows and in the morning we were struck by the stunning view of Loch Fleet nature reserve. From within the cabin, or the veranda, one could sit for hours watching the passing wildlife.
We were provided with a breakfast basket each morning containing bacon, eggs, fruit and freshly baked French bread. In the evening our hosts provided a dinner basket – allowing us to use the stove to cook steaks from the local butcher.
While the cabin benefits from complete seclusion in the forest, it is not far from the A9 and within easy reach of local tourist attractions like Dunrobin Castle, Golspie and Brora with its beach (and excellent chocolate café, Cocoa Skye).
There are loads of trails and paths in the forest and nature reserve to walk along. Or just sit on the veranda and take in the view of the loch and its wildlife.
REVIEWED BY ROSIE MORTON AND STEPHANIE LIDDELL FROM EDINBURGH
The prospect of spending two nights in a Highland castle had us both reliving Disney Princess dreams of old – and Dornoch Castle Hotel, based on the seaside town’s main street, more than lived up to expectations.
Having driven through a cold, blustery night, the sight of a roaring fire and luxurious sofas in the reception area was just what we had hoped for. Before we sat down though, we were led up the winding staircase to our room – a Castle Superior Family Room – past historic nooks and crannies that added to the castle’s quirky character.
The newly refurbished Grant MacNicol at the Castle restaurant made two foodies very happy indeed, as the assortment of local produce on the menu was extensive. A real highlight was the pigeon and fig starter. The home-made tortellini and decadent sticky toffee pudding, which was full of malty goodness, were equally delicious and the service was slick. Topping it off with a local Thompson Bros Gin by the fire was the perfect end to a magical first night.
After a day exploring the beautiful beach and all manner of arts and craft shops, we were lucky enough to attend a paired wine dinner, hosted by Woodwinters’ Neil Swanney, at Dornoch Castle Hotel, which was a veritable ode to Scotland’s larder, from cod and langoustine straight from the boat, to Ardgay Game wild venison. Dornoch Castle is the epitome of Highland retreats. What more could two dear friends wish for?
REVIEWED BY MARTIN & ALISON YEOMAN FROM EDINBURGH
We enjoyed a spectacular journey to Lochinver following part of the North Coast 500 route. The recent snow made it easy to spot herds of red deer on lower slopes of the hills.
As we left the ferry port of Ullapool behind, we drove past the stunning Ardmair Bay and the mountains of Coigach. We stopped for a walk up to the Bone Caves at Inchnadamph and were treated to the sight of golden eagles soaring above the cliffs and saw many deer on the hills just above us.
Inver Lodge sits high above the village of Lochinver with panoramic coastal views across to the harbour on one side, look out for the resident seals and an iconic view towards Suilven and the other mountains of Assynt on the other.
Our room was modern and comfortable with a fabulous sea view. The dining room showcases the best of Scotland’s larder, making use of fine local produce available from local fishermen and estates. The food was excellent, with the dining experience relaxed and informal. All staff were very friendly and helpful.
We slept soundly and enjoyed our traditional Highland breakfast. As it was a fine day, we drove a couple of miles around the coast to Inverkirkaig and walked up to the Falls of Kirkaig and in towards Suilven. Again, we saw deer, buzzards, golden eagles and numerous smaller birds.
We loved our trip to Inver Lodge and would recommend it to anyone looking for a comfortable base from which to explore the beautiful landscape and wildlife of the North-west Highlands.
REVIEWED BY JOHN & SHEILA PAYNE FROM EDINBURGH Anyone seeking an escape from modern day life should look no further than Guardswell Farm. Here you will find The Pendicle, a hilltop hut boasting panoramic views over the Carse of Gowrie and the River Tay, with a wealth of walks on your doorstep. When we arrived we were warmly greeted by Anna, who showed us around the beautiful and tastefully converted farm buildings which are used for weddings and events, as well as a range of self-catering properties.
The Pendicle was extremely comfortable while maintaining an air of simplicity. A wood burning stove and plenty of hot water meant we were cosy, even when the wind was howling outside. The interior is open-plan, bright and spacious with full height windows that open up to spectacular views. At night, from the king-size bed, the twinkling lights of distant villages were visible. With ample decking and outdoor furniture, there is further opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the great outdoors in this idyllic setting.
For those who wish to learn more about nature there is an interesting selection of books to enjoy. There is a variety of birds attracted to the farm, thanks to the bird feeders and we spotted a buzzard soaring close to the hut.
Guardswell is located a few miles from Inchture, around a 15-minute drive from Dundee or Perth.
With no WiFi or TV, we found Guardswell Farm the perfect place to unwind and relax in this beautiful part of Scotland.