FUR, FEATHER AND FIN
Scotland’s wildlife is world-renowned and finding the perfect base from which to enjoy it is all part of the fun of spotting our native creatures
Our hotel reviewers head out in search of wildlife
REVIEWED BY CRYSTAL AND ELEANOR CHESTERS FROM DUMFRIES
We travelled to the western edge of Dumfries & Galloway to stay at Corsewall Estate near Loch Ryan. This area is warmed by the Gulf Stream, giving it a unique microclimate. On arrival we were welcomed with farmhouse bread and delicious home-made brownies, along with dinner cooked by a local supplier, which the estate owner Kate had popped in the fridge for us to heat up at our leisure.
We stayed in Garden Cottage which sleeps up to six people. It has three en-suite bedrooms, a downstairs bathroom, an open-plan kitchen and a beautiful south-facing living room boasting views over the estate and Loch Ryan. On our first morning, we enjoyed a leisurely walk to the shores of Loch Ryan, from which we could see Arran.
Later we drove 20 minutes to the scenic seaside town of Portpatrick, where we enjoyed lunch at the Crown Hotel before embarking on a short cliff-top walk with expansive sea views, to the ruins of Dunskey Castle. That evening, we dined in the Old Colfin Creamery just outside Portpatrick, which features plenty of delicious local produce on its menu.
On our final day, we took a trip to Logan Botanic Gardens, which has an impressive palm tree-lined entrance and an array of tropical plants from Asia and South America. Corsewall Estate Cottage provides a luxurious, peaceful getaway in an unspoilt part of the country and we’d highly recommend it for a weekend away from it all.
REVIEWED BY TABBY ANGIER FROM GARVE
Peace and relaxation descended as I headed down the track to Bridge Cottage in the heart of Perthshire. Within an hour the locals arrived (red squirrels, blue tits, great tits, coal tits, chaffinches, a cock pheasant and a lesser-spotted woodpecker, all just by the window.) For those who wish to photograph, or observe wildlife, this is the place. Having lived in the Highlands for 25 years, I have never seen red squirrels at such close quarters. During my two-night stay I also saw mallard, more woodpeckers, Canada geese, oystercatchers, robins and deer.
There is a dinghy moored near the cottage on Dunalastair Water with oars and life-jackets, and for those who wish to fish, a permit is provided. This is a peaceful paradise for most ages, except very young children, with so much deep water around, especially in the River Tummel by the cottage. There is so much to see at the cottage, it would be ideal for elderly people or those who do not want to go on long walks.
Upstairs is a roomy bedroom with a comfy double bed and bathroom and downstairs is a spacious twin bedroom. The sitting room has a wood-burner and leads to a well-equipped kitchen. Having no TV or Wi-Fi is heaven!
The walk to Macdonald’s Cave gives views across the river to the old, ruined Dunalastair House and Schiehallion with a beautiful burn to splash in en-route. Essentials can be bought at Kinloch Rannoch and there are lots of places to visit and eat out, but once you are at Bridge Cottage, you may be happy just to stay put in this perfect haven.
REVIEWED BY ASH & LESLEY SINCLAIR FROM CONON BRIDGE
This historic hotel is ideally situated for combining wildlife watching with a Highland break. The Grant Arms is home to the Bird Watching and Wildlife Club which offers first-class advice on where and when to experience the best of the area’s magnificent wildlife. The BWWC also provide a daily programme of events including guided walks, field trips, talks, evening briefings and wildlife films.
The selection of guided holidays seems popular with guests, allowing them to be in the company of like-minded people with experienced, fun and knowledgeable guides enabling sightings of some of the area’s most iconic species.
Copies of the hotel’s two newsletters were on our breakfast table, adding a lovely touch to our morning. A special mention as well for the BWWC monthly newspaper, their wildlife map and the splendid wildlife checklist. The hotel is well-placed for those who wish to enjoy the countryside, the wealth of sporting and leisure activities available or just to enjoy the quieter side of life.
Facilities in the hotel are comfy and spacious. On entering the reception there was the distinct sound of chirruping which elicited surreptitious glances around, in case we were going to be bombarded by a murmuration of starlings, a charm of goldfinches or an ubiquity of sparrows!
Whether you are a twitcher or otherwise, the Grant Arms is the perfect base from which to explore the wonders of the Cairngorms and surrounding countryside.
REVIEWED BY AMANDA RICHARDSON AND BEN CROSS FROM EDINBURGH
After a beautiful drive along Loch Lomond and through an array of quaint villages we arrived at the equally stunning Carradale Guest House. Met at the door by Maurice, we were immediately made to feel at home and welcomed into the comfortable lounge for a piece of Steve’s delicious home-made shortbread. The Victorian guest house has been lovingly restored to a high standard, with an intimate dining area (complete with cosy fireplace) and a grand entrance room, with a staircase leading up to a seating area which overlooks a picture perfect window. Ideal for reading, or for watching the new spring lambs and birds of prey.
Our room was beautifully decorated and very spacious. With a large king side bed, TV, plenty of cupboard space, and the pièce de résistance, a double-ended, freestanding bath.
After settling in we took off in search of the local wildlife (which may have included checking out one of Campbeltown’s many whisky distillery tours). The seaside town is just a scenic 25 minute drive away, and filled with the opportunity to see deer and eagles. Along the coast there are numerous salmon farms, dolphin, seal and basking shark spotting opportunities.
We returned in the evening for a tasty dinner prepared by Steve (which included lots of deliciously fresh and locally sourced produce) before retiring to the lounge to sample some local gin and enjoy some music. To experience the peaceful setting of the Kintyre Peninsula, and take in the local wildlife in comfort, we can’t recommend Carradales enough.