Seaside Cottage
Clachtoll
nr Lochinver
West Coast of Scotland
Sleeps 4
On this occasion the name says it all! Seaside Cottage must surely be everyone's idea of an idyllic Scottish holiday home – a wee whitewashed house on the machair, only a few yards from a wonderful silver sand beach and looking across the sea to the south and some of Scoltand's most renowned and familiar mountains.
The cottage is part of the scattered crofting community of Clachtoll which lies about 6 miles from Lochinver and is situated on one of the most magnificent stretches of coastline in north-west Scotland.
The house itself lives up to its superb surroundings. Standing alone, side on to the sea, and with plenty of parking space at the door, it has a sheltered gravel area at the back which provides welcome relief from the Atlantic winds at less favourable times of the year. There is also a covered area for sitting outside and it really catches the sun.
Inside, the house is very comfortably appointed and takes every opportunity to maximize on its setting. At nightfall guests will wish to relax in the cosy sitting room with its open fire whereas during the day the conservatory dining room, with a multi-fuel stove and big windows overlooking the wonderful seascape will surely be the focal point. There is also a very good kitchen, two bedrooms, one with en suite shower and another bathroom. What more could one wish for?
The varying moods of the sea are bound to be a dominant feature here but climbers will no doubt feel attracted by the views of distant Stac Pollaidh, Suilven and the Coigeach. You can quite easily get to Stac and Suilven by following the 'wee mad road' which runs south from Lochinver to Achiltibuie. On the way you can stop to admire the Kirkaig Falls or enjoy a cup of coffee in the bookshop in the middle of nowhere. Those who are immune to the challenges of climbing will find plenty of opportunities for interesting walks along the coast where you can often enjoy the sight of seals sunning themselves on the rocks.
Seals are not the only visitors to Clachtoll Bay. The sealife in these waters includes minke whales, basking sharks, porpoises and sea otters as well as a wide range of ducks, geese and divers. The Countryside Rangers' cabin is not far from the cottage and here you will find recorded many of these sightings. All of Assynt lies inside the North West Highland Geopark (www.northwest-highlands-geopark.org.uk). It stretches from Durness in the north to Achiltibuie in the south and is one of only two in Scotland.
Explorers among you will find that you are in an excellent situation for access to the very north-west of Scotland. You can reach Durness via Scourie and Laxford Bridge and, between May and September, there is the possibility of taking a boat across The Parph and then a minibus all the way up to Cape Wrath itself. Lochinver has a busy harbour in addition to shops, hotels, eating places and petrol.
Heating is by electricity (first £20 
included) and multi-fuel stove and open fire. Bed linen and towels are included. Sorry, no pets or smoking permitted in the cottage. A refundable householder's deposit will be required. There is a payphone in the cottage. Wi-Fi access is available, subject to provider.
Accommodation (sleeps 4):
Single Storey:
- Sitting room with open fire and TV/Video/DVD Sky+HD
- Conservatory/dining room with multi-fuel stove and mini hi-fi
- Kitchen with gas cooker, washing machine, combi microwave oven, larder fridge, separate deep freezer, etc.
- Twin bedroom with en suite shower
- Double bedroom
- Bathroom with bath/shower, WC and wash basin
Accommodation availability:
The Seaside Cottage:
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