We visit and photograph good bed and breakfasts,
hotels and self catering cottages in Scotland
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The Roughley Cottage
Mr Jallard. Nottingham 21 September - 9 October 2009
First time at Roughley, but not the last. Enjoyed the lake, the solitude, the scenery, the sunsets, the misty early mornings with a covering of frost. Roaring fire has been fantastic, and gas-light reading at night atmospheric. Long rabbit-chasing walks with the dogs delightful. Roared with laughter at the old Roughley logs especially 'grumpy man' and the 'we stayed 3-dayers'. This holiday was fab.
'Grumpy Man' is sad
We needed a long rest
Roughley is the best!
Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Mr and Mrs Jones. Nottingham. 11 - 18 September 2009
The sounds of Roughley - the trout turning to flies, the sound of the trout laughing at my attempts to catch them, the sound of the silence. The clear skies and the masses of stars. The buzzards so close and the 'overfed sparrow' (pheasant) which come for food. I will take home some very happy memories.
The Lowe family and friends 4 - 11 September 2009
Havent see Carl for 2 1/2 days as he's been fishing and has fallen in love with the boat. By Sunday 10 am he'd caught 4 trouts. We're all enjoying the 'no electricity' experience and the peace and tranquillity of no mobiles. The cottage is cosy and comfortable and just right – we love it. Thank you for this lovely weekend back in time at roughley. It's perfect in our eyes – we have had a 'MUST TRY AGAIN EXPERIENCE'
Mr and Mrs Bernaski. New York. 29 August - 4 September 2009
Thank you for having us. A nice irony to have found this peaceful low-tech santuary by way of the www. The library is lovely.
The McLellan family – Enfield. 14 - 28 August 2009
A bat fell down the chimney into the bedroom and clung to the curtain. It would not go out of the open window. Luckily Mr Tennant called in and rescued it. It lay in the gutter for about 15 minutes and we have some super photos of it waking up, preparing to fly and then taking off. Two nights were clear enough to see the stars, inlcuding the Milky Way, some shooting stars, and Jupiter with 4 moons. The wonderful fire and vases of sweet peas were much appreciated when we arrived.
Emily Vivas and friends. N London. 31 July - 14 August 2009
Roughley highlights this year include:
Food - Five BBQs including Shaws beef and T Elliot (local butcher) sausages, roughley raspberry and black currant jam, Upper Dinley Cottage eggs.
Walks - Arnton Fell, Riccarton Junction, Ruber's Law, Watts Burn, Roughley Burn, Nine Stanes Rig.
Falling stars and beautiful sunsets.
Roughley we love you.
Mr Stanyer. 26 June 2009
It is better than the average RSPB hide sitting here...
Frankland and Witty famlies. 8–12 June 2009
Scenery simply stunning. Total stress-free week. TV not missed. Will return with whole family next year.
Harvey family. 22nd May 2009
A long drive up from the Isle of Wight, but well worth it, as we were greeted by beautiful evening sunshin, and the cottage warm and welcoming. Couldnt wati to get the rods out - caught and released several beautiful trouts - cooked dinner and opened the wine! The time here has been idyllic.
Miss Warren and her boyfriend Alan. 10 – 15 December 2008
Alan wrote – Went for a moonlight walk around the frozen pond. Absolutely beautiful as the moonlight glistened off the ice. Came back into the warmth and after a real feast proposed to Naomi. She said yes and we intend to have many happy years back here.
Mr and Mrs Talbot. 27 September – 4 October 2008
Had dinner by candle light. Very warm and cosy. Went outside later and were greeted by stunning celestial display – the milky way directly above...
I wish we had found out about this amazing place years ago. We have travelled the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, but have never felt the profound sense of peace that we have at Roughley.
Mr and Mrs Smith. 16 – 23 . August 2008
Did the walk to 9 Stanes Rig, but it was a huge disappointment. Them prehistoric men didn't have much flair. All the people we met were friendly and helpful.
Mary Geancy. Some nature highlights over the week 26 july – 9 August 2008
Spotting my first red squirrel on Kershope road, saving a mallard from becoming a stoat's dinner, the variety of flowers in the hedgerows. It was my second time at Roughley – it's a magical place for me – and, as last year, I am about to be dragged, kicking and screaming, back into that big bad world outside this magic kingdom.
Emily Vivas. 26 July – 9 August 2008
This was my 5th time at Roughley in 6 years and it's as lovely as ever... tears will be shed at departure time. We had some great riding at Bailey Mill thanks toPam and Ian who let us ride unaccompanied in lovely countryside. We had a wonderful evening hound trailing on the Langholm road.
Mr and Mrs Benskin. 19 – 26 July 2008
We return to Norway tomorrow. We shall take happy memories of this place, and images of a landscape that we hope to know better.
Mr and mres Rossart. 12 – 19 July 2008
Who needs and alarm clock when you have the house martin dawn chorus through the wall.
Mr and Mrs Sherman. 14 - 21 June 2008
As with most of those who've visited Roughley, we're sad to be leaving.
Garry and Gretcha Davidson. 31 May – 7 June 2008
Up at 7 am. Caught 1½ lb trout for breakfast. Lovely condition brown. Baked Trout in oven... scrummy!
We LOVE the splendid isolation, the lack of electricity we found to be a bonus and both feel totally relaxed. The trout lake got me fishing again after a 30 year lapse.
The Mitchell Family - May 24 - 31st 2008
The surrounding area is so beautiful it is difficult to know where to start. We are all hooked by the magic of Roughley. Saw 53 different species of birds including Grasshopper Warbler, Willow Warbler, Reed Bunting, Crossbill, Tufted Duck and Pied Flycatcher. Heard, but did not see: Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Whimbrel and Snipe.
The Cook family 26 April - 10 May 2008
What a wonderful welcome. Both fires blazing, a bunch of gorgeous daffs on the table, and Roughley look remarkably clean. Highly recommended the butcher in Newcastleton. In 7 outings on the loch I caught 12 trout - ate 6 of them - all in the 1 - 1 1/2 lb range.
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Cleuchhead
Tysoe family. 3-9 October 2009
Fantastic time, thank you for a wonderful week with my family and our first holiday with our grand-children. Going home with some wonderful memories.
Lindsay children. 29 August - 5 September 2009
This place is so beautiful and we all had an amazing time. Fishing was very unsuccessful but brilliant fun! Going to Hadrian's Wall and Vindolanda was really nice and waking up to baa-ing sheep was very funny. We loved it all. We had so much fun here.
Glasspool family. 15 - 29 August 2009
Best stately home – Traquair House with good tea room and maze – ideal for family. Good fishing shop at St Boswell's and excellent bookshop. Good outdoor wear shop at Otterburn if you need it.
The Phillips family. 1 August - 8 August 2009
Had a truly lovely holiday. We live within throwing distance of a 4 lane A road so this was fantastically quiet for us. We loved it. As everyone has said, the Grapes was great. The Birds of Prey at Kielder Lake are superb. People round here are so friendly. We spent 2 days doing a geography river project knee deep in the local rivers – much laughter and very wet.
The Brodie family. 25 July - 1 August 2009
Our second visit. A very relaxing week again – lovely comfy beds. Went back to The Grapes, excellent food. The Olive Tree café warranted a few visits for coffee, cake and fresh bread.
Gannon family. 4-18 July 2009
Lunch at The Grapes Newcastleton – v. good. The swallows and wagtails are teaching their young to fly. It has been great to have time to sit and watch their antics. Cottage lovely and warm. It's great to be inside listening to the wind hwling around outside and the rain beating down. Home tomorrow – where has the week gone?
The Sayers family. 27 June - 4 July 2009
...the cottage is amazing. The converted room at the back is especially beautiful with all the old beams. Stunning scenery and great walks. We come to Scogtland almost every year and it's never been a disappointment (and this year it certainly wasn't). The surrounding towns always prove to be wonderful and the people always friendly.
Mrs and Mrs Van Hecke, Belgium. 16 - 23 May 2009
It was great to be here... This place is so magical. We've been for lovely walks in quiet places. Visiting Hermitage Castle, Lanercost Priory, Hadrian's Wall, Smailholm Tower, Mellerstain House and garden, Hume Castke... It was all fantastic. The cloud formations are tremendous. The sky is changing every feww minutes... The light is playing a game and it so magnificent. So, we love it here - we'll be back. Thank you Cleuch Head!
Mr and Mrs Allen, Norfolk. 9 - 16 May 2009
We love the unspoilt, peaceful surroundings. Watch the sheep and their lambs, seeing the shepherd and his dogs at work.
Mrs Harper. 2 - 9 May 2009
Despite awful weather we have had a lovely week. The cottage is delightful (we were worried it wouldn't match up to Roughley!) nice and warm and with everything you need.
Mrs Wood. 25 April - 2 May 2009
A quiet and peaceful holiday - exactly what we wanted. The cottage was great - well equipped and cosy and we love the fire.
The Maes Family, Essex and East Yorkshire. 11 - 18 April 2009
Comfortable cottage, beautiful scenery and lots of peace and quiet. A lovely dry sping week to welcome the lambs in the field opposite. An excellent holiday destination.
Mr Coffee, Wallaby. 28 March - 4 April, 2009
Sun shining, birds singing m a very quiet and peaceful week. It was wonderful.
Mrs Higson, Accrington. March 14 - 21 2009
We had a wonderful anniversary week. The cottage and locations are everything we wanted and more. The privacy and peacefulness have been a luxury that is hard to find these days.
Deb and Steve Pritchard. 8–22 November 2008
Enjoyed another visit to Cleuchhead... sorry to leave – the two weeks have flown by. Looking forward to our next visit already.
Mr and Mrs Coffee. 13–20 September 2008
Had a thoroughly enjoyable week's stay. The cottage is idyllic.
Paul de Louve, Maryke Berten, and friends from Belgium 2–9 August 2008
We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Cleuchhead Cottage, its secluded location, its splendid isolation, the very comfortable accommodation, its cosiness, the well-equipped kitchen, the central heating.
After strenuous walks along Hadrian's Wall, across Arnton Fell, on the Pennine Way or in the environs of Sir Walter Scott's house, it was great to come back to this welcoming haven... We will recommend this place to our friends in Belgium, and we are hoping to spend another holiday in this area of outstanding natural beauty, which is a comfort to the heart, a joy to the mind, and a consolation to the soul.
Niki Turner and Keith Robinson 19–26 July 2008
Another superb stay here. We were blessed with glorious weather – Dogs loved it as always and our new pup took to swimming at each and every opportunity.
Joyce's baking (Rustic Kitchen) was wonderful as always and the roast beef at the Grapes was must yet again. Saw a red squirrel.
12–19 July 2008
Our two boys caught their very first trout. 1 x 1½ lb, 1 x 10 oz, 1 x 8 oz. Fantastic!
Weather has been changeable but dramatic. Children have really had a fantastic time in the burn and loch.
Hermitage is a must, butcher at Newcastleton sells fantastic (that word again) pies and pastries.
Ann, Sandra, and Jenny. 21–28 June
Hermitiage very impressive. Seen bastle houses at Back Midden and Woodhouses. Beautiful day at Wallington – really enjoyed watching the moorhens walking on the lily leaves.
Walked up the valley from Kershope bridge- a multitude of wild flowers.
Kellys and Glovers. 7–14 June
We have all had a wonderful holiday.Enjoyed the walks, but most of all loved the peace and quiet.
Andy and Laura Gascoigne 10–17 May 2008
Fantastic weather, great cottage. Best days were spent walking round the cottage, then fishing and sunbathing in the afternoon. Everyone has been extremely friendly.
Malcolm and Fiona 3–10 May 2008
This place was just what the doctor ordered – peaceful and relaxing – rustic living at its best and the weather was stunning.
The Walker family 19 April – 3rd May 2008
Our second stay at Cleuchhead and yet another greast break. We enjoyed all the old haunts as well as discovering new ones.
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Swanshiel
14-21 February 2009. The Shelton family.
We arrived to a lovely covering of snow. Having visited many parts of Scotland previously, we were surprised to find how scenic the Borders are. The cottage and its setting are both delightful and we feel so at home!
28 December 2008-4 January 2009. The Hudson family.
A lovely cottage in an idyllic and tranquil location. Swanshiel is ideal for rest and relaxation, and is a world away from everyday city life. Many thanks.
2008
11-15 October 2008. Mr Dewar
Had a lovely short stay. Visit Hermitage Castle - its brilliant.
20-27 September 2008. The Beards family.
The perfect hideaway location, peaceful and quiet. No sirens or noise like at home.
30 August-6 September 2008. The Willis family.
Fantastic location, beautiful scenery, wonderful cottage. Felt like home, but better. Horse and Hound at Bonchester Bridge does great food and has a games room for kids. Our 2 Border terriers had a great time too.
2-9 August 2008. The Lambert family.
We have had a fabulous time at Swanshiel Cottage, and the children have had great fun playing in the garden
12-19 July 2008. The Quintons.
We have spent many years on holiday in Scotland-always something to delight.
28 June-5 July 2008. Mrs Verhoeff from Holland.
We have had a very good time at Swanshiel Cottage. Very peaceful and quiet compared to Holland, where we do not get views like these. We roamed quite far afield – Edinburgh – Hexham, we even walked on Hadrian's Wall. Sometimes it was difficult to tear ourselves away from the bookcases, a very good feature of the cottage.
14-21 June 2008. The Edwards family.
"What do you mean, we have to go home? We love this place!"
PS. the views are incredible wherever you go be sure to bring a camera. (Maria aged 11)
12-19 April 2008. Irwin family.
Had a great week – enjoyed making dens down by the stream and collected tadpoles. Went for long long walks. (Kirsty aged 11) We enjoyed paddling down in the stream. At Jed Forest we watched lambs being born and got to feed them. Saw a hawk hovering and diving. It was a great holiday! (Gavin aged 9)
December 29th - 5th January 2008 Litchfield Family, Sutton in Ashworth
It snowed at the end of the holiday and we enjoyed playing outside building snowmen. We all had an amazing time, and the dogs thoroughly enjoyed running around the garden.