Kate A
22 August 2019
Scotland’s lochs are a magnificent, sparkling feature of the landscape. Not only are they beautiful, but many are rich in history and whisper the tales of Gaelic myths and legends.
Imagine having the opportunity to stay in a holiday cottage where you can wake up to panoramic vistas of one of these intriguing bodies of water. Or better still, a retreat that sits right on the shoreline where you can paddle in the shallows and maybe even fish for your supper.
Gollanfied - Loch Linnhe, sleeps 6
Scotland has over 31,000 freshwater lochs which vary in size, area and depth, making Scotland a land of surprises at the turn of every corner. If you are interested to find our more check out our guide to the largest lochs in Scotland. We are lucky enough to be able to offer you waterside holiday cottages one the edge of some of the most impressive lochs in Scotland including, Loch Lomond, Loch Ness and Loch Long.
We know a lot of you are longing for those sunny weekends spent in the wilderness to get you through the week, so we thought we would inspire you with some of our favourite lochside retreats in Scotland.
Kinloch Cottage – Lairg, Sutherland (sleeps 4)
One of the prettiest lochside cottages in Scotland...
This charming cottage is set in an unspoilt area of the Scottish Highlands - a true mountainous escape! With views across Loch More and the surrounding hills, mornings and evenings can be spent enjoying the landscape with a warming coffee or Scottish dram. Long, adventurous days are made for walking, exploring, fishing, and even mountain biking. For those of you keen to explore the dramatic mountain scenery by bike, Foinaven, Ben Stack and Arkle offer some of Scotland’s best cycling routes. There are several dreamy beaches nearby for the quieter option, and Handa Island is a bird watcher's dream.
Tirriemore – Lochindorb, Grantown-on-Spey (sleeps 6)
An impressive loch lodge in the Highlands of Scotland...
Tirriemore is a sportsman’s delight, surrounded by grouse moor and brown trout fishing in the nearby River Spey, as well as fishing on the doorstep in Lochindorb itself. If you are a history buff, you will love visiting some local castles: Ballindalloch Castle, Brodie Castle and Culloden Castle are all beautiful. The more energetic can enjoy the abundance of picturesque walks, ranging from the high peaks of the Cairngorms to strolls along the pretty riverbanks. You can participate in golfing, whisky tasting, water sports and even horse riding. But nothing compares with the relaxing sound of the lapwings, the smell of warm heather and the total calm and tranquillity to be enjoyed sitting in the garden of this wonderful house.
Gollanfield – Fort William, West Highlands (sleeps 6)
A trendy lochside lodge with a hot tub...
Magnificently positioned halfway between the mighty Ben Nevis and historical Glencoe, Gollanfield enjoys a fabulous lochside setting with stunning open views reaching across the water as far as the Isle of Mull. Memorable days with family and friends can be spent soaking up this wonderful location – pack a picnic and head off for day-long adventures in the rugged hills. Relax by the shoreline of the loch skimming stones, nature spotting or perhaps take a dip if you feel brave! Enjoy the many exciting day trips and activities on offer and then come home to this sweet little cottage and enjoy the magical views, fascinating history and wild beauty.
The best holiday cottage with views of Loch Ness – the deepest loch by volume in Scotland...
Set in what can only be described as a spectacular, secluded, elevated position above Loch Ness, directly overlooking the historic Urquhart Castle, Strone Castle Cottage is a charming property with some of the most epic views we have ever seen. There are a number of purpose-made viewing points where you can make the most of the breathtaking vistas with accompanying gardening furniture and a BBQ. Roe deer and pheasants can be seen regularly in the garden and the loch itself is in constant motion throughout the year. The daily flypasts from RAF Lossiemouth with Tornadoes and occasionally two Nimrods, offer great amusement when you are not scouring the loch looking for Nessie! This would be the perfect place to enjoy a holiday on Loch Ness in Scotland.
Burnside House - Loch Broom, Ullapool (sleeps 12)
A fabulous cottage with one of the best loch views in Scotland...
This gorgeous home is peacefully situated on the shoreline of Loch Broom in the stunning area of Ullapool. Enjoying mesmerising waterside views, the Burnside House is the perfect rural escape for those seeking a mixture of adventure and relaxation. You are perfectly placed for hill walking and road trips into the wild, or hours can be spent by the loch relaxing and watching out for seals, porpoises and even otters! Being close to Ullapool, there are opportunities for boat trips and pub visits, or you could even try your hand at a spot of fishing. The house itself boasts large social spaces with picture windows looking out across the water and is ideal for family celebrations.
Cape Cove – Helensburgh, Cove (sleeps 8)
A modern and trendy holiday home on the edge of Loch Long in Scotland...
Commanding jaw-dropping views over Loch Long, Cape Cove in the Scottish Borders features the added luxury of its own private, sheltered pebble beach and jetty. On a fine day, charter a sailing boat or fish off the pier, and if you’re feeling adventurous, jump in a canoe or kayak and explore the wonders of this atmospheric sea loch. Take a seat on one of the rocks by the shoreline and look out for the birds, seals and porpoise that thrive here and if the clouds roll in, head inside this contemporary beach house where you can watch the weather move across the sea while the warming wood burner crackles in the background. And if you think the property looks familiar, you might have spotted it on the BBC drama The Nest.
High Wards - Gartochan, Loch Lomond (sleeps 22)
An impressive lodge set on the edge of Loch Lomond, the largest loch by area in Scotland...
High Wards is a fabulous large holiday home sleeping 22, set in 98 acres of landscaped grounds and woodland, on the shores of Loch Lomond. It provides the ultimate family get-together holiday home with lots of social spaces including a TV and games room, indoor swimming pool, a tennis court and lots of outdoor areas to enjoy as well as a children’s play area. From morning dips in the indoor heated swimming pool to hazy afternoons exploring the landscaped grounds to rollicking evenings playing games of sardines with all the family, this property is one you will want to return to again and again. For those looking for a boating holiday on Scotland’s lochs, there is also the chance to enjoy boat and fishing trips, as well as all the amazing walking routes in the area. For more inspiration on this area read our guide to Loch Lomond.
These lochside retreats not only offer spectacular surroundings but are also idyllic for those with a sense of adventure. We hope you have enjoyed looking through them and invite you to book your next holiday in one of our relaxing waterside cottages in Scotland.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.