Lochinchard Cottage

The northwest Highlands offer dramatic scenery and serious peace and quiet. Lochinchard Cottage sits on the edge of Kinlochbervie, a working fishing village on the far northern coast. The sea is less than a mile away—close enough that you can hear it from the garden, where there's outdoor furniture and views across Loch Inchard to the mountains beyond. The garden does have a significant drop, so care is needed if you're bringing young children.

The cottage sleeps five across three bedrooms: a double and two singles. There's a shower room and a kitchen with everything needed for self-catering, including a washing machine. Heating and electricity are covered. One well-behaved pet can come free. The whole place is yours alone, with private parking on site.

From here, the landscape opens up for walking, bird watching, fishing and exploring. Ben Hope and Ben Loyal are within reach for more serious hikers. Seal-spotting boat trips run from the village, and Handa Island Bird Sanctuary is accessible by water. For something different, there's a golf course in Durness, 17 miles south. Kinlochbervie itself has a couple of shops, pubs and restaurants. Non-smokers only.