The Cider Barn

Fort William sits at the foot of Ben Nevis in the Scottish Highlands, with Loch Linnhe running through it and the coast just beyond. The Cider Barn is a conversion on the outskirts, positioned to catch views across the water towards Corpach and Trislaig. It's the kind of location where you might see golden eagles from the decking, or roe deer moving through in the early morning. A pub and the village centre are within a mile; beyond that, the train station, shops and restaurants are all close enough to reach without much fuss.

The property sleeps four: a king-size bed and a sofa bed that works for two children. There's one bathroom with a full-size shower, a wood burner for cooler months, and a kitchen equipped for self-catering. Electricity, bed linen and towels are included. One well-behaved pet can stay free. The whole place is yours alone, and it's non-smoking.

From here, Ben Nevis is accessible for walkers, Glencoe lies to the south with trails and winter sports, and the Nevis Range mountain bike trails are nearby. The Harry Potter Steam Train runs from the local station through the Glenfinnan Viaduct towards Mallaig, where ferries reach the Isle of Skye. The Acharacle Peninsula, known for seafood, is within reach, as are Oban, Loch Ness, and the islands of Mull, Rum and Eigg. Fort William itself has a cinema, soft play, bowling and swimming if you want quieter days.