Attadale Holiday Cottages, Strathcarron, Wester Ross

I stayed with a friend in the East Bothy on the Attadale Estate, from October 8 – 15. We thoroughly enjoyed the break. The weather was superb, the Scottish Midge largely absent. The East Bothy was cosy, clean and well presented.

Downstairs there is an open plan living, dining and kitchen area, very well equipped with everything that might be needed; also some really thoughtful touches, like freshly picked flowers from the Gardens, tea, coffee, milk, biscuits and fresh eggs, all very welcome when arriving after a long journey.

The Welcome pack was particularly helpful and comprehensive, with information on all you need to know to get the best out of your break.

Also the Comments/Feedback book, which contained some useful recommendations from previous guests with regard to places to visit, eat out, etc.

There is no TV (we didn’t miss it at all!); but a DVD player and WiFi are both available.

We loved the wood burning stove and the plentiful supply of logs.

Also the sight from the windows of deer grazing on the grass outside.

Upstairs there are two bedrooms, one with a double bed, the other with two singles, all very comfortable.

In terms of the location, the four holiday cottages are set in beautiful surroundings.

There is an invigorating walk from the cottages to Bendronaig Lodge and back, a distance of some 12 miles or so. We were very glad to be offered a lift there by the head stalker and enjoyed the walk back down, which was sufficiently invigorating for two 70+ year olds!

A series of three hydro electric schemes are currently being installed on the Attadale Estate, with completion due in late Spring /early Summer 2017. It was interesting to observe progress, and we didn’t find that this work impinged in any way on the peace and quiet of the location.

As a guest at the cottages you are allowed free and unlimited access to the Gardens, which are well worth a visit.

This is a good base for exploring further afield: e.g. 20 miles from the Skye Bridge, 18 miles from Eilean Donan Castle. I can also recommend the drive to Applecross, over the Bealach na Ba or ‘Pass of the Cattle’. The road rises to a height of 2,053 ft from sea level in about four miles and is acknowledged to be the most spectacular pass in Scotland. Single track throughout, it also provides some of the most challenging driving in the country.

All in all, a great experience.