Off-the-beaten track: remote places to stay in Scotland
Remote, from the Latin remotus, means going beyond the destination into the discovery. There is an aura about places touched by wilderness that offer balm to the soul, and spark curiosity and creativity in equal measure to leave you feeling deeply nourished. Scotland is blessed with vast swathes of solitude just waiting to be explored from this inspected and selected batch of remote places to stay. From the ultra-modern to the traditionally cosy, each one brings you closer to nature.
Badan Mhugaidh, Highland
Paradise for adventurers in Scotland’s wild Torridon Hills, a remote and remarkable spot in spectacular scenery with loch views and luxury touches. Surrounded by water, woodland and wildlife this is off-grid living but with luxury seamlessly woven in: heating and hot water from solar power, a wood-burner fuelled by the estate and filtered spring water from a private bore.
Take one cottage or two – they’re identical, cleverly separated by a spacious boot room with drying and laundry facilities and each with its own terrace. Nature lovers, dreamers and adventure-seekers will love it here. Head out to comb the beaches on the loch shore, bag a Munro or two, try ice climbing in winter, or mountain biking and kayaking on warmer days. Sit back with a book or spot sea eagles, otters – and sometimes deer in the garden.
“Badan Mhugaidh is like nothing else! Stunning location and accommodation that leaves you wanting for nothing, except more time to spend there.” – Guest Janet
The Net Store, Highland
Surrounded by wildlife and water, this ultra-modern house is blissfully remote. Perched 10 feet from the shores of Loch Beag, this house is a dazzle of windows designed to make the most of the views: across the Minch to the Hebrides, to the mountains on the far side of Loch Torridon, plus non-stop sealife and birdlife. Prepare to stare.
While outside is wild nature, inside is calm, crisp minimalism softened with deerskin rugs, leather sofas and wool headboards. Bedrooms and white-marble bathrooms are top-notch. The open-plan, double-height living space is dominated by a floor-to-ceiling window – those views, again – and scattered with sofas, bookshelves and a wood-burning stove. Curl on the sofa on the mezzanine-level sitting area, spill onto the patio for sunset drinks, cook in the hi-tech kitchen and dine in front of loch-views.
“A wonderful house in a stunning location. Terrific views both up the hill side and facing west onto the inlet off Loch Torridon – on a clear day you can see Lewis.” – Guest Rick
Coruisk House, Isle of Skye
Follow the road for 15 miles down the glen, past tiny cottages and wandering sheep, around the loch and over the mountain, to the the wild side of Skye and a converted croft house at the end of the track. Here a glass of prosecco greets you on arrival and Belgian hot chocolate is offered before bed. The food here is exceptional, from breakfast through to dinner’s daily-changing menus served in the fire-warmed conservatory.
Two bedrooms and two suites – simple and stylish – are divided between Coruisk House and The Steading next door. Drop down to Elgol harbour, where Bonnie Prince Charlie fled for his life, and gaze upon the mighty Cuillin rising from the sea – you might also glimpse seals and puffins. You can roam the moody lochs and heather-covered hills for miles.
“My (now) wife and I stayed and dined here for our wedding which we had down on Elgol beach. Coruisk House will always hold a special place in our hearts.” – Guest Jo
Aspen Lodge, Highland
A contemporary stone and timber lodge on the remote Ardnamurchan Peninsula with spectacular views. Come to walk or cycle from the door, launch a kayak straight into the sea loch opposite the garden, explore nature reserves and unspoiled beaches, or use the telescope to spot red deer, golden eagles or the elusive Scottish wildcat if you’re lucky. Downstairs is cosy with an open fire and plenty of books; teenagers will like the snug upstairs with an Xbox and a popcorn machine.
You’ll find a minibar and a welcome hamper which includes homemade jam, cake, wine and Scottish shortbread, and the kitchen is stocked with basics. In summer, barbecue your supper in the garden and marvel at the stars on clear nights. There are good restaurants within half an hour’s drive, and you may spot minke whales, dolphins or puffins on summer boat tours of the loch.
“What a wonderful place to stay! The views were breathtaking and the lodge definitely had the wow factor. We really did have the best time.” – Guest Julie
Cose Farmhouse, Highland
This early 19th-century stone farmhouse is set in a delightfully remote corner of the Cawdor Estate, surrounded by valleys, moors, forest and loch, and with sandy beaches close by. Beautifully renovated, a wood-burner in the sitting room adds to the cosy feel, and books and an armchair on the landing make for a quiet space to read. Cooks will love the kitchen, which has everything you’ll need to make proper meals – or even bake a cake – or drive to Boath House Hotel, nine miles away, for gourmet fare.
The café in the walled garden is delightful if it’s sunny. Revel in the quiet and open skies, borrow mountain bikes or walk the surrounding area, watching for deer, red squirrels and over 80 varieties of birds. Head to Nairn or Moray Firth for sandy beaches and picturesque villages. Cairngorm National Park is an hour away.
“We had a wonderful, relaxing stay at the farmhouse – a true break from the norm. Our dog also enjoyed the freedom of it all. We very much hope to return.” – Guest Tom
Knockinaam Lodge, Dumfries & Galloway
Remote, beguiling, utterly spoiling – grand old Knockinaam is simply unmissable. Come to be cossetted at this fine country-house hotel, once a hunting lodge, with immaculate interiors, faultless service and ambrosial food (dinner is included in the price). Lawns run down to the Irish sea, roe deer come to eat the roses, sunsets turn the sky red. Bedrooms are gorgeous and full of history – Churchill once stayed and you can sleep in his room.
Wake to beautiful art, the daily papers, games and books galore in a morning room where the scent of fresh flowers mingles with wood smoke. Cliff walks lead over to Portpatrick, peregrine falcons circle on high, bluebells carpet the hills in spring. When it’s stormy, waves crash all around. Sip a malt in the panelled bar before bed – it’s home to 150!
“Winston Churchill stayed here during WW2 to plan the D-Day landings with General Eisenhower. There are many historic sites in the local vicinity to visit.” – Owner Des
Tigharry Schoolhouse, Western Isles
Come for the utter silence and the rare beauty of this far north-westerly landscape. It’s a wild spot between loch and sea with much fun to be had without straying far: wild swimming or paddleboarding from your own stretch of white sand, hiking to St Kilda’s Viewing Point (30 minutes), fishing in the loch opposite from a rowboat, rock-pooling and foraging, bird watching or simply lying still to listen for the strange call of rare corncrakes, which fills the air on a spring night.
The house is built for entertaining, with a huge living room and a long wooden table for companionable meals, a retractable screen with a hidden projector connected to a smorgasbord of online streaming. There’s also a library of over a thousand books, two wood-burning stoves and unlimited logs for wild weather nights in. Pour yourself a wee dram from the drinks shelf, get comfy on the patio and watch a myriad of stars appear one by one.
“A beautifully converted former school a short walk away from an RSPB reserve and close to stunning beaches. Quite a special place.” – Guest Alison
Stay at Tigharry Schoolhouse >
