Inverness is perfectly placed for quick getaways to some of the most beautiful - and secluded - spots in Scotland. Choose from coastal cottages, country lodges, glamping getaways or farmhouse B&B, all less than 60 miles from the boundary. Whichever way you choose to go, you will not be disappointed!
6 Miles: Leanach Farm B&B, Inverness
Overlooking the Culloden Viaduct and the Nairn valley, Leanach Farm is only half a mile from Culloden Battlefield and the Clava Cairns.
You are assured of a warm welcome from Iain and Rosanne MacKay, who have a 4-star grading from VisitScotland for the outstanding quality of their accommodation and services. As a staying guest, don’t forget to ask for a free sheepdog demonstration from Iain and his dogs - an outstanding skill and sight.
10 Miles: Big Sky Lodges, Muir of Ord
A 'wow' awaits you at Ailsa and Jonny’s 17 acre family croft on the edge of the beautiful Black Isle.
Set among meadows grazed by Highland cows and horses, surrounded by natural birch woodland and forest, you’ll find six beautiful Finnish log cabins, a vintage style glamping caravan and an adventure themed croft loft at Big Sky Lodges.
The mantra here is on enjoying nature and the peace and tranquillity of the Scottish countryside-from the smell of wood when you enter a lodge, to the red kites flying overhead and the cows grazing in the fields. Family friendly details add to the charm - you will find handy things to make your family stay a little easier including kid friendly crockery, story books for bedtime, and board games to keep the little ones entertained. Cots and highchairs are also available if needed.
19 Miles: Culligran Cottages, Beauly
A perfect choice for those who love all things outdoor!
Choose from a traditional stone cottage or Norwegian-style chalets in the beautiful Glen Strathfarrar, surrounded by mountains, lochs, river and Caledonian pinewood.
Visitors have exclusive access to Culligran Estate, ideal for a spot of salmon or trout fishing, walking among the forests or hiring a bike to enjoy the estate’s private tracks. Dogs are also welcome to stay at Culligran.
24 Miles: The Bothy at Nonikiln, Alness
A romantic break for two? Located on a family farm with rolling views of the surrounding farmland, the Cromarty Firth and the mountains of Wester Ross in the distance, this cottage is perfect for an escape. Lovers of the great outdoors will enjoy the many walks, forest tracks, rivers, lochs, and local archaeology, all within easy reach, including the Fyrish Monument which is 10 miles away.
Inspired by the old farm bothy, the cottage has been lovingly created using stone from the original building with large windows looking out onto Fyrish Hill.
Relax in the large garden that opens out onto wildflower areas with fields beyond. There is also BBQ for evenings for alfresco dining.
28 Miles: Tomich Holidays, Tomich
Tomich Holidays, on Guisachan Estate, overlooking Glen Affric, is a family business providing a selection of twelve self-catering cottages or lodges for up to six people.
Ideal for families, couples or groups, with an indoor swimming pool, children’s play area, games room, drying room and bike store. Just the perfect base for Munro bagging, mountain biking, touring or a relaxing walk on the estate’s forest trails. Tomich is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and dogs will love the pet friendly country walks right from the doorstep. Tomich Holidays has a Gold Green Tourism award – checkout their car free days and carbon offset schemes.
30 Miles: Avielochan Cottages, Aviemore
Just 2 miles outside Aviemore, by a small loch, Avielochan cottages has spectacular panoramic views of the Cairngorm Mountains. All the properties on Avielochan are set in their own grounds on the farm, which is home to a herd of Aberdeen Angus and shorthorn cattle which are traditionally reared outdoors. The loch is home to many birds including ospreys in the spring and summer as well as golden eye, coot, and slavonian grebe. You may also spot other wildlife like red squirrel, red and roe deer, black grouse and capercaillie. With three cottages and caravan accommodation to choose from, Avielochan is perfect for a getaway to nature.
33 Miles: The Mill at Fearn Farm, Tain
Fiona and John Scott are fifth generation Scotch beef and lamb farmers at Fearn Farm, in Easter Ross. The Mill, at Fearn Farm, is a beautiful new build offering flexible self - catering accommodation sleeping 14 in total, or a cottage for 4 and a house for 10, surrounded by stunning beaches and scenery.
The Mill End has 5 bedrooms all with ensuites and views across the farm looking out onto fields of sheep and cattle. The living area is spacious, bright and opens out on to a south facing patio with a lovely eating area and garden.
The Wee End is a single storey, two-bedroom cottage attached to the Main Mill, whose bedrooms can be set up as twin or super-king rooms to suit your needs. There is a shared bathroom and a kitchen/living area with a wood-burning stove. The bedrooms and living area all have sliding patio doors which access a south-facing private patio and garden.
35 Miles: Castlecraig Farm, Nigg
Home to the Whiteford family, Castlecraig Farm is a working livestock and arable farm, which has 100 cows, 600 sheep, all managed organically, and grows organic malting barley used in the production of whisky and beer.
The farm’s spectacular clifftop location, overlooking the Moray Firth and the entrance to the Cromarty Firth, was the inspiration for its luxury self-catering holiday cabins that opened in 2021. Little ones are welcome for a family friendly break, the beautiful cabins with their stunning glass entrances capture the stunning views, sleep from two to six people and all have their own private hot tub.
Guest can tuck into a welcome hamper of locally sourced produce, feast on breath taking views of the Moray Coastline, the Black Isle and the Great Glen and dine out on the sight of dolphins jumping at the foot of the cliffs directly below.
38 Miles: Dornoch Croft Holidays, Dornoch
You’ll find a small herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle and a small flock of sheep on Mill Farm, a working family croft, near the NC500 route. On site at Dornoch Croft Holidays choose from a self-catering crofthouse, static caravan or five fully serviced caravan/motorhome pitches.
The contemporary, rustic Croft House, over 200 years old, has hand- crafted wooden furniture, a woodburning stove, exposed stonework and has stunning views over the garden and fields.
The caravan is intended to provide reasonably priced accommodation in a unique location, sleeping up to 4. There's nothing luxury or cutting edge, just a neat, clean and comfortable place to stay.
The farm’s conveniently located campsite is a Certificated Site (CS) with the Camping and Caravanning Club.
55 Miles: Leckmelm Holiday Cottages, Ullapool
Leckmelm Estate is a traditionally run Highland Estate on the NC500 by the shores of Loch Broom, with a vibrant community living and working on the estate.
The farm has livestock and cereals, producing and selling lamb, pork, turkey and vegetables to locals and visiting customers. Leckmelm Holiday Cottages are Gold members of the Green Tourism Business Scheme and all farming practices have a focus on being environmentally sustainable.
There is a choice of six self -catering properties, open all year round, creating a perfect base for couples, families and groups of friends to enjoy all things outdoor.
Visit Leckmelm Holiday Cottages
56 Miles: Clynelish Farm B&B, Brora
Built for Sutherland Estates (owners of Dunrobin Castle) in 1865, this listed farmhouse has all the grandeur and intrigue of a stately residence and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and countryside with views to the sea. A historic working farm with a warm welcome, it is home to Jason and Victoria Ballantyne who produce high quality, environmentally sustainable, high welfare Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb on the farm.
Located on the North Coast 500 (NC500) half -way between Inverness and John O'Groats, it's a short walk to the picturesque village of Brora from the farm which is also adjacent to the Clynelish & Brora Distilleries and a short drive from Dunrobin Castle.