'Cosy' holiday home with 'breathtaking' view in wildlife hotspot is 'pure bliss'

Edinburgh Live

11-05-2025

The Scottish Highlands, famed for dramatic landscapes and unbeatable hiking routes, stand as a prime choice for a UK staycation. Nestled in a tiny village on the western shores of Loch Duich, visitors can find an award-winning holiday cottage that's said to be "perfect for exploring Skye and Lochalsh."
The Druidaig Cottage, found in Letterfearn, won the Gold award for 'Best for Views' at the Sykes Gems Awards 2024. The "cosy" property sleeps up to four people, with one double bedroom and one twin bedroom, a kitchen with a dining area, a sitting room with a wood-burning stove, and a private patio to enjoy those all-important views.
Adventurers keen to explore the area might prefer Leachachan Barn, found on Wilderness Cottages; Loch Duich Cottage, found on Cottages.com; or An Comaraich - The Sanctuary, found on Direct Hotels.
Nonetheless, it's clear Loch Duich is a hit with visitors. Reviewing the Druidaig Cottage, visitors loved the "breathtaking" location. However, visitors should be aware it's a rural location, as some guests commented on the distance from amenities, like pubs and shops, and the road used to access the property.
The listing states: "This charming cottage nestles on a pretty hillside in the tiny village of Letterfearn, overlooking Loch Duich with views down the loch to the Five Sisters of Kintail (...) With a mountainous backdrop and wonderful views to the front it will be hard to leave this perfect spot but close by there are an amazing amount of activities to be enjoyed."
(Image: Sykes Cottage)
It continues: "Letterfearn is a tiny village on the western shores of Loch Duich, amidst stunning scenery in the Scottish Highlands. From Letterfearn guests can explore the Isle of Skye, Kyle of Lochalsh, Eilean Donan Castle and much more. The area is brimming with spectacular scenery, wonderful walking trails and plentiful wildlife, making it a great base for a Scottish break. Sailing on Loch Duich, boat trips and cycle paths, pony trekking, woodland gardens or quiet strolls along the shore can all be enjoyed from this quiet Scottish village."
One happy guest said: "The cottage is in the most perfect location and the views from the verandah are breathtaking. We loved watching all the wildlife and birds from the verandah which is a real bonus as even if it is torrential rain you can still sit outside.
"One of our highlights was paddleboarding on the loch with the backdrop of Eilean Donan Castle. It is well placed to visit the Isle of Skye but we preferred the scenery from Loch Duich. The cottage is well equipped and has everything you need for a cosy and relaxing stay. We would highly recommend and would love to stay again in the future."
Another impressed reviewer added: "The views are just stunning. Every morning we sat on the veranda and it was pure bliss. The children were excited when we got to see the pine martens and the badger come every night and if you're lucky enough you might spot the deer coming down from the mountains behind the cottage.
"This is the first year out of many in Scotland where we have not had to spend a penny on things to do with the children. You have everything on your doorstep for free."
(Image: Sykes Cottages)
Someone with mixed thoughts, however, commented: "One thing to note - the online listing indicates a pub and shop within 4 miles, this is not the case, nearest pub is around 8 miles away on the other side of the loch and shop is part of a filling station at around 9 miles.
"This has a decent selection of items. For a bigger selection the Co-Op in Kyle of Localsh is good. It wasn't a huge issue but did catch us out in terms of expectations for ability to shop on arrival, if you are due to arrive quite late it is better to have some basics with you."
They also advised you need to take care when accessing the property, adding: "Reaching the cottage is done via a 5 mile stretch of single track road that winds around the loch, there are plenty of passing places but it requires an amount of care as it is lined with ditches and drops down to the beach and I don't imagine an easy recovery is possible!"
A different reviewer loved their stay but warned guests to take bug repellent. They explained: "One piece of advice I would like to pass on is if you go in Midge season buy a decent midge repellent as the Midges are relentless and swarms will be around you in seconds."
They added: "We did buy the skin so soft dry oil spray and it does work midges do not bite you but it does not stop then from coming around you in swarms. Highly recommended cottage if you like you peace tranquillity and stunning views. A little slice of heaven."
Sadly, the Druidaig Cottage is full for most of the year, reports the Daily Record. However, you can book seven nights from December 13 to December 20 for £461, or, next year, you can book seven nights from June 13 to June 20 for £838.