Ross & Cromarty, self catering Scotland
With its beautiful beaches, romantic castles and close proximity to the Isle of Skye, a self-catering cottage in Ross and Cromarty in north west Scotland makes for a perfect Highland holiday at any time of year.
Ross and Cromarty is a huge area in north west Scotland the same size as Cyprus, but with a population of only 50,000. Self-catering cottages on the west side of the region, which comprises of Easter Ross, the Black Isle and Cromarty, enjoy a much drier climate than those on the east coast.
The scenic west coast of Ross-shire is perhaps the most popular destination for Scottish self-catering cottages with its wonderful beaches, spectacular mountains and wide vistas at every turn.
The scenic port of Ullapool in Wester Ross has developed into a small coastal resort and holds a regatta every August, as well as providing the ferry service to the Outer Hebrides. Visitors to this region should take a boat trip and head out to the Summer Isles which is home to seals, porpoises, otters and many seabirds including puffins.
A drive down the coast road leads past the world famous Inverewe Gardens and on to the fishing village of Gairloch which is a gem of a place offering a friendly welcome to the many visitors who return each year.
The Applecross Peninsula is also well-worth a detour, simply to drive along the spectacular Pass of the Cattle from Kishorn to Applecross village. Close by is the picturesque fishing village of Shieldaig, which has a population of 100 and a popular village fete in August.
A self-catering holiday home in the south of the county provides easy access to the village of Plockton where the 1970s film The Wicker Man was based. Situated on the shores of Loch Carron, the village has it’s own micro-climate which is warm enough to allow exotic palm trees to grow.
Eilean Donan Castle is another familiar site and a pretty half mile walk from the town of Dornie. This thirteenth century castle is situated on an island in the centre of Loch Duich which can only be acessed by the footbridge.
Kyle of Lochalsh is the stepping off point for the majestic Isle of Skye which for centuries was only accessible by ferry, but today by the toll-free bridge - although traditionalists can still take a ferry to Skye from either Glenelg or Mallaig.
Other popular attractions in this region include the Glenmorangie Distillery at Tain; the Highland Museum of Childhood at the Victorian spa town of Strathpeffer; or the Black Isle Wildlife and Country Park. You can also hire a boat for sea fishing or dolphin spotting from Cromarty or Portmahomack.
Gastronomy abounds throughout the entire region of Ross and Cromarty, and self-catering holiday makers can dine on the local specialities of freshly caught seafood, smoked fish and venison back at the cottage.
With so much to do in this region, it’s just as well that in mid-summer there can be as many as 18 hours of daylight!
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of of self-catering holiday cottages in Ross and Cromarty.
For details of areas within this region, use the links below.
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