Mid Fearn covers approximately 17 acres of varied countryside, from sandy shores with beautiful views over the Dornoch Firth to attractive mixed woodland, providing refuge to all manner of wildlife. The area especially attracts a wide range of waders and winter wildfowl including widgeon, whooper swans as well as various types of duck and geese, who love to congregate at the sandy shore not far from the cottage. Birdwatchers will be pleased to hear that the passionate owner of Mid Fearn is working to encourage these migratory birds to continue their yearly visits and is establishing a haven for these feathered guests. Despite the wealth of nature, Mid Fearn is only 3 miles from the villages of Ardgay (shops, hotel and railway station)and Bonar Bridge, with the highland capital of Inverness just a 45 minute drive away.
Here, you will find Herbie's Cottage, a lovely little hideaway for two people, with a spacious studio bed-sittingroom, separate kitchen and shower room. It is, in fact, a clever conversion of an old stone steading, which stands among trees and is not overlooked by the main house, a small river rumbling along behind it. It has oil fired central heating to keep it cosy all year round and has its own barbecue area beside the burn.
The kitchen area has a microwave, washing machine, and electric cooker and at the far end of the tastefully decorated and attractively furnished living area there is a very comfortable double bed. A day bed for a child can also be provided on request. There is ample parking around the cottage and a car can be bought right to the door.
The area has a great deal to offer the visitor. Within 15 miles, there are some lovely, quiet sandy beaches, excellent golf courses (including the Royal Dornoch Championship Links) and good fishing in the local rivers and lochs such as the Oykel, Cassely, Carron, Tarvie and Achilty. You can take wildlife cruises in the Cromarty Firth from North Kessock and view the dolphins for which the area is famous, and where there are also riding stables.
Dornoch (14m) is a beautiful little town, with, in addition to its golf course, a lovely cathedral, and fabulous sandy beach. About 16 miles up the coast at Brora, is the Clynelish distillery where you can taste and buy one of the finest and most hard to come by of malt whiskies. The better known Glenmorangie Distillery is closer by at Tain. At Ardgay too, you are excellently placed for heading both north and west, north to John O'Groats (visit the Queen Mother's beloved Castle of Mey, or why not pop over to Orkney while you're there?) and west to Ullapool (47m) and Lochinver where the glorious mountains of Suilven and Stac Pollaidh beg to be climbed, or viewed at the very least! Or go even further northwest to Cape Wrath, mainland Scotland's northernmost tip.
There is an hotel and shop and a railway halt at Ardgay, and Inverness has all facilities.
Oil-fired central heating and electricity are INCLUDED. Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. Pets are welcome. Smoking is not permitted in the cottage.
As in many places in the Highlands, the local water supply comes from the peaty hills and can appear slightly brown. While its quality is still probably better than many places in the south, if you are concerned about the colour you may prefer to bring bottled water to drink. Mobile phone reception is good for most networks.
Other cottages at Mid Fearn:
