For many visitors to Scotland, the north-west coast is quite simply a little slice of heaven and one of the jewels of this altogether glorious region is the picturesque anchorage round Badachro Bay, on the south side of Loch Gairloch.
Badachro, some 6 miles south of Gairloch (shops, hotel), is a small village which straggles round the bay, with a famous inn on the lochside serving excellent meals. In a spectacular location overlooking the bay and within a short walk of said inn is Hillcrest, a traditional, stone-built cottage in its own enclosed garden (furniture, barbecue) and with parking at the door. From this vantage point you can spend lazy afternoons watching the yachts enter and leave the harbour or the changing light on the distant mountains across the bay. The chalet in the garden is at present available for secure storage for bikes and other equipment and alos contains a tumble drier.
This region will need no introduction to climbers and walkers - the famous mountains of Torridon, such as Stac Pollaidh and the Coigach are close by. Or take the amazing coastal walk from where the road ends at Red Point, just down the coast, round to Diabaig. Trout fishermen and sea anglers will find plenty scope here, with pony trekking and a golf course at Gairloch. Boat trips leave from Badachro itself to see the marine wildlife in the surrounding waters. Go creel fishing, or take a trip with a ghillie on Loch Maree to visit Isle Maree, the sacred Island of the Moon.
So if you are now sold on the area, what about the accommodation? Hillcrest has been the subject of considerable upgrading in the past year. It now has oil central heating and open fires to ensure the warmth of its welcome all year round. On the ground floor there is a modern and well-equipped kitchen, dining room (with piano and hi-fi with i-pod docking station and wi-fi), sitting room, double bedroom with adjoining bath/shower room - very handy for those of limited mobility - while upstairs are two further bedrooms and a toilet and separate shower room.
The house has a delightful ambience - the improvements have given it all modern comforts and yet it retains many of the features of a traditional Highland home.
Bed linen, electricity and the first £20 of oil central heating are INCLUDED in the rental and towels may be hired. Pets are welcome by arrangement. Sorry, no smoking in the cottage. Special discount rates apply for couples. Please enquire. Wi-Fi is available, subject to provider.
