On the south side of Strathoykel in a peaceful river valley flanked by moors and hills is The Steading, a beautifully converted farm building of traditional design.
Quick Info
Sleeps: 4 | Bedrooms: 2 |
Changeover Day: Sat | Pets Allowed: No |
No smoking | Bathrooms: 2 |
At Bonar Bridge in Sutherland (11 miles, all facilities and golf course), if you branch off the road to Lairg, you join the little single track road which leads up to the house. It sits in a commanding position above its only visible neighbour on a grassy terrace by a steep shared drive.
The impressive, open plan living area has an electric coal effect stove and is partly double height with a fine panelled ceiling. It is bright and airy with plenty of light coming through the large picture and roof windows and the French doors which lead out to a gravel terrace (with furniture). It has an overall warm and cosy feel that is further enhanced by the amount of natural wood on display, not just in terms of the ceiling, but also the traditional latched doors and wooden fire surround.
All on one level there are two twin bedrooms which are finished to a very high standard throughout. Both bedrooms have glorious views of the surrounding valley and hills and the larger of the two also has an en suite shower room.
The main bathroom is entertainingly decorated in a style which will put fishermen instantly in the mood for a good day’s angling!
The Oykel is a well-known salmon river, which is bound to be of interest to fishermen and the scenery in the immediate area is surprisingly gentle for a place so far north.
The river valley is a broad one, flanked by wildflower meadows and woodlands, but in the background there are tempting views of Ben More Assynt, reminding you that more rugged territory is not so far away. Those seeking more gentle exercise will find lovely woodland walks at Roseland woodland trails, at Raven's Rock Gorge or the Cassley Falls. Back down the road, too, are the impressive Falls of Shin.
The Steading is set in a convenient spot for exploring the remote countryside of the north west Highlands. If you cross the river to join the A837, it will take you over to the west coast, either to Ullapool (38 miles), the stunning mountain scenery of the Coigach, to Lochinver or even to Scourie and Laxford Bridge. On this road there is a hotel at Oykel Bridge (9 miles). To the south east are the glorious beaches and championship golf course at Dornoch (24 miles) and the possibility of heading right up the coast to John O' Groats.
You could head directly north from Lairg, where there is a pony trekking centre, just over 40 miles to the very north coast at Tongue. There are some wonderful deserted beaches there and you could even go right along the top to Durness, stopping off at the famous Smoo Cave on the way. Those interested in wildlife should visit the RSPB site at Forsinard, in the midst of the amazing and unique Flow Country, arguably the largest area of blanket bog in Europe, where, in summer, you can hope to see the hen harriers, golden plovers and greenshanks which come here to breed.
Local Events and Attractions
Please note: while we make every effort to be as accurate as possible, the actual position of the cottage indicated on the map above and the proximity of the amenities in the Local Info section cannot be guaranteed to be precise and should be used as a guide only.
Accommodation
Single Storey
Open plan living area with TV/DVD, CD player, electric coal effect stove, electric cooker, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and microwave etc
Twin bedroom with en suite shower, WC and wash basin
Twin bedroom
Bathroom with bath and hand shower, WC and wash basin.
What's included
- Linen (Single Bed)
- Free
- Sets of towels
- Free
- WiFi
- Free
- Cot (excluding linen)
- Free
- Highchair
- Free
Services
Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. The first £20 of electricity INCLUDED with any additional usage payable by meter reading at the end of your stay. Heating is by oil CH (first £30 INCLUDED) and electric coal effect stove. WiFi is INCLUDED subject to provider. Sorry, no pets or smoking in the cottage.
Weekly Prices
The weekly guide prices for this property are shown below. Use the availability & book sidebar on the right to select your holiday or calculate short break rates (where available).
From 11/10/2024 to 14/10/2024
From 18/10/2024 to 21/10/2024
From 19/04/2024 to 22/04/2024
From 12/04/2024 to 15/04/2024
From 05/04/2024 to 08/04/2024
From 05/01/2024 to 08/01/2024
From 29/03/2024 to 01/04/2024
Changeover Day: Sat
Rental - Date Range | Sleeps 4 |
28 Oct 2023 - 17 Dec 2023 | £475.00 |
18 Dec 2023 - 27 Dec 2023 | £775.00 |
28 Dec 2023 - 05 Jan 2024 | £775.00 |
06 Jan 2024 - 02 Feb 2024 | £495.00 |
03 Feb 2024 - 29 Mar 2024 | £595.00 |
30 Mar 2024 - 19 Apr 2024 | £695.00 |
20 Apr 2024 - 03 May 2024 | £595.00 |
04 May 2024 - 24 May 2024 | £695.00 |
25 May 2024 - 31 May 2024 | £795.00 |
01 Jun 2024 - 21 Jun 2024 | £695.00 |
22 Jun 2024 - 19 Jul 2024 | £795.00 |
20 Jul 2024 - 23 Aug 2024 | £815.00 |
24 Aug 2024 - 13 Sep 2024 | £695.00 |
14 Sep 2024 - 04 Oct 2024 | £595.00 |
05 Oct 2024 - 25 Oct 2024 | £695.00 |
26 Oct 2024 - 19 Dec 2024 | £495.00 |
20 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024 | £795.00 |
28 Dec 2024 - 05 Jan 2025 | £795.00 |
06 Jan 2025 - 05 Jan 2026 | POA |
06 Jan 2026 - 05 Jan 2027 | POA |
06 Jan 2027 - 05 Jan 2028 | POA |
Please note: Prices are calculated based on your party size at the time of booking. If your party size changes for any reason after booking, please let us know so we can ensure the accommodation provided meets your exact requirements.
Reviews
(Supplied Independently through Feefo)


Wunderschönes, gemütliches und sauberes Cottage mit einer herrlichen Aussicht über das Oykeltal. Gut ausgestattet und wa...
Read More
The cottage was spacious and well equipped and the host was really helpful.

It was everything that the brochure said it was.

Lovely holiday in quite peaceful rural location as advertised:cottage was very comfortable: host was amazing - lives lo...
Read More
This is a decent sized holiday cottage occupying an elevated position above Strathoykel. Unfortunately, the pictures on ...
Read MoreGuest Comments
'Just returned from a wonderful week at The Steading. The cottage is in a very quiet location - we felt relaxed as soon as we walked through the door. An abundance of really lovely walks and quaint towns to visit. The owners were very friendly and went out of their way to ensure we were comfortable and offered helpful suggestions for places to visit, activities for all ages and places to eat.'
Maynes party
Guest Comments
'Just returned from a wonderful week at The Steading. The cottage is in a very quiet location - we felt relaxed as soon as we walked through the door. An abundance of really lovely walks and quaint towns to visit. The owners were very friendly and went out of their way to ensure we were comfortable and offered helpful suggestions for places to visit, activities for all ages and places to eat.'
Maynes party