There is walking right from the cottage and the quiet, single track roads are also ideal for cycling. Torrisdale Pony Trekking (0.6 miles) is in easy walking distance, offering horse riding, pony trekking and the chance to ride along the beach.

The cottage is right on the North Coast 500 driving route that has been labelled by some as ‘Scotland’s answer to Route 66’. This circular north highland route is 516 miles long in total - some enthusiasts set out to drive the entire route and some brave people have even been known to cycle it!

The Sutherland region’s climate is warmed by the Atlantic Gulf Stream and its dark skies are perfect for star gazing and perhaps even catching a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). Wildlife in the area includes puffins, ospreys, golden eagles and red deer and you may even be lucky enough to see dolphins, sea otters and whales in the waters. 

The village of Bettyhill (1.5 miles) has a grocery shop/PO, petrol station, pub and café, as well as a swimming pool and a museum that tells the story of local crofting life. The Strathnaver Trail starts from the museum (where maps are available) and leads round a total of 29 different archaeological sites including various cairns, brochs and carved stones.

There is trout fishing on the many lochs around Bettyhill and the nearby River Naver is known for its excellent salmon fishing. Just outside the village the beautiful mile-long stretch of sandy beach at Torrisdale Bay (2.5 miles) just begs to be explored and is a popular spot for surfing and stand-up paddle boarding.

Thurso (32 miles) is the nearest place for supermarket shopping and also has a golf course with a claim to fame, as it is the most northerly 18-hole golf course in mainland Britain. There is also another golf course at Reay (21 miles).

Tongue (11 miles) has two hotel restaurants if you fancy a break from cooking and just outside Tongue are the ruins of Castle Varrich, the ancient seat of the chief of the Clan Mackay. A relatively easy walk (that takes about half an hour) leads up the hill to the castle and there are amazing panoramic views of the Kyle of Tongue to be enjoyed from the summit.