Sea and mountains - stay close to the coast and walk or cycle for miles

Saraig Cottage, Glenshiel, Highlands

Set on the edge of Ratagan Forest on the shores of Loch Duich, this delightful cottage is one of two forester's cottages standing in their own small bay and accessed by a single track road four miles from the A87. Saraig enjoys the best of both worlds; basking in tranquility, yards away from the water's edge, yet is only 25 minutes from the Kyle of Lochalsh which has a supermarket, medical centre, swimming pool and train station. Within easy driving distance are a couple of restaurants, a welcoming bar, grocery shops and a craft shop.

Surrounded by mountains, forest and loch, the ever-changing views from this cottage are truly spectacular making it a perfect retreat for those who want to get away from it all. On a clear night, the Milky Way is visible and in the distance, far enough away not to cause light pollution, the illuminated Eilean Donan Castle shimmers in the dark.

With 22 Munros in the area and miles of coastline, Saraig is perfect for hillwalking and rambling. It is also ideal for cycling, sailing, wildlife enthusiasts (there are pine martens who regularly visit the back garden and also badgers which are less easy to spot) and those who like to fish. Loch Duich is a sea loch and permission to fish it is not needed. Boats can be hired from nearby Letterfearn.

There is so much to see and do in the area a week is hardly long enough. Within easy reach is Eilean Donan Castle, the Iron Age brochs of Glenelg, Attadale and Armadale gardens, the dramatic Falls of Glomach, plus boat trips galore including a glass-bottomed boat trip and Calum's seal trips. At certain times of the year there are also whalewatching trips. There is a wide variety of walks from the challenging Five Sisters of Kintail and Saddle to a gentle stroll along the shoes of Loch Duich right outside the front gate. Wander through deserted glens, alongside bubbling burns, through dense forest, past cascading waterfalls (numerous after heavy rainfall). The township road Saraig stands on is a very quiet road which gradually peters out, the only traffic being cars accessing the cottages along the lochside. It is a lovely walk with stunning views, lapping waves and the chance of spotting otters and seals. Herons frequent the area and from time to time, eagles, deer and dolphins can be seen.