Set on the shores of Loch Duich, this delightful cottage is one of two, hundred-year-old, forester's cottages and plus a cabin standing in isolation and accessed by a single track road four miles from the A87. Enjoying a high degree of privacy, Saraig offers the best of both worlds basking in peace and quiet 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, cafés and Kintail Crafts, which apart from being a craft shop, is well stocked with groceries.
Surrounded by mountain 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.
Saraig is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. It's wildlife-orientated gardens host a huge array of birds, including housemartins and swallows who revisit their nests in the eaves year after year. We supply birdfood and peanuts for all the birds and occasionally fatballs. There are pine martens and badgers, who regularly visit the back garden and are a delight to see. Peanuts are supplied for them. The pine martens also like peanut butter. Their food has to be put on the windowledge the other side of the kitchen table otherwise the badgers eat it all. Any contributions in the form of fatballs and peanut butter sandwiches are gratefully received. Seals, porpoises and otters are sometimes spotted from the lounge window along with a variety of seabirds, herons, divers and waders. Loch Duich is a sea loch and permission to fish it is not needed.
With 22 Munros in the area and miles of coastline, Saraig is perfect for hillwalking and rambling. It is also ideal for cycling, sailing, and touring. Whatever your passion, returning to this warm, welcoming, homely cottage is the perfect end to a perfect day.
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 in Kyle of Lochalsh and Calum's seal trips in Plockton. 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 shores 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, single track lane which gradually peters out. The walk along the lochside is wonderful, 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.
The interior of this cottage is charming with a log burning stove at its heart. This spacious yet cosy cottage sleeps 6 people over 3 bedrooms - 2 king and 1 twin, two bathrooms, lounge, dining room, kitchen and pantry. The beds are wonderfully comfortable with good quality bedding. All bedrooms enjoy views of the loch.
All in all if you want a relaxing, tranquil holiday then Saraig is ideal for your needs; if you want a holiday packed full of outdoor activities then Saraig is perfect for the job; if you want to visit castles, historic sites, gardens, and tour much of the northwest highlands and islands, then Saraig is the base for you. Finally, if you love wildlife and nature, then Saraig is perfect.
One last note - it is possible to get married anywhere in Scotland including on the beach, and this is precisely what two of Saraig's guests did. With a piper piping the bride from the cottage, it was a fairytale wedding as the sound of the bagpipes echoed around the mountains. The bride herself described it as magical.
