Top 10 picturesque: Scotland’s Highlands and Islands offer a variety of picturesque accommodations, ranging from cozy bothies to charming inns. Here are some notable options for travelers seeking unique stays in this stunning region.
Top 10 picturesque: what to know
Ben Damph Bothy
Located on the Ben Damph estate, this stone bothy features a distinctive cherry-red tin roof. The estate spans 5,868 hectares and is situated near Loch Torridon. The bothy, built from the ruins of an old black house, provides views of the loch and surrounding mountains. It has two rooms, each accommodating two guests, and is equipped with log burners for warmth. A “sitooterie” between the rooms offers picture windows with views of Ben Alligin. While there is no electricity, the bothy has running water and a gas-powered hot shower. A compost loo is available in the garden. The accommodation sleeps four and is available from £342.50 for two nights. More information can be found at bendamph.com.
Old Bridge Inn
Situated on the banks of the River Spey near Aviemore, the Old Bridge Inn combines a gastropub atmosphere with hostel accommodations. The inn is known for its lively folk music sessions and features a riverside beer garden. The bunkhouse offers seven en suite rooms and dorms, all with a vintage chic vibe. Guests can enjoy outdoor activities such as paddle boarding, canoeing, and hiking in the nearby Rothiemurchus estate. Dorm beds start at £30, while double rooms begin at £85. More details are available at oldbridgeinn.co.uk.
Kingshouse Hotel and Bunkhouse
Located in Glen Coe, the Kingshouse Hotel and Bunkhouse is surrounded by dramatic landscapes, including the Aonach Eagach ridge and Bidean nam Bian. The area is rich in history, having been the site of the infamous MacDonald clan massacre in 1692. The hotel offers a smart wooden hostel with a charcoal-grey tin roof and a glass-fronted restaurant that provides panoramic views of the valley. Bunk beds are available from £44, with breakfast options starting at £54. More information can be found at kingshousehotel.co.uk.
Bearnus Bothy
On the car-free island of Ulva, accessible by a short boat ride from Mull, Bearnus bothy is a charming off-grid cottage. It is located a five-mile walk from the pier and offers a beachside location for swimming. The bothy is equipped with battery-operated fairy lights and a wood-burning stove for heating water in an old tin bath. It includes games, novels, and guidebooks for guests. The accommodation sleeps two and is available from £121 for a two-night stay. More information can be found at airbnb.co.uk.
Loch Ossian Hostel
Originally built as a boathouse and stables in 1895, the Loch Ossian hostel is now an eco-friendly accommodation powered by renewable energy sources. Located on the shores of Loch Ossian, it features compost toilets and a reed bed grey-water drainage system. The hostel is accessible only by train to Corrour station, followed by a 20-minute hike or bike ride. Beds start at £25 per night. More details are available at hostellingscotland.org.uk.
These accommodations highlight the natural beauty and unique character of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands, providing memorable experiences for visitors.