Balnakeil Cattleman's Bothy

The Balnakeil Cattleman's Bothy is a traditional Highland house in the centre of the Balnakeil Farm steading. Be amidst all the action while still being able to walk 5 minutes in any direction and find complete tranquility. Balnakeil really is the perfect location for a quiet getaway - with impressive hills on one side and the white sands of Balnakeil Bay on the other, you can do as much or as little as you want, and even if you don't fancy a dip in the North Atlantic, you can still admire the breath-taking sea view from the kitchen window. Having been a home to many shepherds and cattlemen in the past, the Cattleman's Bothy has now been fully refurbished to provide a unique and luxurious experience. Decorated fully with solid wood furnishings and Anta tweeds and plaids, the Bothy boasts a contemporary Scottish interior with an authentic Highlands feel, while still retaining the luxury and elegance that our guests deserve. It is easy to develop a habit of taking a stroll along the beach to the end of the Faraid Head peninsula before breakfast and late in the evening. It's quiet here anyway, but at these peaceful times it's amazing to sit in the pale light and watch the waves and the wildlife: puffins, seals, dolphins, and the occasional otter, oblivious to the human presence. The coast is one of contrasts: long flat sands and dunes, huge towering cliffs, rugged hills and barren moorland - there is no better place to stay and enjoy the natural beauty which the North West highlands has to offer than in our very own magical Cattleman's Bothy. The Cattleman’s Bothy has been limited to adults. Upstairs there are two bedrooms named after local landmarks; Faraid (king size bed) and Croispol (two single beds or a super king size bed on request). Downstairs you will find a modern shower room, open plan kitchen (fully kitted) and dining room with a sea view, and a gorgeous sitting room with a wood burning stove. The Cattleman’s Bothy is the perfect place for friends and family to enjoy some quality time together while exploring the serenity of the Scottish Highlands. The Cattleman's Bothy comprises of: a hallway where you can hang your coats, a living room with a wood-burning stove, a smart TV and two comfortable Anta sofas; a traditional kitchen with an Indigo table, a Caithness floor and a lovely big window with a view out to the sea; a bathroom with a shower, a sink and a toilet; and two bedrooms - one with a king size bed and the other with two singles which can be converted into a super king size if requested. Guests will have the house to themselves. Durness, United Kingdom Balnakeil is on the North West tip of Scotland, and while it may be a long trip for some, it rewards those that make the journey. With impressive beaches, hills and vast open spaces, it is just how you imagined the Highlands to be and more. Beaches and coastal paths await – stroll across the white sands, roam the Faraid Head, marvel at the sunsets, and even have a dip in the North Atlantic (not for the faint-hearted)! Balnakeil is heaven for bird watchers and nature lovers alike. Climb a Munroe - mountains like Ben Hope, Ben Loyal and Foinaven stand proud over the landscape and are a haven for walkers. For golfers, the Durness nine-hole course is the most Westerly course on the mainland. Fishing - Loch Croispol is one of the well-known Durness Limestone Lochs and it is part owned by the farm. During your stay you are welcome to go free bank fishing for wild brown trout here. Nearby you will find Cape Wrath, Handa Island, Sandwood Bay and the famous Smoo Cave. It’s an attractive walk to Durness (1 mile) to find the shop, pub and petrol station. Stop off at the Balnakeil Craft village on the way and peruse the local arts and crafts on offer, or buy some scrumptious chocolate at the well-known Cocoa Mountain Chocolate Factory. Balnakeil is truly magical, and no matter how you spend your time here, you will regret ever having to leave such a special place.