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Four & Five Star Quality B&Bs in Northern Scotland
Click on a star on the map to view the relevant B&B
Grantown-on-Spey -
Aviemore - Kingussie
[ You can also click on the map of Scotland in the corner to navigate to another region ] | ||
Carrbridge is a pretty village (7 miles north of Aviemore) set some 850 feet above sea level. The famous picturesque bridge over the Dulnain River dates back to 1717. With a 9-hole golf course and a pony trekking centre, Carrbridge is also home to the Landmark Forest Theme Park, an award-winning outdoor heritage park Nearby is the Loch Garten reserve where ospreys have nested for many years. Visitors can watch them from a safe distance from a hide, managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
Aviemore is a busy little town in Strathspey, the valley of the River Spey, nestled at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains. Not far from Aviemore, is pretty Loch an Eilein, which has a pleasant circular walk around it of just a couple of miles. For the wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to the Wildlife Park at Kincraig, is fun. Cars drive through the park, safari style, to view deer, bison, rare breeds of horses and others and there are large enclosures where other animals and birds may be seen including wildcat, otters, lynx and wolves.
Beyond Kincraig is Kingussie, where there is an interesting folk museum. A back road, B970, leads back north to Aviemore passing through Inshriach, home of an alpine plant nursery where gardeners will find a treasure trove of delights including azure gentians, turquoise meconopsis and a host of multi-coloured lewisias. At Loch Insh, is a water sports centre where the adventurous can try their hand at windsurfing.
Inverness, the capital of the Highlands and Britain's newest city has road, rail and air connections to other parts of Scotland and the rest of Britain. Quiet in winter, in summer Inverness welcomes an influx of visitors from all over the world. Most of them come to see Loch Ness but spend some time in Inverness shopping, enjoying the floral displays around the town or wandering along the beautiful riverside. Walking along here visitors can explore the series of little islands in the river, interconnected by bridges. The Floral Hall surprises visitors with an amazing display of exotic cacti while families can enjoy the nearby Aquadome.
Inverness and the River NessNear to Inverness is Culloden Battlefield, site of the last battle on British soil, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Highland clans were defeated by the government troops and those on their side. The prehistoric Clava Cairns, believed to have been constructed about 4,000 years ago, are a short drive from the Battlefield.
From Inverness there are cruises on Loch Ness (with Jacobite) and boat trips on the Moray Firth to see the bottle-nosed dolphins, one of only two colonies in British coastal waters.
The road on the south-east side of Loch Ness is quiet with lovely views and forest walks. In spring the mossy banks along the roadside are covered in primroses. The pretty village of Fort Augustus lies at the south end of the loch where you can see the Caledonian Canal. Coming north along the A82, brings you to Invermoriston on the River Moriston which features the remains of a bridge built by Thomas Telford in the early 19th century.
Drumnadrochit is another attractive village with cafes and craft shops. Close to Drumnadrochit are the ruins of Urquhart Castle watching over Loch Ness and a vantage point for monster hunting. From Drumnadrochit westwards, the A831 road through Glen Urquhart passes the site of Corrimony ancient chambered cairns. It then leads to Cannich and the magnificent Glen Affric, well known as one of the loveliest glens in Scotland.
It is about 40 miles from Inverness to the top of the glen with some narrow stretches of road but it is a highly recommended excursion. The first part is narrow and wooded but further on the glen opens out to give wonderful views of mountains and lochs and plenty of opportunity to take scenic photographs.
Not far from Glen Affric, but not so well known, is Glen Cannich where there is always a good chance of seeing deer. In autumn, just listen for a while and you will probably hear the stags on the hills roaring or be lucky and see an eagle soaring above. In the same area is Strath Farrar, where it is necessary to sign in at the gate-keeper's cottage and access can sometimes be restricted because it is controlled as a nature reserve and is one of the few remaining examples of the old Caledonian pine forests.
From Cannich it makes a good circle to take the road following the River Beauly back to Inverness, maybe calling into Beauly itself where visitors can see beautiful Scottish made craft items, knitwear, glassware etc at the Made In Scotland exhibition and shop. The route from Beauly to Inverness skirts the Moray Firth with beautiful views to Ben Wyvis to the north and spectacular sunsets over the water.
The main A9 road north of Inverness, crosses the Moray Firth by the Kessock bridge with spectacular views west into the mountains and east to the sea. On the Black Isle, which isn't an island at all, are places from where you can often watch the bottlenose dolphins of the Moray Firth. At the tip of the peninsula is Cromarty, once a busy fishing village but now very quiet with many of the original fishermens' cottages converted into holiday homes.
North again, over the Cromarty Firth by the bridge at the inland end, or the tiny car ferry from Cromarty, is a choice of either the main A9 road through Tain or the smaller A836. The A836 cuts the corner, going over Struie Hill with a panoramic view from the top, looking to the north down to Bonar Bridge. Then cross the Dornoch Firth to Dornoch itself, venue for golfing enthusiasts with its Championship course and a pleasant little town with its old cathedral and jailhouse exhibition, part of the castle, which is now a hotel.
Beyond Dornoch, the A9 travels northwards through Golspie, site of Dunrobin Castle built by the Dukes of Sutherland, through Helmsdale, where Scotland had its mini goldrush, to Wick. All along this road it is difficult not to gaze at the spectacular scenery of cliffs and rolling waves. |
 Dunrobin Castle |
The A9 continues north to John O' Groats before disappearing into the sea at the boat slipway! A side road leads to Duncansby Head and from here a path leads over the cliff tops to a view of the Duncansby Stacks, spectacular rock formations just off the coast. Further west and another side road leads to Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of mainland Britain.
This northern part of the Highland area is one of the last wildernesses in Europe. From the rolling moorlands on the east, the 'Flow Country', to the dramatic mountains on the west, this is the least populated part of Scotland. An ancient land, it has some of the oldest rock in the world - the Lewisian gneiss. Once high mountains, these rounded hills have been eroded and moulded by glaciers and time. This is the home of the golden eagle, the wildcat, the pinemarten and the red deer. Once it was home to many people in small communities until the infamous Highland clearances dispersed the population to all the corners of the globe.
The main road from Wick to Thurso cuts across this north-easterly corner of Caithness, before turning west along the "top" of Scotland toward the region of Sutherland. Sutherland was so named by the Norse inhabitants a thousand years ago when, to them, it was the south of their territory.
At Scrabster, near Thurso, is the departure point for car ferries to Orkney. The windswept Orkney Isles have some fascinating archaeological sites to discover from stone circles to once buried villages like Skara Brae.
West of Thurso is Melvich with a pretty bay, one of the small villages along this stretch of coast which leads to Durness. Explore Smoo Cave and some wonderful sandy beaches before maybe visiting Cape Wrath the sea-battered cliff top on the north-west corner. Access here can be restricted to certain times and days. The road now turns south to Scourie from where can be seen the island of Handa, a sanctuary for seabirds which can be accessed by boat from Scourie.
Along this road, the traveller passes mountains with wonderful names - Cranstackie, Foinaven, Arkle, Ben Stack, and Quinag before reaching the fishing village of Lochinver. Lochinver is dominated by the sugarloaf shape of Suilven which, seen sideways on, looks more like a reclining lion. Nearby the ruins of Ardvreck Castle sit on the edge of Loch Assynt. South from Lochinver, the narrow winding side road follows the coast through inspiring scenery before going off to the delightful Achiltibuie with views of the Summer Isles or rejoining the main road on its way to Ullapool and Wester Ross. |
 Lochinver |
Ullapool is the starting point for ferries to Stornoway on the Isles of Lewis and Harris and was, only a few years ago, the centre of an international fishing trade when literally dozens of huge factory ships, from as far away as Japan and Korea, would anchor in outer Loch Broom and process fish brought to them by trawlers. Restrictions to conserve fish stocks have put an end to this.
South of Ullapool, Laide looks out over the beautiful beach of Gruinard Bay and, whilst a side road nearby leads along a promontory to the fabulous beach at Mellon Udrigle, the main road continues to Poolewe. Here are the world famous Inverewe Gardens (National Trust for Scotland), perhaps the best known visitor attraction of Wester Ross, where sub-tropical trees and plants are to be found - on roughly the same latitude as St. Petersburg and Churchill on Hudson Bay! This northerly latitude provides long daylight hours in the summer - it is possible to have over 16 hours of sunshine - and the North Atlantic Drift ensures a mild climate in the coastal fringes.
Mellon UdrigleA few miles south of Poolewe is Gairloch set around a beautiful beach and with stunning views to the Torridon Mountains and the Isle of Skye. Sharing these views, is Gairloch's superbly scenic 9-hole golf course. From Ullapool and Gairloch, are boat trips watching for seals, dolphins, shark and even whales. River and sea angling and freshwater fishing are available and local people can advise on the best spots. The award-winning museums of local life in Gairloch and Ullapool are worth a visit.
The mountains may not be the highest but they are certainly spectacular and include several Munros (mountains over 3,000 feet high) - Slioch (the Spear), Beinn Eighe, Liathach (the Grey One), Ben Alligin and An Teallach (the Anvil) all of which offer challenges for the serious hill-walker and mountaineer. For the less energetic there are low level and coastal paths to walk, island-strewn lochs to photograph, paint or just look at, rocky shores to explore and sandy beaches on which to relax.
From Gairloch the road winds south-east along the beautiful Loch Maree before dividing at Kinlochewe to go either east to Inverness or south, via the awesomely fissured mountains of Torridon to Shieldaig, Lochcarron and Kyle of Lochalsh.
The romantic misty Isle of Skye, the Winged Isle, is well known for its scenery, mountains, history, castles, distilleries, legends and people. Spend a few days here because there is much to see and the scenery is fantastic. Take the road to Elgol and look across to the awesome circle of the Cuillin Mountains. If you have time take a boat trip from Elgol into Loch Coruisk where the Cuillins will surround you. In the north visit Dunvegan Castle or the jagged peaks of Storr.
After touring the island you can return to the mainland crossing the bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh, from where you can take the famous scenic train ride eastwards to Inverness. If heading north by car, you can drive through the pictureque village of Plockton, where Hamish Macbeth was filmed, into Wester Ross and the Northern Highlands. Alternatively head south via Eilean Donan Castle, Glen Shiel and Invergarry to Fort William.
Eilean Donan Castle
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Another route from Skye to Fort William is by the car ferry from Armadale to Mallaig. This is the Road To The Isles, the A830, which travels between Fort William and Mallaig, following the railway line. Once a day, the normal train is replaced by a steam train. Halfway along the Road To The Isles, at Glenfinnan, is the monument to the Jacobite followers of Bonnie Prince Charlie, who raised his standard at Glenfinnan in the 1745 uprising. |
 The sands of Morar on the Road to the Isles |
Fort William sits below the bulk of Ben Nevis, at 4,404 feet, Britain's highest mountain. There are a number of exhibitions and visitor centres around Fort William including the Treasures of the Earth (a geological exhibition). The area is central for exploring the wild and remote regions of Morar, Moidart and Ardnamurchan, for climbing and hillwalking on the many mountains and, in winter, ski-ing on Nevis Range and at Glencoe. The cable car ride at Nevis Range is one of the easy ways to get to the mountain tops in winter or summer.
Heading eastwards inland from Fort William, the A82 leads to the pretty village of Spean Bridge where you can either continue on to Fort Augustus (Loch Ness) and Inverness or take the road via Laggan (Monarch of the Glen Country) across to Kingussie and Aviemore. Two miles from Spean Bridge is the Commando Memorial dedicated to the men who trained in this area during World War 2.
To make enquiries or bookings, please contact the proprietor direct via phone, fax or email as detailed on the relevant entry. If you are outside the UK, first dial the appropriate international dialing code for your country (011 from the States for example), then dial 44 and omit the initial 0 of the number given in these pages, before dialing the remaining digits.
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STRATHSPEY HOUSE
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Edwardian elegance in the centre of Aviemore. Ideal location to enjoy & explore the spectacular Cairngorms National Park. Spacious & charming bedrooms, individually styled retaining original features & period character. Experience our unique "Ruthven Suite" with four poster bed & cosy sitting room.
Animal free house |
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GLENGARRY
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Our elegant Victorian villa, set in beautiful, peaceful grounds within the Cairngorms National Park, has acquired
an enviable reputation for comfort and quality. With well appointed accommodation and delicious food, Glengarry provides the perfect all-year-round base. Recommended in 'Which?' B&B holiday guide.
Walkers Welcome - Cyclists Welcome |
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ROWAN HOUSE
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Hillside location with panoramic mountain and Spey Valley views within the Cairngorms National Park.
Wildlife, history and varied walking closeby. Unique 3-roomed suite ideal for 1-4 guests. Easy walk to village, restaurants and railway station.
Dogs accepted by arrangement Internet access Walkers Welcome - Cyclists Welcome |
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EVERGREEN
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Situated amidst the wild beauty of the south side of Loch Ness, Evergreen is uniquely designed to maximise views out over the loch. Relax in our master bedroom with loch view and Jacuzzi® whirlpool bath. Ideal for enjoying the walks and wildlife in Farigaig forest and surrounds. Inverness 16 miles.
Green Tourism Business Scheme - Gold award Internet access Walkers Welcome - Cyclists Welcome |
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BRIDGEND HOUSE
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Centrally placed, Bridgend House is situated on the village green close to mysterious Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. Ideal for the Great Glen Way, Glen Affric, Skye, Inverness and the Black Isle. Perfect for that well deserved break in the Highlands.
Walkers Welcome - Cylists Welcome |
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TIGH NA BRUACH
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Peace, tranquillity and high quality accommodation on the shores of Loch Ness. Set in 4 acres of landscaped gardens with private
foreshore, pontoon and midge-eater. 2 en suite bedrooms with kingsize beds and seating area, each with own patio doors and covered verandah overlooking the loch.
Internet access |
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CLACH MHUILINN
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Enjoy luxurious en suite rooms with king beds, large showers, fresh flowers, wireless Internet access & warm hospitality. Delicious breakfasts served overlooking the beautiful garden.
Near golf course. City centre 1 mile. Explore the Highlands: Loch Ness, castles, gardens, stunning scenery.
Thistle Award 2007 Customer Care finalist.
Animal free house Wireless Internet access Green Tourism Business Scheme - Bronze award |
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HIGHFIELD HOUSE
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Situated in a quiet area, 10 minutes walk from the town centre, our family home offers quality Bed and Breakfast accommodation, a friendly atmosphere and warm Scottish hospitality. Private parking. Non smoking. Tasteful décor throughout. Ideal base for golf, fishing, walking or touring.
Animal free house |
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HOME FARM
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Home Farm is a comfortable, welcoming home in a quiet rural location. Situated on the Black Isle in over an acre of garden, with unobstructed views to the surrounding hills. Ideally situated for touring the Highlands, including Glen Affric, Loch Ness and Inverness. 12.5 miles NW of Inverness.
Animal free house Internet access Walkers Welcome - Cyclists Welcome |
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LOCHVIEW B&B
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Lairg's central location makes it the ideal base for your Northern Highlands holiday. Lochview's spacious rooms and large lochside garden allow you to relax in comfort. Evening meals available if booked in advance. Boat available on Little Loch Shin. Shin Falls nearby. Dornoch approx 22 miles.
Internet access Walkers Welcome - Cyclists Welcome |
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GLENAVERON
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Glenaveron is a luxurious Edwardian house set amid extensive mature gardens. Only a few minutes walk to the golf course and lovely beaches. Good restaurants close by. Glenaveron is an ideal base for touring the northern Highlands and for crossing to Orkney. Non smoking.
AA 5 Stars.
Green Tourism Business Scheme - Bronze award Walkers Welcome - Cyclists Welcome |
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THE CLACHAN
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A warm Highland welcome awaits you at "The Clachan", conveniently placed for day trips to the Orkneys. Discover John o' Groats, Castle of Mey, Dunnet Head or why not visit Wick Heritage Centre? Evening meals available within a few minutes walk. AA 4 Stars.
Animal free house Internet access |
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SHARVEDDA
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A memorable experience awaits you in this high quality family home. A perfect paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Delicious meals using local produce, served in conservatory with panoramic views to Orkney and Dunnet Head. Ideal base to visit Castle of Mey and RSPB Forsinard. Thurso 21 miles.
Animal free house |
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CLOISTERS
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Built in traditional style to harmonise with the existing 19th century church (our home), Cloisters is situated in Talmine, four miles from Tongue. In the midst of wild coastal scenery, with stunning views over Rabbit Islands (Eilean nan Ron) to Orkney beyond.
Dogs by arrangement Assisted wheelchair access to 1 bedroom |
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ARDSAILE
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This unique 'upside down' house, with a south facing aspect, set in native woodland, has en-suite bedrooms on the ground floor, with the dining room, living room and sun room with balcony, upstairs, where guests can benefit from the spectacular views of mountains, lochs and the sea. Lochinver 2 miles.
Dogs by arrangement |
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VEYATIE
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Relax in our very comfortable, modern bungalow set in a beautiful peaceful location. Panoramic views over Lochinver bay to the spectacular mountains beyond. Outstanding natural beauty; woodland, coastal & hill walks; white sand beaches and our warm hospitality - a captivating combination.
Green Tourism Business Scheme - Silver award Internet access |
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BRAEMORE SQUARE COUNTRY HOUSE
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Looking for a romantic stress-free break? Visit tranquil Braemore Square Country House, set in 46 acres of grounds with a mile and a half of river fishing. Ideal base for touring, walking or relaxing in beautiful Wester Ross and the Highlands.
Guest's kitchen available for evening meal self catering. 10 miles from Ullapool. 'Simply Something Special'
Green Tourism Business Scheme - Silver award Internet access Walkers Welcome - Cyclists welcome - Anglers Welcome - Bikers Welcome |
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THE OLD SMIDDY GUEST HOUSE
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A warm welcome awaits you in this extended, former blacksmith's house offering delicious home cooking using local and regional produce where possible. Tea and scones on arrival in cosy guests' lounge. Wonderful mountain and coastal scenery, lovely walks, wildlife and sandy beaches.
Dogs by arrangement Walkers Welcome |
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THE SHEILING
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Very comfortable accommodation in modern bungalow in crofting village, amidst beautiful scenery with sandy beaches. Ideal for wildlife and outdoor activities. TV, tea/coffee-making facilities. Sometimes Continental Breakfast only is available (at reduced rate). Please check when booking.
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FERROCH
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Ferroch sits elevated on the side of a mountain giving spectacular views of beautiful Loch Torridon and its magnificent surrounding mountains. This former croft house has been lovingly restored and extended to a high standard, creating a home that is cosily domesticated and refreshingly uncomplicated.
Animal free house |
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ASHAIG
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Welcome to Ashaig, a spacious, modern, well appointed bungalow. It has flat tarmac parking with easy access for wheelchairs. A peaceful lochside setting with views to Harris. Good breakfasts include eggs from our own free range hens & homemade bread. Relax with a drink in our sun room. Plan your day or spot wildlife in Loch Greshornish.
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BERABHAIGH B&B
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A warm welcome awaits you at Berabhaigh, a 200 year-old traditional croft house. Berabhaigh has been tastefully modernised to retain its old charm and provide a high standard of accommodation. Close to all amenities, Berabhaigh enjoys uninterrupted views over Broadford Bay.
Animal free house |
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STRATHGORM
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Strathgorm is a spacious modern Bed and Breakfast, situated close by the sea, with spectacular panoramic views of Broadford Bay, the Cuillin mountains and nearby islands. All rooms are decorated to a high standard. A warm Highland welcome awaits you in our family home. 3 miles from Broadford.
Animal free house |
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FAEGOUR HOUSE
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Faegour House is situated in its own grounds with panoramic views of Ben Nevis mountain range. Offering a high standard of comfort throughout with a warm welcome assured, we are an 8 minute walk from restaurants, hotels, a woollen mill and shops.
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SPEAN LODGE COUNTRY HOUSE
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Historic Highland lodge set in lovely landscaped grounds above the River Spean. Tastefully furnished with antiques and paintings. Spacious guest lounge. Well appointed rooms. Delicious breakfast options. Explore Ben Nevis, Loch Ness, Skye, Cairngorms etc. Fort William 9 miles. Stunning mountain scenery. Village facilities.
Animal free house Ancestral Welcome - Bikers Welcome - Cyclists Welcome - Walkers Welcome |
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INNISHFREE
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Modern detached house in spacious garden. Breakfast served in conservatory with panoramic views towards Ben Nevis and Aonach Mhor. Ample private parking. Plenty to see and do. Ideal base for exploring the area's lochs and glens. A warm Highland welcome awaits you.
Animal free house |
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RUSTIC VIEW
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Rustic View is quietly situated within its own extensive grounds. Varied breakfast menu is served in the conservatory with a view of Ben Nevis and the surrounding hills. One ground floor bedroom. Large parking area. Excellent base for touring the Highlands. Short distance from town centre.
Animal free house |
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DAILANNA
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Dailanna is situated in a large garden, in an elevated, peaceful position, with fine views southwards over Locheil to the Ardgour hills. 10 miles west of Fort William on the romantic Road to the Isles. Ideal base for touring the area. Extensive breakfast menu available. TV lounge overlooking Locheil. No smoking.
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HIGHLAND VIEW
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Enjoy luxury accommodation set amidst magnificent Scottish Highland loch and mountain scenery. Explore the Highlands and then relax and unwind in one of our spacious individually furnished, en-suite rooms - including superking-size beds, Wi-Fi access and satellite television. Glencoe 4 miles.
Internet Access Animal free house |
A range of Welcome Schemes has been developed by the tourist board to indicate establishments that pay particular attention to the needs of Walkers, Cyclists, Golfers, Bikers, Children, Anglers, etc. The schemes, based on the provision of facilities and services, recognise the special efforts made by hosts to provide for visitors.
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Please note that all details of establishments are as provided by the proprietors
who are solely responsible for the standards of their establishments
and for the accuracy of information displayed on this web site concerning them.
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