Mention Scotland and one of the first things you will think of is sensational scenery and a tranquil way of life. By staying in a fully furnished country cottage beside a Scottish loch, you will be fully immersed in this special culture and discover a secret or two about the idyllic environment that surrounds you.
Click to view holiday cottages beside a loch
Stay near St Mary's Loch in the Scottish Borders
One of the lochs that you could choose to stay next is St Mary’s Loch, situated just 70 miles south of vibrant capital city Edinburgh and at the top of the beautiful Yarrow Valley. The perfect distance away to be nestled in the countryside, free from busy traffic and polluted air, but also not too far for a fun filled day trip to see Edinburgh Castle or Edinburgh Zoo in all its glory. By staying in your very own cottage at this picturesque location, not only can you go out and explore the Scottish borders at your will, but also stay in and bask in the sensational views right from your very own front door.
St Mary’s Loch is in fact the largest loch on these borders and is home to an array of activities, all designed to give the visitor that adventure of a lifetime. Why not make your way over to St Mary’s Loch Sailing Club and choose from a variety of thrilling water sports including windsurfing, kayaking and rowing? Perfect for the smoothness and serenity of the water awaiting you and all within walking distance from your comfortable abode. Prefer to stay on solid ground and appreciate this stunning lake from afar? Enjoy a dog friendly walk through the high hills and deep valleys or get on your bike and cycle to the peak of nearby Megget Reservoir, which not only provides drinking water to the entire city of Edinburgh, but also provides a picture-perfect picnic spot. Neeps and tatties and a deep-fried Mars bar anyone?
Perthshire is naturally stunning
Another stunning waterside spot to stay in Scotland is at Loch Tummel in Perthshire. With some of the most picturesque landscapes in the whole of the country, renting a holiday cottage in this exceptional area is a given. With unrivalled views from the comfort of your own home, you may be inclined to stay in and admire the ever-changing colourful scenery from afar…but going out and exploring the surrounding areas is essential. If you think staring out at the loch from your window is mind blowing, wait until you’ve experienced the splendour of Queens View, one of the most famous viewpoints in the whole of Scotland. From your lofty position, enjoy the world being at your feet as you stare out as far as the peak of Schiehallion, a prominent mountain in the area and Rannoch Moor, a mystical marshland that attracts curlews, grouse and red deer to its rocky outcrops. Alternatively, put your hiking boots on and enjoy trekking for 2 and a half miles through the wonderful conifer clad woodlands of the Allean Forest. Whatever you do, it’s important that you enjoy the night draw in from your balcony with a glass of Old Perth Blended Malt in hand whilst seeing the moonlight shimmering on Loch Tummel’s shiny surface. Pure unadulterated bliss!
Book a cottage holiday near Loch Insh
If you want to visit the scenic Loch Insh and its neighbouring mountains however, then you’re in for a tantalising treat. Set in the Glenfeshie foothills and in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Loch Insh is a sports and activities haven; so much so that Loch Insh Outdoor Centre won “Outdoor Venue of The Year 2016” at the Scottish Hospitality Awards. With the comfiest of country cottages nearby to relax in pre or post your adrenaline rush, you can have the best of both worlds. Wake up from your perfect night’s sleep and suddenly fancy a ski or snowboard lesson? Loch Inch can provide a dry slope that’s perfect for beginners as well as for those who can master the snow plough. Who would have thought Inverness-shire would have had these kinds of facilities? Why not treat yourself afterwards at The Boathouse Restaurant where apart from the superb views of the loch all around you, you can enjoy a lovely home cooked menu with the finest local Scottish produce on offer? If you want to catch your own food however, think about hiring a rod and rowing boat and making the most of the peace and tranquillity on offer. What fantastic type of fish will you be having for dinner on the barbecue tonight?
Loch Lomond is inspirational
Want a traditional Scottish song in your head? Forget about walking 500 miles and recite the lines to ‘The Bonnie Banks O’ Loch Lomond’. As the largest inland stretch of water in the whole of the UK, Loch Lomond is definitely something to shout about. The loch is home to over 30 small islands, including Inchmurrin, Britain’s largest fresh water island and Inchcailloch which is part of a national nature reserve and flaunts a magical backdrop of bluebells in the springtime. Packed your trunks with you? Loch Lomond is extremely popular with swimmers and there is often a gala or an event on to catch a visitor’s attention. The Great Scottish Swim in August is a firm favourite and gets people of all ages to try something different and get themselves healthy for charity. Not brave enough for the cool waters? Families can peruse the artisan craft markets, live music stages and street food stalls available on the banks. However, you choose to spend your day, your country cottage will always be there waiting for you, expectant sofa ready to be sat on and traditional wood fire burning. Is this what dreams are made of?
Magical holidays beside a Scottish loch
Staying beside a Scottish loch has so many amazing advantages. It can provide intimate and stress-free time for you and your family, an abundance of adrenaline fuelled activities available at your beck and call, world famous landscapes ready to be explored and a charming riverside cottage that you’ve fallen in love with and will want to return to time after time.