West Coast Scotland self catering rental Clavan nr Strontian

Clavan
Nr Strontian
Acharacle

Sleeping 8

Clavan is the Gaelic for buzzard, and buzzards are just one feature of the amazing wildlife (eagles, pine martens, wildcats, red squirrels and herd of red deer are other natives) that you will find around this delightful house, which is beautifully and peacefully situated high on the hill side above Loch Sunart on Scotland's lovely west coast.

The surrounding area, with its dramatic coastal scenery and lochside woodlands within the fold of the surrounding hills, has been awarded National Scenic status and is a perfect holiday destination for everyone looking to escape from their hectic everyday life and relax in a peaceful setting of breath-taking beauty.

The house itself, which backs on to the wooded slopes of Ben Resipol and is reached by three-quarters of a mile of track (some care required) through beautiful woodland, combines character with all modern comforts. To the front, the light, airy sitting room affords fine views of the Morvern Hills. (Please note that there is no TV reception at the cottage - who needs it in such surroundings? - though there is a TV set with a Video recorder and DVD player). The modern kitchen is extremely well-equipped and there are four bedrooms (two with king- sized beds and two with twins) and two bathrooms, both with separate showers. The oil-fired central heating ensures warmth and comfort at all seasons. The fact that there is a double bedroom and bathroom downstairs, plus wheelchair ramp access to the back door means that Clavan is also ideal for party members with limited mobility.

It is a wonderful place just to chill, but for more energetic visitors, the surrounding hills offer great scope for walking: (there are also several less challenging walks and picnic areas, along the loch side.) There are beaches beyond Acharacle at Kentra, or, if you venture out to Ardnamurchan Point, (the lighthouse is open to visitors and it is a prime whale-watching site) the westernmost tip of mainland Britain, there are particularly lovely sandy coves at nearby Sanna. From Acharacle you can take boat trips up Loch Shiel, and regular ceilidh and wildlife cruises are also on offer.

The nearest village is Strontian (6m, shops, pubs, PO) and from there you can also drive over the spectacular mountain road, past the Ariundle Nature reserve, to the little settlement of Polloch, on the shores of Loch Shiel. More serious shopping, leisure centres, 18 hole golf course etc. involve a trip to Fort William (30 miles via the Corran Ferry), where you can climb Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, or enjoy the ski-ing at Aonach Mhor (dry ski slope in summer).

Clavan is also an excellent centre for touring. If you go north along the Road to the Isles to Mallaig (42m) you will pass the glorious silver sands at Arisaig and Morar (excellent golf course at Traigh) where you can take a trip to the small isles of Rum, Muck, Eigg or Canna. From Mallaig itself the ferry plies back and forth to Armadale on Skye. To the south, from Lochaline (26m) you can hop across with your car to Fishnish on Mull (no booking necessary.) Oil central heating and electricity are included. Bed linen and towels are included. Well-behaved pets are welcome by arrangement. No smoking is allowed within the cottage.