Email Borlum Farm Self Catering Cottages enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com
Other places to stay in and around Drumnadrochit
We
are thrilled to be able to offer you four traditionally built self catering
cottages all overlooking Loch Ness.
MacNeill’s Cottage, Larch Cottage, Creag nah Iolaire and Marnie’s Croft are all situated just outside Drumnadrochit in an absolutely stunning location with views over Loch Ness.
Borlum Farm Accommodation
Our Cottages:
We are thrilled to be able to offer you four traditionally built self
catering cottages just outside Drumnadrochit all overlooking Loch Ness.
The central location of Drumnadrochit makes it a fine starting point for touring the Highlands - you can take a different route each day. We boast, surprisingly, a favourable weather record!
One dog is welcome at each of our cottages but must be well behaved and under close supervision at all times. The owners will be happy to help you with walks and information on where to exercise your dogs.
Marnie’s croft is a modernised croft house, now
providing 4 star self catering accommodation in a unique elevated location
with magnificent views overlooking Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness. The
cottage is in a very private and secluded location.
· Sleeps seven - one double, two twin, and one single bedded room.
· Bed linen is provided, but not towels.
· There are two bathrooms, one with lavatory, basin and bath, the
other with lavatory, basin and power shower. The latter is on the ground
floor, and is en suite with one of the twin bedded rooms.
· The spacious dining room and sitting room both have superb views
overlooking Loch Ness.
· Heating is by electricity with the addition of a wood burner
which maintains a cosy, friendly atmosphere. Logs are included, coal can
be obtained from the owners at cost price.
· Car parking is limited to three cars at this property.
· Pets welcome - one dog allowed at the cottage.
The attractive garden is an added pleasure with quality garden furniture
provided. Roe deer and other wildlife are frequently seen in the field
right in front of the house. Walks on hill tracks start from the cottage
door step and you can also stroll down to the shores of Loch Ness.
The nearest pub is just 1 mile and shop 1¼ miles. It is in a very
private location and an ideal place to unwind!
Creag nah Iolaire cottage, sleeps 6 + 5 using the barn:
Creag Iolaire – well named, the ‘Hill of the Eagles’
self catering holiday cottage is perched up on the side of the hill at
Strone, high above Loch Ness and has unique and breathtaking views over
the Loch and up Glenurquhart to the distant mountains of Glen Affric.
The view is truly panoramic!
There isn’t another cottage like it anywhere around Loch Ness, but don’t take our word for it - come and experience a holiday here for yourself. You can go on lovely walks straight from your door, or just spend the week drinking in the scenery. It is just a short drive to the bars, restaurants and shops of Drumnadrochit or to picnic on the shores of Loch Ness.
· Sleeps six - one double and two twin bedrooms
· Bed linen is provided except for towels, which are available
at extra cost
· Two bathrooms, one with shower/toilet & basin and which is
en-suite with the downstairs double room, and one upstairs with bath/basin
and toilet.
· One dog welcome
· The sitting room, dining and kitchen area are open plan and are
in a cruciform shape. The natural maple floor is lovely and warm and spans
a large area of floor space.
· The baby grand piano is popular with musicians
· The huge windows overlooking the loch and glen, for gazing out
upon the spectacular vista, are popular with everyone!
· The kitchen is fully equipped, including microwave, washing machine,
tumble dryer, dishwasher, fridge freezer, electric range cooker, food
processor etc.
· Colour TV, music centre and video recorder make wet weather easier,
although gazing at the view even in the rain is wonderful while you are
warm and dry inside.
· Wood-burning stove for added atmosphere. Logs are included, coal
can be obtained from the owners at cost price.
· Heating is by off peak storage heaters.
· Garden furniture is provided.
· Accessories include iron, ironing board, and hair dryer.
· Annexed to the property (approximately 20 yards away) is a converted
barn, which can provide 'rustic' accommodation for a further five people
at extra cost.
The barn has a bathroom with shower, lavatory and basin. There is one double room and a large family room with three single beds. This part of the property is normally only available from May – October. If you want to bring a large party of people out of season, please ask. The barn is only let as extra accommodation for large parties staying at Creag Iolaire so your privacy is guaranteed!
Larch Cottage:
Larch Cottage is a mid terrace of three holiday cottages, (former farm
cottages) with splendid views of Loch Ness, and just a few minutes walk
from the lochside village of Drumnadrochit.
Larch Cottage is 3 star quality standard, comfortable, spacious, and tastefully furnished with fabric and furnishings that are pleasing to the eye.
Great efforts have been made to make it a 'home from home', equipped
with all the little touches that will ensure your satisfaction, whilst
at the same time retaining the traditional 'croft house' character.
Larch cottage is only three hundred yards from the riding stables, far
enough away to maintain a high degree of privacy and independence, but
near enough to really take in the ambience of life here.
· Sleeps six - one double bedroom with a king size bed, and two
twin bedded rooms.
· Bed linen is provided and towels can be provided at extra cost.
· The kitchen, dining room and lounge area is a spacious open plan
design providing 40 square metres of space.
· Lounge with open log fire,
· colour TV, music centre and video recorder.
· Excellent views of Loch Ness from the lounge and bedrooms.
· Kitchen is fully equipped with electric cooker, fridge freezer,
dishwasher, microwave oven, washing machine/tumble dryer, iron, and ironing
board.
· The bathroom has a bath with a shower over, shaving point and
heated towel rail and hairdryer.
· There is a fenced garden with furniture overlooking Loch Ness
and the surrounding hills.
· Oil fired central heating. Logs are included, coal can be obtained
from the owners at cost price.
· A fifteen minute walk takes you right down to the loch shore
at Borlum Bay, a favourite picnic spot for families.
MacNeills Cottage, Drumnadrochit:
MacNeill's Cottage is an end terrace of three holiday cottages, (former
farm cottages) just a few minutes drive from Drumnadrochit.
VisitScotlands 3 star standard, comfortable, spacious and tastefully furnished
with fabric and furnishings that are pleasing to the eye.
Great efforts have been made to make it a 'home from home', equipped with
all the little touches that will ensure your satisfaction whilst at the
same time retaining the traditional 'croft house' character.
Adjacent to the cottages is a BHS approved horse riding centre making
this the ideal place to take a riding holiday. MacNeill's Cottage is only
three hundred yards from the riding stables. Far enough away to maintain
a high degree of privacy and independence, but near enough to really take
in the ambience of life here.
· Sleeps six - one double bedroom and two twin rooms.
· Bed linen is provided and towels can be provided at extra cost.
· The kitchen and dining room is a spacious open plan design providing
40 square metres of space.
· Open log fire, colour TV, music centre and video recorder.
· Excellent views of Loch Ness from the lounge and bedrooms.
· Fully equipped kitchen with electric cooker, fridge freezer,
microwave oven, washing machine/tumble dryer, iron and ironing board.
etc.
· The bathroom has a really good sized shower, shaving point and
heated towel rail and hairdryer.
· The cottage has a fenced garden overlooking Loch Ness and the
surrounding hills.
· The cottage is warm, very comfortable and heated by oil fired
central heating. Logs are included, coal can be obtained from the owners
at cost price.
· A fifteen minute walk takes you right down to the loch shore
at Borlum Bay, a favourite picnic spot for families.
· One well-behaved dog welcome.
Caravan & Camping Park:
From the old brick yard at the back of the farm steading we have made
a hard standing and provided electrical hook-ups for 12 caravans. There
is a toilet block with hot and cold water, showers, shaver points, and
a coin operated washing machine and tumble dryer.
Alternative accommodation is available for individuals or groups either catered, self-catering or on our campsite.
It really is a wonderful place to stay, and the location is second to none.
About Borlum Farm:
The MacDonald-Haig family have been providing quality accommodation and
riding at Borlum since 1963 and love welcoming old friends and new to
sample the peace and splendour of their 400 acre hill farm, with panoramic
views over Loch Ness from many different vantage points.
Borlum is an historic farm dating back to the 16th century with its service to Urquhart Castle, providing castle residents and retainers with necessary sustaining provisions! Today sheep and horses are seen grazing the fields around the castle.
Let us offer you a unique opportunity to savour the beauty of our Highland countryside, to welcome you to warm and comfortable accommodation, and, if you wish, to watch some of the activities that go on around the farm, bringing in and grooming the ponies, helping the farrier, making silage, or searching for the eggs laid by our unruly hens! - or, you can simply relax, and watch the day unfold.
The central position of Drumnadrochit is ideal for exploring both the
immediate area and further afield. We boast a surprisingly favourable
weather record!
A wide choice of restaurants, fishing, hill walking, boating, tennis and
bowls are available locally. Borlum Bay woods are a nature conservancy
site for rare woodland and bog plants and wildlife.
Inverness offers a good shopping centre, golf, curling, swimming pool, museums, and theatre. It is on a good bus route, and takes only twenty minutes by car.
This area provides some of the most wonderful scenery in Scotland with much to see and do for everyone. For those who just want peace and beauty, there are many roads and tracks that lead deep into the surrounding hills and glens with frequent opportunities to see buzzards, herons, roe deer, red squirrels and other wildlife.
Our clients often find they get closer to wildlife on horses as the deer are used to seeing the horses on the hills too. Monster spotting is another good activity but we cannot guarantee a sighting!
Local shops are only half a mile away.
The local supermarket (Morning, noon & night) is open from 0730 until
2230 at night. The local post office has a mini market and is also open
for extended hours. Both premises are licensed to sell alcohol.
The tent site is in the field next to the caravan park, with lovely views
of the village and Glenurquhart. Free hot water and a stainless steel
sink are provided for dishwashing.
Horse riding
Borlum incorporates horse riding stables which have excellent facilities,
horses and ponies to suit most riders and magnificent riding country with
views that will linger in your memory for years to come. Beginners, novices
and experienced riders are all welcome.
Our BHS approved horse riding centre is very popular and caters for most
ages and all abilities. Whether you want regular quality instruction,
a peaceful trek or exhilarating trail ride, the Highland Riding Centre,
as well as being the home of Riding for the Disabled, also gives visitors
the opportunity to use the excellent facilities available and take part
in one of many unique rides.
Riding Holiday Packages can be arranged to suit your own requirements.
Please let us know what you would like to do at the time of booking, and
we will arrange a programme to suit.
We have 400 acres of land with a real variety of field, mountain and forest
paths for a wonderful horse riding experience – and if you wish
to have instruction, our staff will be delighted to help you achieve goals
as you progress from strength to strength.
Borlum runs regular lessons and activities for children and adults. The
children’s Horseshoe Club operates every weekend and during holidays
- it’s a real chance to learn to ride, and to look after a pony.
There’s a lot more to it than meets the eye, but the learning is
fun and everyone is very friendly.
Games, quizzes, show jumping, dressage, fancy dress - every child is encouraged
to take part and there’s something to suit everyone.
Certificates are awarded to mark each child’s progress, in both
riding and horse care.
And for a really special and unusual birthday celebration, why not enjoy
a party afternoon at the stables, with all riding and activities provided
– and a birthday cake too!
And the adults aren’t left out – both daytime and evening
lessons are available to suit most work patterns and regular competions
are run throughout the year for our regular riders. One, two or three
hour rides are available and for the more adventurous (and fit!) we offer
full day rides exploring Glenurquhart.
We are approved by the ABRS, and the BHS. We have experienced, qualified
instructors, who will help you improve and enjoy you riding. By arrangement
with the Highland Group RDA, the indoor school has a spectator gallery
and toilet facilities.
Hot drinks are available. There is a large all weather outdoor manege
and jumping arena.
Every ride is graded as either suitable for novice or experienced riders.
All rides for experienced riders provide the opportunity to walk, trot
and canter.
Our hill rides give magnificent views over Loch Ness and the Great Glen,
whereas the Loch and Duck pond rides go through flat, open country, and
woodlands. We make every effort to ensure that rides are classed according
to ability. However, if a ride has riders of mixed abilities on it, you
will be informed when booking and the ride will be restricted to walk
and trot.
The average number of people on a ride is 4 - 8 people.
Please remember to bring warm clothing and sensible footwear for your
rides, as it can be quite cold in the hills, even in summer.
If possible, bring a riding hat. We have a reasonable supply, but they
won’t fit all heads!
The Area
The central location of Drumnadrochit makes it a fine starting point for
touring the Highlands. You can take a different route each day. It is
worth noting that if you come in winter you are equidistant between the
cairngorm ski slopes and Nevis Range, so you can change skiing venues
as conditions dictate.
All these timings are approximate, and depend on traffic conditions.
Inverness – 20 minutes by carInverness
Airport (Dalcross) – 45 minutes
Fort George – 50 minutes
Cawdor Castle – 50 minutes
Culloden battlefield – 50 minutes
Glen Affric – 30 minutes
Kyle/Skye – one hour
Ft William – one hour
Ullapool – one and a half hours
Aviemore/Cairngorm Ski slopes – One hour
Nevis Range (Aonach mhor) – One hour
Perth – 2 ½ hrs
Edinburgh – 3 ½ hours
Glasgow – 3 ½ hours
Aberdeen – 3 hours
Travel Information
We recommend that you have a car with you on your holiday. There is a
local bus service, but it will tie you down to a very onerous routine!
Directions:
Follow the A82 towards Fort William through Drumnadrochit. Borlum Farm
is approximately half a mile after the Esso garage in Lewiston village,
on the right hand side of the road. Go to Borlum Farm and one of the proprietors
will guide you to your property.
Email Borlum Farm Self Catering Cottages enquiries & reservations:
bookscotland@madbookings.com
