Email The Smithy House Byre enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com
Other places to stay at Lochinver
Welcome to The Smithy House and self-catering holiday cottages,
Stoer. We are located in Sutherland in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland
- north of Lochinver and Ullapool, and approximately 2 hours north of
Inverness - in a beautiful Highland setting surrounded by some of the
most beautiful and unspoilt landscape for which this part of Scotland
is famous.
We offer self-catering holiday accommodation for people wishing to escape the rat race and spend some quality time in beautiful surroundings where you can relax and recharge or explore the surrounding fishing and crofting communities and take advantage of the Highland's natural splendour, food and culture.
We offer 3 different buildings at The Smithy - The Smithy House, Smithy and Byre. All are detached from each other but within the same 2 acres of garden and croft.
The Smithy House Byre Accommodation
Beautifully renovated to the highest standards this light-filled Byre with cathedral ceilings comprises:
· open plan kitchen/living area (fridge, freezer, microwave,
cooker – oven, grill, hob);
· wood burning stove;
· CD/radio;
· extensive library and 2 comfortable arm chairs;
· shower room;
· double bedroom.
The kitchen leads onto a small garden area with open croft land beyond. Watch the sun rise from behind the cairn on the hillside or look out for deer coming down from the hills. Alternatively, find a secluded spot within the gardens to relax and unwind.
All linen, towels and fuel for the stove are included, with electricity charged at cost, payable by £1 coin meter.
The Area
The small village of Stoer lies just south of the Stoer Peninsula and
immediately north of Clachtoll. Its scatter of houses and crofts are bisected
by the single track B869, the twisting road that follows the coast from
Lochinver north then east to Kylesku.
Pictish remains prove there have been settlements in the region for thousands of years. There are numerous crofts and mills scattered throughout the land going back hundreds of years too - some of which are still worked today! The crofting tradition still exists - indeed care should be taken when driving along the single track roads here for livestock that often roams freely in the area.
Stoer and Clashnessie beaches are within walking distance (less than a mile) and other safe, white sand beaches are close by. The surrounding area is famed for wildlife including otters, seals, deer and bird life. Sightseeing opportunities abound for all the family, many only a short walk or drive away.
Stoer Lighthouse is only a small drive from us and offers fantastic views out to sea and on clear days out to the Hebrides.
The village of Lochinver is a scenic 20-minute drive away and has all local amenities including shops, bank, medical centre, garage, post office, leisure centre, restaurants and pubs. There are a number of good places to dine out and also an award winning deli famed for its pies! The pier at Lochinver is frequently visited by local and continental fishing boats.
There is a lovely coastal road that links Lochinver to Achiltibuie, another old crofting village. This is a great excursion offering some stunning scenery and views of mountains such as Suilven and Staic Polleidh.
Nearby, the village of Ullapool has a leisure centre (including swimming pool) and 9 hole golf course. A variety of boat trips to the Summer Isles operate through the summer. A daily (now including Sunday!) ferry service to the Outer Hebrides of Lewis and Harris also leaves Ullapool harbour allowing a day trip, or longer, exploring the historic islands.
North of Stoer the single track road leads to Kylesku and those wishing to explore can travel up to Scourie, Durness and Cape Wrath. Again there is a variety of boat trips to local attractions (Handa Island, seal colony, Britain’s highest waterfall) available from points along the coast during the season.
Having a car or bike is definitely an advantage when visiting and exploring the area. It's a very special place. Come and enjoy!
DIRECTIONS
By Car From Inverness:
From the Kessock Bridge leading out from Inverness, go over the bridge
and stay on the A9 heading to Thurso/Ullapool/A835. At the 1st roundabout,
take the 2nd exit onto A835 heading to Ullapool/Dingwall/A862, Go through
1 roundabout marked to Ullapool.
As you enter Ullapool, follow the road as it turns away from the shore and heads north - A835. Continue to follow A835 for approx 18 miles north of Ullapool to Ledmore Junction and turn left to Lochinver/A837. Just before you enter Lochinver, turn right onto B869 marked Stoer/Achmelvich.
Follow this single track road straight on (if it can be called straight!) and you will pass through Clachtoll and onto Stoer - approx 7 to 8 miles. Travel approximately 1 mile beyond Stoer village. The Smithy House, Smithy and Byre is just beyond the junction at Rhu Stoer Community Hall.
You will be travelling through beautiful but remote countryside. Mobile phone coverage is variable. Leave plenty of time, and check where you can get petrol, especially if travelling at night or on a Sunday when garages can close early.
Take your time on the single-track road; there are some stunning views and plenty of wildlife but if this is your first time here please take care. Also please be considerate to local drivers who may be going about their daily business - if they are behind you it is polite to pull in and allow them to over take. Check here for some tips on driving on single track.
By Plane:
Inverness Airport is well serviced for links throughout the UK and more
European links are opening all the time. London flights can be caught
from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted. Hire cars can be collected
from the airport, or there are regular bus links to Inverness itself.
The drive from the airport to Stoer is between 2 and 2.5 hours.
By Train:
Rail links to Inverness are regular throughout the day and from most parts
of the UK. This includes a sleeper service from London.
Car Hire:
There are a number of car hire companies in Inverness that can supply
cars for your visit, for collection in town or at the airport.
Email The Smithy House Byre enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com
