Looking for small cottage near rocky coast with sound of waves and ocean views. Like rugged experience. No need for many amenities. Will have car. Would hike, bike, listen to music. Enjoyed previous travel to Orkney and Isle of Skye. Will be traveling alone. Wondering if Inner Hebrides would be too expensive due to ferry travel between islands. Also if too many tourists here in August. Thank you.
Posted by
Isle of Skye, Scotland
1292 posts
It's hard to know whether something will be too expensive for you - only you can know that. If you want relative solitude you could look at the Outer Hebrides, although even there it's likely that rental cottages with sea views will be booked for August by now. Lewis & Harris, North Uist, Eriskay, Benbecula, South Uist, Barra are the main islands making up the Outer Hebrides. You could also consider the island of Raasay which is off the coast of Skye. Here's a link to a cottage on Raasay that has availability in August, but you will see it's not cheap. raasay cottage
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Try looking through this list: https://www.nts.org.uk/Holidays/Specialist-properties/Cottages/Show-all/
It is the National Trust for Scotland, which is a non-profit organisation owning much countryside in Scotland.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Last year, my colleague loved her stay near Aird of Sleat on the Isle of Skye. Easy walking on the last leg of a gravel road to reach a secluded, sandy beach. I don't know that she stayed at The Old Croft House, which still has some availability in August, or something closer to Armadale, where there are more choices.
I also always get inspired by articles in the Guardian that highlight locations like these:
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/aug/14/splendid-isolation-alone-on-a-hebridean-islands
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2018/jul/06/8-of-scotland-best-beaches-coast-highlands-dumfries
Posted by
Delaware
1442 posts
Hi, llharper005,
I was just about to recommend Eigg or Rum, but then I went back to your post and noted that you'll have a car. That won't work on those islands!
So far, everyone has mentioned the West Coast, but you may want to consider something overlooking the North Sea. The village of Catterline, south of Stonehaven, may be exactly what you're looking for. If memory serves me correctly, it's perched on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, with lots of crashing waves. It's close to Stonehaven if you need supplies, and there is a very good restaurant (The Creel Inn) in the village. It used to be an artists colony - don't know if it still is. Artists would stay to paint the village, the cliffs, and the small fishing boats at the bottom. Best of all, other than people coming to eat at the restaurant, there are no tourists.
However, the Outer Hebrides would also be ideal. There are many isolated places on Harris, as well as the Uists, Eriskay, and Barra, as skyegirl recommended. The east coast of Harris would be better for what you're trying to find. The west ooast, although beautiful, has many sandy beaches, as opposed to a rocky coast. Same with most of the Outer Hebrides.
I hope that you find the peace and solace that you're searching for.
Best wishes,
Mike (Auchterless)
Posted by
3123 posts
Since you said "west coast," I'm thinking you might look up cottages for rent in the region of Oban and Kilmore. There will be tourists in August just about anywhere in Scotland, but many of them go there for the same reason you are, so I'd expect no problem having your quiet & solitude respected.