If you’re thinking about vacationing in Scotland, you should consider taking a cycling holiday. There are many routes to choose from beginning with easy routes for the less fit and families all the way up to tough routes for suitable for the physically fit and requiring  mountain bikes. The benefits of taking an active vacation are numerous.One of the main benefits of going on a cycling holiday in Scotland is the opportunity to see the gorgeous landscape up close and personal. Whatever route you choose you are sure to see plenty of nature and awe inspiring landscapes. Another nice thing about taking a cycling holiday is that you won’t spend the whole trip overindulging. With an active holiday, you are sure to burn off those pesky extra calories. You can spend a week cycling around Scotland and get to know the area much better than if you had spent the whole time in a hotel. If you love riding bikes or being active, this is the perfect vacation for you.

There many different cycling routes that you can choose from. You can cycle by the side of the River Ardle or even down to the North Sea. There are plenty of forests to cycle through and mountains to trek up. You can view famous castles and breathtaking lochs. If remote villages and wilderness are not to your liking, you can opt to cycle between and around Glasgow and Edinburgh instead. There are plenty of awe-inspiring sights to see along with the opportunity to see the big cities.

There is no better way to take your trip to Scotland to the next level than by taking a cycling tour. For those who feel lazing around a hotel room is a waste, cycling is the answer. There is no better way to see the country than by bike. Whether you are on holiday with your family or your friends, it is easy to find a route that will suit your needs.

Scottish Cottage

A holiday in Scotland is wonderful way to escape the rat race and get back to nature. This does not have to mean nights under canvas or foraging for food – you can still get close to nature by a well chosen cottage in Scotland or even a lodge. Many of these come with modern luxuries but their location let you get away from it all.

An excellent example is not a Scottish cottage but a loch side lodge. Bracken Lodge at Kilfinnan, five miles from Invergary, sits on a five acre lochside setting. In the heart of the Great Glen, this small group of south-facing Scandinavian pine log lodges all have superb panoramic views of Loch Lochy and the mountain range beyond. The location is designed to be out of door. Mountains ideal for climbing and walking lie on your doorstep. The Great Glen long distance trail passes the entrance to the chalet park and is very popular with walkers, cyclists and mountaineers. Free fishing is available on Loch Lochy and the use of a boat with ghillie can be arranged at extra cost. There are water sports at the centre 3 miles and in the winter months, skiing and snow-boarding can be enjoyed at Nevis Range. For those interested in natural history, the area abounds with wildlife – deer, osprey, pine martens, golden eagles and buzzards, to name a few. The pine martens resident near the lodges regularly visit the verandas to be fed their favourite titbits of a jam or peanut butter piece. In fact the whole area is like a giant out of doors theme park.

Cottage

Poolewe is a Scottish cottage stone built it is situated in a quiet position surrounded by croft land and open countryside, just a few minutes’ walk from the shoreline of Loch Ewe, by a quiet minor road. Poolewe is an ideal base for touring the scenic West Coast, the world famous Inverewe Gardens are within a short walk and there are some lovely unspoilt sandy beaches within easy reach. This is a very good bird-watching area and other activities include fishing, walking, sailing and boat hire. This is a long way north but the scenery make up for the drive.

Cairngorm National Park

Carrbridge is easier to reach but is in a quiet wooded residential lane on the edge of the village, this charming timber lodge is the ideal base for touring the Central Highlands and Speyside. Carrbridge lies within the Cairngorm National Park which offers a wealth of outdoor activities including walking, climbing, bird-watching, winter sports, water sports, golf, off road driving and horse riding. The village is home to the famous Landmark Heritage Centre, which offers entertainment for all ages all year round. Carrbridge also has a shop, cafe and pub while Inverness is a half hour drive with all the facilities of a major city. This is another excellent chance to get away from it all.

Mackays has a wide range of cottages in Scotland. To see all the Scottish cottages visit www.mackays-self-catering.co.uk

Scottish Holiday Cottages

At 14 miles long Loch Tay is Perthshire’s longest loch and surrounding is some outstanding scenery and beautiful Scottish towns and villages. There is so much to do around here a week may not be long enough so many people come back to a Scottish cottage year after year. From Aberfeldy on the northern end of Loch Tay to Killin in the south there is lots to take in so why not have a two centred two week holiday to make the most of this beautiful part of Scotland?

Surrounded by magnificent scenery, Aberfeldy lies on the River Tay and is the perfect base for touring the famous Perthshire lochs and glens or exploring west to the Trossachs, Argyll and Oban. Within a few miles are Loch Tay, the remote solitude of Glen Lyon and the grandeur of the high peaks of Schiehallion and Ben Lawers.

Mackays has several Scottish Cottages in and around Aberfeldy such as 2 delightful semi-detached cottages enjoying panoramic views over the historic Birks of Aberfeldy and the Tay Valley. Each property has a garden area with patio and garden furniture and a private path leads down to the spectacular falls and woodlands of the Birks, a popular circular walk. Completely refurbished with great attention to detail and comfortably furnished, these cottages are ideal for a relaxing holiday at any time of year.

You can not get much closer to Loch Tay than the picturesque conservation village of Kenmore sitting as it does  at the end of Loch Tay where the River Tay begins its journey to the sea and is surrounded by magnificent mountain and forest scenery. The village has a shop, historic hotel, an acclaimed restaurant and golf course all within easy walking distance. The loch offers sailing, mooring, water sports and angling while the river offers white water rafting, canoeing, gorge walking and fishing. Mackays offers a large self catering cottage in Kenmore which was originally the home of the village policeman. Why not bring your whole family and take a boat out on the water?

All the way to the south western tip of Loch Tay and little beyond you find the village of Killin. Nearby you may glimpse ruined castles and dramatic waterfalls but you can not miss some of Scotland’s finest landscapes that fill every horizon. The village itself is thriving and welcoming community that make it a perfect base to discover the area.

Mackays self catering Scotland has a charming semi-detached house forming part of a sympathetic conversion of a 200 year old stables courtyard, in a tranquil rural setting, one mile along a private road from Killin. The conservatory has wonderful views over Loch Tay to Ben Lawers and deer and red squirrels can often be seen in the shared mature grounds. There is a private patio with garden furniture to sit out and fully appreciate the lovely surroundings.

Mackays are proud of all its cottages in Scotland so to see the full portfolio visit www.mackays-self-catering.co.uk

William Wallace

The old expression that cometh the moment cometh the man could easily be applied to William Wallace. Who he was is not well known where he was born and his early life are hazy but when Scotland needed a leader at the end of the 13th century then William Wallace was in the right place at the right time. His life ended with a traitors death but to the Scots he was elevated to martyrdom.

The circumstances of his coming prominence oddly start with the death of a young girl in the Orkneys some seven years earlier. If the Maid of Norway had survived here sea journey and married Edward I of England’s son then the two crowns would have been brought together peacefully by marriage. Her death left a vacuum that was filled by Scottish rebellion and Edward gaining the name the Hammer of the Scots.

William Wallace probably had some military experience before he killed the English sheriff of Lanark but the act elevated him to a position of a figurehead of rebellion for the Scots living in southern Scotland. He quickly gained a large following at his base in Ettrick Forest.

Mackays has fine property to visit the scene of William Wallace early days in nearby Hawick. Colislinn is a splendid example of Scottish Baronial architecture, Colislinn was built in 1896 and standing in 8 acres of private land with large lawned gardens, flower beds, an old kitchen garden, children’s trampoline, paddocks, woodland and rolling hills beyond. Through the grounds runs a burn which flows into the Slitrig Water – guests can take a swim in the natural pool.

William Wallace Victory

It was in September 1297 that Wallace achieved his great victory which created the aura of success against the odds that stays with Wallace even today. At Stirling Bridge heavily defeated a poorly managed English army. Wallace was now the undisputed of leader of the rebels.

Wallace now seemed unstoppable and decided to take the war into northern England. Raiding as far south as Newcastle as his rebels wreaked havoc. To a large extent Wallace’s actions were little more than opportunism. Edward I was in the midst of an abortive war with France over Gascony and was still stretched to keep Welsh rebellion down. Overall though it was the pressure on Edward’s finances that gave the Scottish rebels most opportunity. Edward was near bankrupt and his methods for securing finance for his armies was through heavy taxation of his people. These made him weaker at home in England and more disliked in the newly acquired dominions of Wales and Scotland.

In time though the English Earls joined Edward to conquer Scotland. At the battle of Falkirk in 1298 Wallace’s luck finally ran out and his army was heavily defeated. Wallace was now asked to fight a different battle. One of using his reputation in Europe to gain the French as a powerful ally. Here Wallace established what was to prove a much revisited alliance over the centuries. For him however France, as they did repeatedly thereafter, proved a purely self interested ally and, when they deserted the Scots, the Scottish nobility caved in to the English and Wallace was alone to face his grisly fate that arrived in 1305.

To find out more about Wallace and his Scotland why not find a Scottish Cottage to stay in at www. mackays-self-catering.co.uk with over 400 Scottish holiday cottages to choose from.

One of Mackays self catering Scotland’s most popular destinations for holidays is the area around the Boat of Garten in the Highlands. In an area of outstanding natural beauty it combines much of what is loved about Scottish holidays. Mackays have many Scottish cottages in this quintessentially Scottish region. Once you have selected one of Mackay’s Scotland Holiday cottages then there is lots to do and explore in the area.

For the nature lover the “Osprey Village” as it is often known has many of these magnificent birds nesting nearby. The RSPB Osprey centre nearby is an excellent place to learn about the best ways to see the birds of prey that were reintroduced in this area in 1954. The mixture in local habitats – from rivers to lochs, forest and hills, make sure there is not just an abundance in wildlife but also great variety. So you could easily see Red Squirrels, Red Starts, Dippers or badger. If you are very lucky, and patient you may also hear a capercaillie, Otter, wild cat as these are all know to live near the village.

Specially devised walks give you the best chance to spot the wildlife. You can pick from the Heron trail, Pine Marten trail, Salmon trail amongst many more.

There is a great range of walks near the village. You can choose to walk part of the Speyside way or a low level walks by the river or, for the more experienced there are mountain walks into the cairngorms so if you are Munro bagging there are easily accessible if strenuous walks to be enjoyed locally.

Mackays offer several Scottish cottages in the village. Amongst them is this well situated substantial family house facing north over the green and enjoys a large enclosed grassy rear garden. A private gate leads into a network of paths in the surrounding forest, which is home to a variety of wildlife including rare red squirrels. Unusually spacious the property is comfortably furnished in an unpretentious manner and has a relaxed traditional country house atmosphere.

One of the other features of this well kept village is its position on the of the Strathspey steam railway which runs to Aviemore in one direction and Broomhill in the other. So why not take the train to Aviemore and walk the six miles back for a wonderful way to see the countryside.

Another of Mackays Self catering Scotland’s properties  is set in a quiet residential corner of this attractive and popular Speyside village, yet within walking distance of the local shops, restaurants and hotel, this charming bungalow provides a lovely holiday home. There are well kept, safely enclosed, mature gardens incorporating a secluded south facing patio with garden furniture which is ideal for outdoor living.

Whatever Scottish cottage you choose to stay in there is always a warm welcome in the Boat of Garten.

All of Scotland is fabulous for walking whether it be for strenuous mountain hikes or strolls along the seashore. Argyll is one region that can safely boast it all. The scenery is breathtaking and at times dramatic. It is just waiting to be explored. The best way to do this is to find a Scottish cottage, pull on your walking boots and experience one of Scotland’s most beautiful regions.

For a shorter walk lasting just a couple of hours why not visit Ardrishaig for 39 steps woodland walk. The walk takes in a wonderful combination of deciduous and evergreen woodland with many of trees are labelled to enhance the walk further. Why not take the walk after lunch Auchendarroch Hotel?

We have several Scottish cottages near Ardrishaig. These immaculately presented holiday homes In a prime position on the shores of Loch Fyne 2 miles south of Ardrishaig and its sister town Lochgilphead, which offers shops, places to eat out, and a swimming pool to help recover from your walk.

For the more adventurous walker and perhaps more experienced you could try the longer walk around Ben Cruachan and bag two Munros at the same time. Ben Cruachan is the highest point in Argyll and Bute so should you get a fine day then you should treated to some fabulous views. Should you be inclined towards the history of power generation Ben Cruachan contains the world’s first high head reversible pumped storage hydro scheme.

We have Scottish cottages within easy reach of the walk. Situated on the hillside overlooking the stunning ‘Pass of Brander’ and Loch Awe at the Falls of Cruachan, this charming semi-detached Scottish cottage offers a delightful holiday home. Originally built in the 1870’s for railway workers, the cottage has recently undergone refurbishment and the smart, compact interior has a lovely homely atmosphere.

For walkers who would also like at least the chance of glimpsing some sealife Mingary Pier, Kilchoan on the west coast of Argyll is perfect. Conveniently placed for the many walks around Ardnamurchan and uniquely situated 1 mile from the lighthouse at Ardnamurchan Point, the most westerly point on the British mainland, this beautiful traditional farmhouse stands in 1800 acres of ground with its own beaches, loch and coastline. The house dates back to the early 1900s and has been completely re-built and extended to a very high standard to offer an exceptionally comfortable and spacious holiday home.

Mackays Self catering Scotland has many Scottish cottages across Scotland to enjoy walking and all the beauty Scotland as to offer.

The shipping forecast has been a comforting feature of British life since the 1920s. Still broadcast four times a day it still form an essential tool for mariners around the British isles. Surprisingly the vast majority of listeners actually rarely set foot in a boat but still enjoy picturing seaman struggling against storm forced winds in the Forties. Six of the forecast areas make landfall in Scotland and Mackays Self catering Scotland has cottages in each one for you to see just what “Cromarty North 7 to severe gale 9. Heavy snow showers. Good, becoming poor in showers. Moderate icing” actually looks like.

The Bell Rock lighthouse has spent even longer helping seafarers of Scotland and from Arbroath you can see the light in the distance at night. Arbroath is all about the sea. Though the shipping fleet is no where near the 60 or so trawlers that pied landed their catch at the port upto about forty years ago it still dominates the life of the town. You can even see the Arbroath Smokie being prepared.

In a beautiful, tranquil, elevated location amidst rolling farmland a few miles inland from Arbroath, Mackays self catering Scotland has q charming south-facing Scottish cottage enjoys panoramic views to the sea. It has been completely refurbished to a very high standard – all rooms are well-furnished and particularly spacious providing ample living space for extended families or groups.

Further north from the Forth area is the more rugged and oil rich area of Cromarty. The weather is not as extreme as its easterly neighbours such as Forties or Viking – the mere mention of which makes one think of towering seas. Cromarty actually enjoys some very good weather and has several fascinating towns. Not least among these is town that gave the shipping area its name. Cromarty had its heyday between 1770 and 1830 when the turning of Russian hemp into sacks was one of the many none sea related trades. Sitting as it does on at the mouth of the Cromarty firth it is also the site of the ferry that is purported to have carried Robert the Bruce north.

You could use the ferry when travelling to the lighthouse near Portmahomack. In a spectacularly beautiful and peaceful situation at the tip of the Tarbat Ness peninsula, this historic former lighthouse keeper’s cottage enjoys magnificent unobstructed views – eastwards over low cliffs across the Moray Firth to the Cairngorms and westwards over pasture to the Dornoch Firth and Sutherland mountains. Where better to listen to gales blowing in from North Utsire?

Mackays has cottages in Scotland in all areas. Visit our website www.mackays-self-catering.co.uk to see them all.

However divisive Sir Walter Scott still is in Scotland there can be no doubt about the contribution he has made to the romantic reputation of Scotland over the past 200 years. The writer was prolific penning dozens of historical novels from Waverley to Ivanhoe the Wizard of the North established a romantic image of Scotland that survives today.

Tracing the life of the man became easier once his rather badly kept secret as the author of Waverley was “blown” by the Prince Regent in 1815. Tracing the locations of his novels is rather harder – even when they became widely suspected as the scene for a novel, such as Craignethan which was believed to be Tillietudlem Castle from “Old Mortality”, Scott denied the connection.

If you would like to explore the castle then this two bedroom apartment, on two levels, provides excellent accommodation and is just a few miles to the north. The property is in the tiny village of Ferniegair on the outskirts of Hamilton and the village has its own railway station with links to Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Scott was born in 1771 in the Old town of Edinburgh. Mackays have several properties nearby such as this apartment in the Pleasance. With a lovely backdrop of the majestic cliff face of Salisbury Crags, this modern apartment is wonderfully situated in the heart of The Pleasance within easy walking distance of the Old Town, Royal Mile, Holyrood Park and Princes Street. Scott lived near here for just a couple of years before his parents sent him to the countryside of the Borders to recover from the lameness after he had contracted polio.

Borders were his home for seven years and was undoubtedly the early source of his literary inspiration, Once he made his fortune, and before he had lost it, he lived at Abbotsford. To be close to Scott’s house you could stay down the road in Jedburgh. This apartment enjoys a prime location within a minute’s walk of each other in the beautiful Border town of Jedburgh. There are many outstanding country houses, gardens and castles within easy reach of this historic abbey town. This is also a few miles from his burial site of Dryburgh Abbey.

We have many cottages in Scotland’s romanticised Highlands but as it so hard to pinpoint exactly where Scott was writing about so we have not picked out any but to experience the setting of The Bride of Lammermoor stay in Haddington and travel down to the Lammermuir Hills. Mackays Self Catering Scotland has this charming 2-storey cottage is tucked away in a sunny, south-facing, sheltered courtyard. The sunny rooms are comfortably furnished with a lovely atmosphere, relaxing feel and many personal touches to ensure visitors have a most enjoyable stay.

Mackays have many Scottish cottages to enjoy so visit our website www. mackays-self-catering.co.uk to view them all.

To anyone looking for holiday cottages in Scotland who needs easy access then Mackays website www.mackays-self-catering.co.uk is an excellent place to start. Using the search function you can produce a list of over 150 properties with easy access. This gives a wealth of Scottish Cottages to choose from.

We have cool city apartments such as the new Breadalbane Street, Edinburgh. In a converted ‘Whisky Bond’ warehouse development, within easy reach of the city center. This uniquely designed apartment offers generous living space with its open plan interior and airy, light, contemporary style. The development is centered around a delightful pedestrian-only landscaped piazza with coffee shop, underground parking (with direct access to lift), concierge service and elevator access. The property may suit some disabled visitors. Nearby is the lively ‘Leith Shore’ area, which boasts a continental atmosphere and Michelin-starred restaurants, bars, bistros and Art Galleries.

Or maybe you would rather get away from the bustle of the city and escape to one of the more quintessentially Scottish Cottages such as Duror of Appin in Argyll. In the beautiful and very scenic location of Duror, just a mile from the shore of Loch Linnhe, this 18th Century barn has been sympathetically converted into a charming holiday cottage with unique character. As all rooms are on the level, the property may suit some visitors with walking difficulties.

The options for cottages Scotland with easy access even extend to a lighthouse! Or at least a Light house keeper’s cottage. In a spectacularly beautiful and peaceful situation at the tip of the Tarbat Ness peninsula, this historic former lighthouse keeper’s cottage enjoys magnificent unobstructed views – eastwards over low cliffs across the Moray Firth to the Cairngorms and westwards over pasture to the Dornoch Firth and Sutherland mountains. The cottage is all on one level with only 1 entrance step.

Lodges also provide excellent access. A good example is Foss by Aberfeldy. Enjoying a spectacular south-facing position, on the edge of a small loch, with wonderful open views of mountains, forests and a deer park, these 3 highly specified luxury lodges form part of a small exclusive development. Each property has unusually spacious rooms, stylish décor and furnishings and patio doors open off the living area to a lovely veranda over the water. There is garden furniture on the veranda and extensive wooded grounds to explore and enjoy. All lodges have full disabled access.

Mackays Self Catering Scotland has over forty years experience in finding the right cottages in Scotland to suit your needs so why not contact us to see how we can help.

Here’s a selection of seaside Scottish cottages available to rent here at Mackay’s Self Catering Scotland.

Scottish beaches are beautiful and atmospheric at any time of year with their long sandy shores, rocky coastal walks and fabulous seafood fit to rival any Mediterranean coast.  Here at Mackay’s Self Catering Scotland we have many Scottish cottages which are perfect for a romantic break or seaside family holiday.

And you can find more information about the areas mentioned below in our Self-Catering Scotland Destination Guides.

Scottish Cottages on the Ayrshire Coast

Scottish Cottages on the Ayrshire Coast

Ayrshire boasts some beautiful sandy beaches and we have cottages in Scotland within easy reach of this idyllic coastline. Of all our Scotland holiday cottages in this area, these 4 Scottish cottages, sleeping up to five people each on this 20 acre working farm in Ballantrae, Ayrshire make for an idyllic family holiday (property reference AY132c).  The farm includes  a 1.5 mile stretch of private beach, perfect for walking and swimming and accessed by a short path from the main road below these Scottish cottages,.  And if that isn’t enough, the popular seaside town of Girvan is just a fifteen minute drive away from these cottages Scotland.

Another Ayrshire gem is this self catering Scotland holiday home for two in the heart of the small village of Skelmorlie near  Largs (property reference AY149).  Largs is a beautiful seaside resort and a two minute stroll from this self-catering Scotland holiday home will have you surveying the magnificent Clyde Coast in all its splendor.

Seaside Scotland Holiday Cottages in Carnoustie, Angus

We have several beautiful Scottish cottages in Angus and this one sleeping up to ten people is in a tranquil, elevated location amidst rolling farmland 2 miles inland from Carnoustie, with panoramic views to the sea (property reference AN40).   Carnoustie is also famous for its golf course and this self catering Scotland holiday home is just a short drive away from the historic town of St Andrews with its famous coastal golf course and historic ruins.

Scottish Cottages in Ross-shire

Scottish Cottages in Ross-shire

If you are looking for traditional cottages in Scotland, we have a lovely this traditional croft house in North Erradale near Gairloch in Ross-shire, sleeping up to 4 people (property reference RC620).   It’s one of our Scotland holiday cottages that is situated in a scenic and peaceful location in the crofting community of North Erradale, just 6 miles from the coast and the charming little port of Gairloch with its pubs, restaurants, shops and fish market – something any self-catering Scotland seaside holiday would be incomplete without!

Tranquil Seaside Self Catering Cottages in Scotland

Scotland holiday cottages in Tranquil

Of all our Scotland holiday cottages, this one sleeping up to four people in the small hamlet of Talmine in Sutherland, offer tranquility, beautiful beaches and fantastic sea views (property reference SU283).  This traditional stone croft house is one of our cliff top Scottish cottages, and this one has the best views in the village towards the Rabbit Isles and along the North Coast.  Talmine village itself has a beautiful sandy beach and the rocky outcrop that forms part of the harbour is studded with black and ruby garnets.  This is also one of our cottages Scotland that is in a great location for touring both the North and West coasts.