10 of the Best Scenic Stays in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland
From a beachside bothy to a Highland bunkhouse and lochside inn, here are some of Scotland's most beautiful boltholes, each offering unique charm and stunning landscapes for an unforgettable getaway.
Ben Damph Bothy on Loch Torridon, Wester Ross
With its cheerful cherry-red tin roof, the sturdy stone bothy on the Ben Damph estate is hard to miss. This family-owned 5,868-hectare estate borders Loch Torridon, and the bothy, built from the ruins of an old black house, offers views over the loch to the mountains beyond. Restored by stonemasons, it features two rooms, each sleeping two, warmed by log burners. Furniture crafted from estate timber by a local cabinet maker adds rustic charm. A "sitooterie" with picture windows frames views of Ben Alligin. While there's no electricity, running water, a gas-powered hot shower, and a compost toilet in the garden ensure comfort.
Sleeps 4, from £342.50 for two nights.
Old Bridge Inn Gastropub and Bunkhouse, Cairngorms National Park
Tucked among trees on the River Spey banks near Aviemore, the Old Bridge Inn combines a gastropub with hip hostel rooms. Known for its dogs-under-the-table vibe and roaring fire, it hosts famous folk music sessions. The riverside beer garden overlooks paddle boarders, canoeists, and anglers. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Rothiemurchus estate's forests and hills are nearby. The bunkhouse exudes vintage chic with seven en suite rooms and dorms, plus a kitchen. Alternatively, dine at the pub on Strathspey venison samosas with carrot and cumin sauce.
Dorm beds from £30, double rooms from £85, family rooms from £95.
Kingshouse Hotel and Bunkhouse, Glen Coe
Glen Coe's majestic grandeur, with jagged peaks and historic significance, makes it a prime destination. The West Highland Way passes through, with Kingshouse Hotel and Bunkhouse offering accommodation. This smart wooden hostel features a charcoal-grey tin roof and a glass-fronted restaurant with panoramic valley views. Ideal for Munro-baggers and hikers, it blends comfort with rugged beauty.
From £44 for a bunk, £54 with breakfast.
Bearnus Bothy on Ulva Island
Accessible by boat from Mull, the car-free island of Ulva is a picturesque retreat. A 5-mile walk from the pier leads to Bearnus bothy, perched above a swimming beach. This off-grid cottage is thoughtfully equipped with battery-operated fairy lights, a wood-burning stove for heating bath water, and amenities like games and guidebooks. Crocs and wellies are available for island explorations.
Sleeps 2, from £121 for a two-night stay.
Stein Inn on the Isle of Skye
Dating from 1790, the Stein Inn is Skye's oldest inn, run by Charlie Haddock on the remote Waternish peninsula. Fresh seafood like langoustine and crab is landed nearby. The five sea-view rooms were updated in 2024 with modern decor, offering a cozy stay with authentic Highland hospitality.
From about £80 B&B.
Loch Ossian Eco-Hostel on Rannoch Moor
Originally a boathouse built in 1895, Loch Ossian hostel is an award-winning eco-retreat powered by wind turbines and solar panels. With compost toilets and bat-friendly paint, it emphasizes sustainability. Accessible only by train and a short hike, it immerses guests in Rannoch Moor's wilderness.
Beds from £25 a night.
Kylesku Hotel in the North-West Highlands
Overlooking Loch Glendhu, this 19th-century coaching inn on the North Coast 500 route offers gourmet dining and activities like sea kayaking. With 11 rooms, including some with balconies, it provides stunning views of the Assynt Unesco geopark landscape.
From about £109 B&B.
Croft Collective Bothies in Argyll
New architect-designed bothies on the Lochnell estate feature wide windows framing views of Mull and beyond. Each bothy includes a Japanese-style sunken bath, hammocks, and binoculars for wildlife spotting. Opening in June, they offer a luxurious off-grid escape.
From about £220 a night.
Plockton Inn in Wester Ross
In the picturesque conservation village of Plockton, the recently revamped Plockton Inn offers colorful rooms with floral accents. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood like langoustine while exploring nearby attractions such as Eilean Donan Castle.
From about £170 B&B.
Croft 10 Cabin on the Isle of Lewis
This cute cabin on a working coastal croft faces west for brilliant sunsets and sea views. Spot whales and dolphins, or explore the coastal path. With farm-fresh eggs and proximity to wild swimming spots, it's a serene Hebridean getaway.
Sleeps 2, from £120 a night.
