Get away from it all in the far north of the Scottish Highlands on the popular NC500 (North Coast 500). This converted croft cottage has gorgeous views from every room and plenty of space to kick back as a family or group of friends. Sit out in the garden with the fire pit lit on a summer’s evening; soak up the views from the conservatory, light the open fire on chillier ones – and enjoy the hot tub whatever the weather.
There’s plenty of space for cooking, eating together and relaxing, and there’s a handy ground-floor bedroom and en-suite. Up the cottage staircase are two more bedrooms and an infrared sauna where you can warm up after a day’s adventures then sit outside in the hot tub watching the Aurora Borealis. Your dogs will love it here too as the garden is enclosed with hedging so they can have their freedom when you’re not all out on a walk.
Head out as a pack from Navidale to Helmsdale (0.5 miles) then down to the beach. Don’t let the rocks put you off - this is a beautiful wild beach where you can swim, let the dogs roam, and look out for fossils among the rocks, and dolphins, seals and whales among the waves. If you want a sandy beach, Brora is 12.5 miles along the coast, 2 miles of (mainly) sand. The highlands are brimming with country, coastal and river walks, and you can easily pick up the John O’Groats Trail, 147 miles along the east coast from John O’Groats to Inverness. Everyone will love Timespan Museum in Helmsdale with fascinating exhibitions, a cafe, and herb and geology gardens with rock specimens from the local area. You can even take your furry friend in with you, just watch out for the stuffed wolf!