Blog

We’ve been very busy during the winter making changes to Shinglebay Cottage that we hope you will like and that our returning regulars will love.

The most eye catching is the giant map of Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross on the dining area wall. So much loved and enjoyed by our B&B guests at Seadrift, we thought it was time to bring it Shinglebay.

We’ve also improved the warmth of the lighting in the living area

 

 

The light over the Loch in the late afternoon was breath taking, as the golden sunlight was filtered through a light rain shower. This was a #nofilter phone camera image that actually did justice to the real thing.

In the evening the skies cleared and as we began to count stars there was an Aurora alert and Facebook was suddenly awash with dramatic photos. Time to take the car out for a drive to see what we could see. We went onto Skye but were not impressed. However, we arrived home to this, also taken on our phone in long exposure mode. Really impressed for our first attempt.

 

The start of January has provided the opportunity to get out for a few walks in the weather.

Just a few minutes drive is the start of a walk that we have never done, and one of those that tantalises. We have had previous guests who have achieved it and their photos were stunning, so with that in mind we set off with Griff on a “mixed weather” day. True to say that the “mixed weather did not disappoint but did result in it still being THAT WALK that has yet to be completed.

Late morning we hopped in the car and drove a few miles to the other side of Inverinate – literally ten minutes away.

The aim was to walk to the Sgurr An Airidh – a peak at 814m with amazing views (so we have seen from others photos) of Loch Duich and then along to Loch Alsh. The path is well marked and zig zags up from sea level.

The start was wet and we were glad we had our walking boots on – trainers and shoes were not appropriate. As we climbed up slowly, stopping frequently to admire the views across Morvich and Kintail we were watching the clouds come in ……hmmmm…… But onwards and upwards, Griff chasing his ball, and we were all enjoying the challenge.

And then those clouds arrived with us – in a few minutes we were in snow – sticky snow ball type snow. Beautiful to look at but really not sensible to be walking up in. Discretion being the better part of valour, and not wanting to get caught out on the hills, we started out descent. It had been a challenge, it was beautiful, but we still haven’t made it to the peak.  Another (not snowy) day and we will get there, but it was stunning none the less, and we happily popped home for a hot cuppa.

The Highlands, along with the rest of the UK, has been enjoying some beautiful weather. These past few days have seen temperatures between 12 and 19 degrees celsius. Consequently, the local woodland has come alive with birdsong, whilst in the garden abounds with snow bells, crocus and daffodils.

We have witnessed some spectacular sunrises and the high tides have sparkled under the full moon. This really is a wonderful place for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Last weekend took us back to Sligachan to a walk that can take you over to the Fairy Pools and Glen Brittle. It is a favourite of ours as it follows a stream with a multitude of beautiful waterfalls.

Nostie Bay and Loch Alsh looked very special this weekend. The high tides brought a transformation to the bay and the perfect opportunity to explore at low tide.

When exploring Nostie Bay you can enjoy spotting our Widgeon, Curlew, and Oyster Catchers. You may well also see our Otters or spot the Golden Eagles wheeling above the headland

 

 

 

With a little snow on the ground the Cuillin Hills are spectacular. The walk from the Sligachan Hotel – http://www.sligachan.co.uk – is one of the most beautiful on the Isle of Skye. It is just a 45 minute drive from Shingle Bay Cottage.

 

 

 

 

Winter and Spring Breaks are proving more and more popular here in the Highlands. The days are longer and the landscape is being transformed by the strengthening sun. If you are looking for a Winter or Spring Break you will be delighted to learn that we are now offering 3 night stays for February and March. To see if there is break to suit you  Check availability and book

Shingle Bay Cottage is perfect for those that want to just relax. There are lovely walks nearby.

You can enjoy beautiful sunrises without having to get up too early

The shores of Nostie Bay and Loch Alsh provide an excellent place to just relax and be you

 

Having reached the end of our first year running Seadrift Bed and Breakfast and letting Shingle Bay Cottage we decided to put “pen to paper” with a short blog on memories from this year.

Inevitably we seldom get to know our cottage guests as well as our bed and breakfast guests however there have been some funny, poignant, unusual and touching moments from this year. If you have stayed with us you may just recognise some of the experiences….

– Travelling with cabbage plants ( and photos of them on their return!)

– One guest launching their inflatable double kayak and nearly launching his wife too!!!

– The BBQ in the pouring rain – we love guests who won’t be defeated by a little thing like weather!

– The enthusiasm with which guests have told me of their viewings of the deer from the window of Shingle Bay (sorry I don’t seem quite so keen – they eat all my plants!).

– The cyclamen that is well travelled

– Receiving a photo of our cat with a poem, from guests we had hardly seen. (please rest assured the cat is not allowed in the cottage and thank you to all the cat loving guests who have respected that)

– The unusual friendship between our cat (who doesn’t “do” children) and one of our younger guests – great photos to boot!

– A lovely Belgian couple with such enthusiasm for everything they did whilst here

– Serious numbers of serious walkers Munro bagging – I am so glad that one particular guest finally conquered Beinn Alligin, although I still plan to achieve the Five sisters of Kintail.

– not so serious walkers enjoying the wonderful sights and short walks around Skye and Lochalsh

– Standing shoreside with guests watching an otter swimming around one evening – we were all so relaxed!

– Mastering the underfloor heating with our early guests – so easy when you know how!!!

– Wedding guests looking splendid before the marriage ceremony of their son at Eilean Donan castle

– The most wonderful photos of the birdlife being sent by guests taken both from Shingle Bay windows and down by the shore

The best part for us has been the warmth from all our guests – thank you for making 2015 so memorable, and thank you so much for all your kind comments in the guest book!

Lisa and David