Lochloy Mansion

Set within an enclosed area of grounds, there is an impressive drive, which includes a bridge over the Muckle burn, which is a tributary of the River Findhorn, before leading up to the house. With a lawn to the front where croquet can be played in the summer, to the rear, there is a nice woodland walk past the old doocot.

It is located 26 miles east of Inverness and 3 miles from Forres, which offers supermarkets and a train station. There are golf courses everywhere at Forres and Elgin, with more renowned courses at Nairn and Castle Stuart. The “Castle Trail” is in the area, with Brodie Castle being the nearest. Beaches can be found at Findhorn. Fishing on the Spey and Findhorn is available. The nearest distillery is Dallas Dhu.

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Luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in the Highlands

Get ready to embark on a whimsical journey to the Scottish Highlands with Oliver's Travels, where fabulous, characterful homes await in this rugged and enchanting slice of northern Scotland. Mist-shrouded mountains, deep-blue lochs and ancient castles are the name of the game. It is like stepping into a fantasy novel, but with fewer dragons and more kilts!

First up on our Highland hit-list is Ben Nevis, standing at a whopping 1,345 metres. Climbers and hikers worldwide flock to its trails, ready to conquer the mountain and be rewarded with the most incredible views. If you are not up for an epic uphill battle, fear not! The Great Glen Way offers a more chilled stroll along the Caledonian Canal, connecting Fort William and Inverness. It is like a leisurely stroll through nature, with bonus canal vibes.

Now, who hasn't heard of Loch Ness? Home to historic castles such as Urquhart Castle, this legendary spot invites you to channel your inner detective and search for Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. Nessie might be shy, but the views are anything but! You will enjoy ruins, mystery and just maybe, a friendly monster waving from the depths.

Inverness, the unofficial Highland capital, is where historic charm meets modern pizzazz. The River Ness weaves through the city, tickling the feet of Victorian buildings. It is a sophisticated dance of old and new. You can stroll along the riverbanks, explore Inverness Castle and soak up the local vibes at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. Heading west is the hidden treasure of Plockton which boasts landscapes so picturesque, you will think you are in a watercolour painting. Whitewashed cottages add a touch of charm and the sheltered bay is the perfect spot for daydreaming. You can take a boat trip to nearby islands or just bask in the coastal serenity. In Fort Augustus, where the Caledonian Canal plays meet and greet with Loch Ness, boating and water-based antics abound. The locks of Fort Augustus are like a watery staircase, a fascinating engineering marvel that turns boat journeys into a spectacle.

The Highland Folk Museum near Newtonmore invites you to step back in time. This living history museum spills the secrets with reconstructed buildings, costumed interpreters and demonstrations of age-old crafts. Another wonder, Eilean Donan Castle is a real-life fairytale fortress perched on a tiny island where three lochs have a meet-up. It is so postcard-perfect that even Hollywood could not resist its charm. History buffs and Instagram enthusiasts, this one is for you!

Of course, we cannot forget the whisky. The Highlands are the holy grail for whisky aficionados. Glenlivet and Glenfiddich distilleries open their doors for guided tours, where you will learn the magic behind crafting Scotch whisky. Sip, swirl and savour – it is a Highland happy hour!

Whether you are scaling castles, conquering peaks, fishing, boating or just lounging by a loch, the Scottish Highlands invites you to a land where nature and history come together in a brilliant way. It is a timeless tale that leaves you in awe. Step into the magic as adventure awaits!

Ah, bonnie Scotland! A wild and beautiful part of the world, where you can explore the rugged highlands or enjoy the colour and vibrancy of cultural capitals like Edinburgh and Glasgow.

But how do you know you’re getting the very best out of your trip? That’s where we come in. If you’ve had a browse through our range of luxury cottages and castles in Scotland, you’ll know there’s some great places to stay, but to find all the great things to do, see and eat you’ll need our handy Scotland travel guide  – so read on and enjoy! 

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