
Holiday rentals in Lochside
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Top-rated holiday rentals in Lochside
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Cosy Shepherd’s Hut near NC500 with Sea Views
At only five miles from the popular John o Groats signpost, Jo and Karina would love to welcome you at one of three cozy self-catering glamping pods at The Crofter's Snug - lots of local area info on our website. Located at the top of Scotland you'll enjoy one of the best views in the area - even the locals are envious! One mile off the popular NC500 tourist route, our two pods and a Shepherd's Hut offer peace and quiet in an idyllic location with some amazing sunrises, sunsets and starry skies.

Ethel's Cottage: Idyllic Riverside 1 Bed Cottage
The recently refurbished and modernised Ethel's Cottage is in an idyllic location, flanked by two rivers. This gate lodge cottage offers the perfect place to stay for a few nights or longer! Easily accessed from the A9 (on the NC500 route) and just a two-minute walk from a secluded beach and estuary with lots of short walks from the front door and plenty longer ones in the vicinity. Modern appliances and comfortable furnishings, the cottage has everything you will need for a relaxing break.

Valhalla View-NC500
A truly unique get away set on over 14 acres of its own land, over looking the Orkney Islands, 3 mins off the official NC500 Route. With features like its own 6 person hot top, 2 bathrooms, modern kitchen and spacious dining area, and 3 double bedrooms plus a extra guest room with a pull out sofa bed. Relax with the whole family at this peaceful place. Only 15 mins from John o'grotes and Dunnet beach Also the chance to witness the spectacular Northern lights (Aurora) on the right occasion.

The Old Smiddy, Huna, John O'Groats
Close to the village of John O' Groats and on the North Coast 500, the Old Smiddy (an old blacksmith's cottage) has been beautifully restored into a modern home, while keeping many of its original features. The cottage sleeps 4 people in 2 double bedrooms (both en-suite) and has a fold-away camp bed for use by a small child. The cottage offers beautiful sea views across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Islands and is the perfect base for exploring Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney.

Torran Cottage - Views, Exclusivity & Tranquility
Torran Cottage is nestled within a UNESCO World Heritage Site - The Flow Country! Whilst superbly modernised throughout, the cottage retains its original features, including wonderful flagstone flooring, deep-silled windows set into thick stone walls, and a large wood burner for cosy evenings. The views from the hot tub and gardens are unbelievable. Panoramic vistas look east to Morven and the Scarabens, south to Ben Klibreck and west to distant views of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope.

Taigh Neonach Cozy 1 bedroom Highland Cottage
Welcome! This is our quirky wee cottage. Originally a traditional Scottish but and ben it now offers a cosy getaway in the far north highlands. Taigh Neonach is Gaelic for odd cottage which suits its slightly unconventional character. A fantastic base to explore the North of Scotland, whether you are touring the NC500, relaxing in the quiet wilderness of Caithness, doing a spot of fishing, shooting, walking, cycling... the choices are endless like the views!

BERRISCUE HOUSE - ENTIRE COTTAGE - THURSO
Berriscue House is a beautiful, bespoke cottage - located in the centre of Thurso, hidden away from the world with a large walled garden and private entrance. Five minute walk from the beach. Everything you need for a cosy Scottish retreat! If booking the same day after 6pm please message as it may still be possible to book. If you require the extra bed in the living room, you must tell us in your initial message so we know to prepare this for you.

Croft View
Fully equipped accommodation with two bedrooms (one double room, one twin room). Melvich is situated on the NC500 route and is ideally placed for exploring the local area. Local pub within walking distance serving evening meals. Booking is advised. Free Wifi available, however we cannot guarantee a reliable signal. Lovely beach nearby which is popular with surfers. Please note due to increased costs, guest now have to pay for the electric they use.

No.3, Shiro, Juniper bank
My chalets are on land surrounded by trees, wild flowers, and wildlife. A 5min walk into the town centre and under 15min walk to the beach. The train station is also only 5mins away. If you are driving then this is the perfect spot for Dunnet head, the most northerly point of the UK, puffin cove, a beautiful isolated spot to sit by the sea and watch the birds, the historic town of wick, and of course Jon o groats. Thurso is on the NC500.

Cathel's Cottage - Outstanding Views
Cosy remote cottage on the North coast with beautiful views of the Orkney Isles from the front door. Perfectly situated for exploring Sutherland to the West and Caithness to the East. The cottage consists of a kitchen/ livingroom on the ground floor with a double bedroom and separate bathroom (shower only) up stairs. Access by spiral stairs. Wood burning stove in the living area (fuel supplied)

Tottie's Cottage
A traditional Scottish croft house with sea views which has been lovingly restored to a very high standard with all modern amenities. Located in the most northerly village on mainland UK, with coastline walks and beaches in abundance nearby. A special place to explore or simply relax and unwind. A Highland Council approved short term letting property, licence number HI-00297-F.

Luxury handcrafted pod with en suite bathroom.
Lisa and her family would like to welcome you to The Glen Lodge, our luxury handcrafted pod. With a sea view of the spectacular Scottish coast and surrounded by fields containing our ponies, sheep and cows. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. Situated 6 miles from John O'Groats we are on both the popular NC500 route and the John O'Groats Walking Trail.
Popular amenities for Lochside holiday rentals
Other great holiday rentals in Lochside

Charming Cosy Cottage by the Sea

The Birdbox

No.12

Hilligoe Cottage

Bruadarach 'Dreamer, Visionary'

Bignold Court Modern 2 Bedroom En-suite Apartment

Traditional Orkney Cottage on the island of Hoy

Harland Cottage
All about Lochside
The northernmost points of mainland Scotland are as beautiful as they are bleak and as wild as they are wonderful. The Caithness area offers traditional fishing villages, rugged sandstone cliffs, and the gateway to the North Sea. A prominent Norse settlement, the town of Thurso is one of the most significant points in the area and is named after the river, originally Torsaa (Thor’s River). You can even feel a Scandinavian presence in the wild coastlines, while the pretty towns with their winding streets feel traditionally Scottish.
The Atlantic Ocean meets the North Sea at the Pentland Firth, where a local ferry takes passengers from Scrabster to Stromness in Orkney. The crossing can be eventful, depending on the weather, with looming cliffs and the 137-metre-tall Old Man of Hoy sea stack to welcome you in.
If you’re taking the North Coast 500 scenic drive — or cycle route — through the Highlands, which starts and ends at Inverness Castle, you’ll pass through several hamlets and villages across the northern edge of Caithness. Halkirk, Scrabster, Castletown, John O’Groats, and Wick are all worth pausing in for cosy pubs and picturesque harbours. Windswept cliff walks throughout the region will reward you with views across protected natural areas and untamed landscapes, home to puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes.
What are the top things to do in Lochside?
Dunnet Head
Twenty minutes north of Lochside, the windswept Dunnet Head peninsula is mainland Scotland’s most northerly point. The heather-strewn headland is home to a 19th-century lighthouse atop towering cliffs, miles of winding coastal walks, and a thriving puffin population. This spot is also renowned for whale-watching — and you might even see porpoises and orcas just off the shore.
Castlehill Heritage Centre
This 17th-century dairy farm now houses the Castlehill Heritage Centre, celebrating local industry and culture. Castletown was a pioneering parish — one of the first to recognise flagstone’s global, commercial value, revitalising the local industry. Exhibitions, gardens, and sculpture trails tell the story of Caithness. You can also try your hand at local crafts like rope making and driftwood sculpture.
Thurso Beach
With its increasing reputation among surfers, Thurso Beach is known for its impressive waves (wind and tide permitting). The esplanade makes for an enjoyable walk, facing out across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney island of Hoy.
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