
Holiday rentals in Lochside
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Top-rated holiday rentals in Lochside
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The Hide - off-grid-ish woodland cabin near NC500
The Hide is a super get-away for anyone travelling around Scotland on the NC500 or on your own adventure looking for a unique stay. Almost off-grid, it has a comfy bed, central woodburner and spectacular view. It's the perfect stepping stone towards the full off-grid experience, intended for people who are curious about living the off-grid lifestyle but also like to be able to charge their phone, boil a kettle and have a hot shower! Mid Nov - Mar we have a winter mode as the water can freeze.

Superb views from 2 bedroom loft apartment
STL: OR00349F Small but functional, our 2 bedroom first floor flat has all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. Our property boasts superb sea views over Scapa Flow, Hoy and beyond, aswell as field views from the bedrooms. Situated 3 miles from Kirkwall Town centre, with country walks from our doorstep, we offer the ideal spot to explore Orkney. We have free off road parking and an outdoor drying space. Please note: this property is accessed via stairs and no lifts etc are available.

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.

Beautiful Spacious 2 bedroom sea view apartment
Hi we are Joanne and Laurence, we would very much love to present to our future guests our spacious 2 bedroom 1st floor holiday apartment with far reaching coastal views. Located right on the fantastically popular NC500. With plenty of parking it is conveniently situated in a quiet residential area close the town centre of Thurso. With lovely walks along the sea front, harbour and river bank where seals, otters and jumping salmon can be seen. Close to Northlink ferries for trips to Orkney

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.

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! Visit - berriscuehouse(.com) 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.

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.

Clayquoy Hideaway Lodge.
Perfect Stop in Located in the famous fishing town of Wick (Perfect as a stop in on NC500 route). This lodge offers a clean and welcoming space where you can relax and enjoy a comforting experience. The area which the lodge is located is quiet and secluded, close to the airport, supermarket and all other parts of town. We want to ensure you have the best experience and enjoy your stay, so don't hesitate to ask for anything or for more information. We hope you like our place :)

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.

The Steading, Melvich
This converted building in the picturesque village of Melvich has been recently renovated and has amazing sea views including the Orkney islands! Offering WiFi, television, and off-road parking for one car. Also, with the new addition of a woodburning stove, you will certainly not be cold! Ideally situated for exploring the north of Sutherland and Caithness, this area is popular for walking, fishing, surfing, golfing and has one of the most beautiful beaches in the area!

Taigh Neonach Cosy 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!

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.
Popular amenities for Lochside holiday rentals
Other great holiday rentals in Lochside

Morven Lodge and BBQ Hut

Firthview Holiday Cottage, Canisbay, John o'Groats

The Hen Hoose-private hot tub-dog friendly

Seal Cottage, South Ronaldsay, Orkney

North Brae Cottage, Staxigoe

NC500 Lochside Apartment

Camhanaich 'Half light of dawn'

Croft House, Armadale Bay on NC500
 All about Lochside
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?
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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