August 2004 to Febrary 2005

August & September 2004

A great fortnight at Windyhill. Weather mixed but no Midges and views from the house always stunning in rain or sun. Cloud cover stopped us 50 ft from the top of Stac Pollaidh so we'll have have to come back! In brilliant sunshine we had Achnhaird beach to ourselves. The house itself was one of the best features of our stay, comfortable and well equipped. It contributed hugely to a stress free and relaxing holiday.

Dinner at the Drumbeg Hotel was a real highlight. Rooms where clean and comfortable but the food was amazingly good. We only managed to do a fraction of what we'd like to do here so we'll surely return.

Linda, John McWilliam – Staffordshire


September 2004

Possibly one of the laziest weeks of our lives! The perfect house and location to escape from the hassle of London. It's not often that you can take a couple of hours stroll to get a newspaper and a pint of milk! We would love to buy the house!

Many thanks

John, Michelle and William (aged 1 ¾ )

P.S. William loved the place too – but he can't write!



September 2004

We concur with comments of previous people with regard to the house and its setting. It is a truly idyllic place. Walks from the leaflet titled “ Walking Round Achiltibuie” are to be recommended and the views from the Stac Polly” are stunning.

Joan and Paul – Wilkshire


September 2004

Brilliant week, despite mixed weather. Delighted by the house, views and by how cosy and comfortable we were in gale force wind and rain. Really enjoyed Hydroponcium, smokery and village stores at Polbain. Soup, bread and mixed leaves from Hydroponcium excellent, even if you already know everything you want to about hydroponically grown stuff – if (like us) you know nothing the experience is even more interesting. We think the smoked fish from the smokery may even rival Crasters ( and thats saying something ). The village store at Polbain managers to cram into a tiny space all sorts of interesting and uselful things. We had a pleasant lunch at the mountain equipment shop opposite the museum at Ullapool and enjoyed a little browse in the book shop. The garden at Lechmelm is certainly worth a visit if you're interested in wonderful trees ( 3 miles South of Ullapool).

Recommended walks would certainly include the 1st one in the local booklet, especially on a good day, when the views are spectacular. The journey over to Lochinver is stunning – stop at Inverkirkaig for the waterfall walk and the bookshop and cafe.

Reiff walk delightful, fantastic coastline and rock formations. Really excellent meal in the bar of the Summer Isles Hotel, there special apple cake is exquisite!

Nick & Helen Northumberland

October 2004

Wonderfully peaceful 2 weeks here at Windyhill Cottage – mixed weather in the first week which gave opportunity for lighting the stove – has to be done, but need to turn all other forms of heating off well in advance as the house is so well insulated!

Walk up and over the hill at Dornie lovely views, and around the coast to Garvie Bay beautiful. Drives to Lochinver, Point of Stoer and around Poolewe in a circle all well worth it – lovely Bridge Coffee House and gallery in Poolewe.

Agree completely with previous guests about the Hydroponcium and Summer Isles Hotel. The salad bags from the Hydroponcium are fabulous. Also excellent shop for wool next to Safeways in Ullapool – and 2World” goods etc. Walking shop and Ceilidh place also good for coffees, papers, cakes and general musing. Don't know where the hours go! Cottage superb. Hope to return for 3 weeks as soon as possible.

Sarah

Windyhill is a great cottage to stay in – by good fortune we had some poor weather, stove blazing, chair in the window, snoring. Would be awful if the weather was good all the time. Excellent collection of pans in the Kitchen. Grand collection of books, have added some. The walk in the booklet that takes you to Garvie Bay is brilliant for spotting seals. For deer, drive along the single track road from Ullapool when it is dark.

Mark


October 2004

As said previously lovely view, window central for cosy chats, reading and cups of teas. Home had a comfortable feeling, enjoyed “real” fire (Brought back memory of sitting round the fire when young). Learned about hydroponics. Had nice walks on a few beaches. Saw deer on way home from Ullapool at night. Layed – Back sheep. Nice memories of our relaxing holiday. This was a treat holiday from my kind son and daughter – in - law and much appreciated. Would recommend this place.

Regards

Jackie, Mark and John.


October 2004

Recommended Walks:-

Rieff around the headland gives great seascapes. Falls of Kirkcraig is a wonderful walk up a wooded valley. Go beyond the falls to the summit point for fabulous views across Inverpolly National Nature Reserve. The walk from the lighthouse at Stoer to the Old Man of Stoer also provides wonderful seascapes. The coastal path was considerably drier than the inland route.

Stac Pollaidh is worth the haul up if the top is clear for the view across the lochs to the North. The bay in front of the cottage has provided plenty of wildlife to watch, highlights have included a merlin charming, meadow pipits, several Mack – Throated Divers, red – breasted mergansers and mack quillemots. Occasional Grey seals and a brief view of two otters were the main mammal highlights.


February 2005

How my husband managed to get flowers here ready for our arrival amazed me we are in the back and beyond! (I think Michelle in Polbain Stores helped). As per everybody else lovely views, the weather stayed good, had real chill out time. We haven't been walking or exploring have enjoyed the nothingness and great views. Off to Gleaneagles now before we head back home and back to work.

Liz, Kev and Arianne – Southampton.