March 2005 to November 2005

March 2005

Couldn’t have chosen a better place to celebrate my 40th birthday. A walk to Cantharid beach in a blizzard, a picnic (yes we are quite mad!) and then back to put our feet up on the windowsill and watch the Altandu world go by. It will be hard to leave it all behind today but we plan to come back in the autumn and do it all again. Windyhill should be available on prescription from your doctor – who needs prozac!

Barbara & Jim Brent. Bolton.


March 2005

Who needs prozac indeed!!

We’ve had to best week here - 3rd time to Windyhill and it’s as lovely as always.
The weather has been lovely all week, only started drizzling tonight on the way home from the pub! We have spent the days playing Frisbee and catch on the nearby each, going for little walks to the nearby harbour and the rocks near Reiff.

The nearest pub must be sick of seeing us; we’ve been every night having pool tournaments and drinking the Tenants! The house has been lovely – can’t fault it, we all love sitting in the chairs with our feet up on the windowsill watching the world go by – bliss.

Ann, Caroline, Steve, Ryan, Bobby & Kev. Nottingham


March 2005

This is our fourth visit to Windyhill and we have enjoyed it as much as on any of the previous occasions. We started the week with the circular road walk (area 8.5miles) Altandu to Achnahaird then past Loch Raa and Loch Vatachan through Polbain and back to Windyhill. We walked to the beach on day two and one lazy day watching the swirling masses on water below the house. On day four we drove to the bookshop at Inverkirkaig and did the walk up to the falls of Kirkay. This takes a little bit longer than is indicated by looking at the map. On our final day, we walked to the headland at Old Donnie (just past the second jetty). The weather was glorious and the view magnificent. We haven’t been fortunate enough to see any eagles this time but say a heron at Loch Camas , plenty of Wheatears, a few oystercatchers, skylarks aplenty, twits and assorted tits.

One tip to pass on is that Polbain stores will deliver provisions in advance of your arrival. You can lock them up on goggle.

Terry & Mary.


April 2005

We arrived a couple of days late with our two small babies. Sitting here writing this the waves are quite high on the beach. The views from Windyhill and its surrounding areas are breathtaking and very picturesque. We didn’t end up doing much but we did go to Durness for the beaches for Ben which he loves bless him. Durness beach is quite a long drive but the views made up for the drive. Ben also loved the “Baas” as he called them which occupied him on the drive back to Windyhill. There is a supermarket in Ullapool which has a wide selection. We plan to come back when the boys are older so we can do some of the walks and they can appreciate e the scenery.

The Walton’s West Yorkshire.
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April 2005
Sitting here, looking at the magnificent view it seems to have changed again this evening – you can’t help but feel calm and peace here – away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Even with our beautiful four month old daughter we have had a perfect week – she has even slept better! Must be the fresh air. She met the two pigs today across the road and was quite bemused.

The accommodation has been wonderful, a fantastic living space, we have had everything we needed for a week away. Having to walk to the nearest shop wasn’t a chore, worth it for the views. We never managed a trip to the local pub as 9 o clock us our daughter’s curfew – but I’m sure it’s worth the visit. We managed to but some local smoked cheese and salmon (and even got two lots thrown in for free!

Hopefully my husband might surprise me with another trip to this little bit f heaven.

The Tyrell’s – Edinburgh.


April 2005

We’ve had a lovely relaxing few days in your beautiful cottage. Much of our time has been spent enjoying the amazing views fro the picture window. Weather has been kind to us and we are returning to the city refreshed and full of the healthy country air!

Zoe, Andy, Mark & Wilf London & Inverness.
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April 2005

We have had a fantastic week
The first 3 days we had glorious sun and then Windyhill lived up to its name with storms and gales!! However the views are amazing and set a perfect scene whatever the weather. We have visited Scotland many times but have never come this far north – this is a gorgeous part of the country with dramatic and wild landscapes and Windyhill is a gorgeous cottage in that setting.
The walk to the waterfall Eas a Chual Aluinn is stunning and the effort is worth it.. The Kirkaid waterfall is also a pleasant walk and we recommend walking the extra mile to have a picnic beside the picturesque Fionn loch below Sulven. Stac Pollaidh is a fantastic walk even if you don’t make it to the top. The low cloud cover beat us off the summit path though the views were worth the effort. We went to John O’ Groats. We recommend that if you want a great drive then just go as far as the Kyle of Tongue on the north west coast tourist route. The drive beyond the point is no comparison the first half. A walk around the point of Stuerr in high winds was electrifying and terrifying all at once – great.

We had luck with the wildlife and watched a school of dolphins swimming right by the bay at Achiltibuie and followed them down the road into Polbain. The lady at the smokehouse says that this is common. We also watched seals although this was in a bay about 9 miles beyond the point of Stoler.

All in all it was a wonderful week that will love with us for a long, long time. Thank you for sharing Windyhill.

Gareth & Tessa O’Mana. Surrey.

April-May 2005
Had a wonderful relaxing week. Absolutely love this part of Scotland having spent many an Easter week on the summer isles as a child. Weather very changeable but didn’t stop us exploring , managed 6 our of 7 of the walks round Achiltibuie leaflet. Can definitely recommend walk to Garvie bay watching seals basking on the rocks and also the Dubhroach Choire Round – spectacular vies over Stac Pollaidh at the start and then over the summer isles at the end. The house is excellent and many and hour was spent sitting at the windows reading a gazing at the wonderful view. Wish we could sty another week.

Tamsin & Julie – Glasgow
Mr & Mrs Pike Dumfriesshire & Rosie the dog.


May 2005

We have had the most wonderful week. The house and views were fantastic. We love this corner of Scotland away from it all. Life is busy and such a lot of change, it was good for the soul.
Katie got a new front tooth and learned to stand up in the cot.
The Assynt hills are spectacular, the beach at Lochinver, the clean air, don’t want to go back!!!

Victor, Marie & Katie Reynolds


May 2005

Our first holiday in Scotland and what an introduction to the country. We have had a marvellous week at Windyhill, with day time temperatures ranging for 6 to 16 degrees. The weather was changeable but not very rainy. We had none of the persistent rain we had feared. Stac Pollaidh was climbed in glorious sunshine in 40 minutes from car park to 10 metres from the top, when continuing the climb with a young energetic dog on a lead would have been risky to say the least! Great trips were had, including Durness, where the walk to Caraidh point and lunch at the Balkenfiel Croft centre are to be highly recommended. Also not to be missed are the delight of the Achiltibuie smokehouse in Altandu. We will certainly return!.

de Kleine family, Germany


June 2005

Misty mountains and islands and the bluest of seas – you couldn’t ask for a better view than the one from the sitting room in Windyhill! It’s simply the best! We have spent many hours during our week here just sitting and watching how the scene changes with the liger, and how the colour change through blues, grey and silver. We’ve watched cuckoos, robins, blackbirds and thrushes and enjoyed the antics of the 2 collies in the house below. Our beagle, Chloe, was festinated by the 2 pigs just across the road.

The weather has been good (for Scotland) – sunny and warm for a few days, then cloudy and showers. There was only one downpour and that was while we were still in bed one morning.

The cottage is fantastic – we love the light and warmth of the upper floor. We have eaten well every night at the am Fuaran bar in Altandhu (we recommend the haddock!), and had a couple of very fresh seafood lunches at the Summer Isles Hotels. Not to mention kippers from the smokehouse for breakfast.

The only disappointment has been the lack of dolphins! Walks not to be missed – Rieff, Culnacraid, Old Dornie and Fox Point and Achnahaird Bay – and don’t miss the viewing point up the hill directly behind the cottage. It will be hard to leave tomorrow but there’s always next year!

Sue & Daryl Hayler - Hertfordshire.


June 2005

Another memorable trip. Each time we come we find new walks. Watching seals at Garvie Bay was probably the highlight. Also just sitting at the window watching the view is just so relaxing. A lovely well equipped cottage – we will definitely be back!

Helen Rose & roger Salmons- London


June 2005

Lovely relaxing, if energetic stay. The cottage was all we had hoped for. We love this area and the only change which we could see is that more and more people have found it! Our trip to Tanera Mhar yesterday just ended the holiday in a quiet and tranquil setting. We hope to be back in the not to distant future. We ate well at the Am Fuaran bar and the Summer Isles hotel – both are recommended

Gina & Ian Coupar – Oxfordshire


June 2005

First time to Scotland, long journey but worth the trip. We can only agree with past comments that the cottage and its facilities are excellent. Surrounding scenery superb. Weather was good. Local good was good. The highlight was a 4 hour cruise around the Summer Isles. Enjoy exploring..

Tricia & David – Middlesex

July 2005

The MacDonald of Ayr say:-

Duncan (aged 7) - I went up a hill called Canis. The view was great! I liked everything about this cottage. I went on a speedboat, it was fast and great fun.

Rosalind (age 11) - The view from the cottage is great and the view of the islands on the speedboat were even better. I enjoyed going for walks and going to the beaches but we didn’t manage to get to the beach on Ristol across the water. We did try but the tide was not low enough at the time.

Lynda ( age ??) – I have had a lovely week. We have had all sorts of weather from wind the day after we arrived to beautiful sunny calm days. Today we went along to Reiff. I walked the others took their bikes and the views were stunning. The beach at Reiff is rocky and further up past the cliffs you will come to a lovely little beach with beautiful clean white sand. It was a lovely way to spend the last day of our holidays.

Billy ( ) – We chose to walk past Reiff on our last day. If we had more time we would have explored further instead of packing. I you like mountains, cycling, boat trips (fast or slow), good food and beaches you have come to the right place. |if not, just stare out the window - its enough.

The Macdonald’s of Ayr.



July 2005

Chill out factor +++. Love the area, views, walks, food etc. A thoroughly enjoyable stay at Windyhill

David Salby & Paddy – Edinburgh


July 2005

75 mackerel, 2 salmon, 2 finnan, winkles, mussels, 3 lobsters, a coalie and lots of crabs were caught and cooked during over wonderful week at Windyhill. Fantastic fun and great views. Children all loved it. Out of all the places that we have stayed over the years that we have been coming up here this cottage is the best - Harry

We cooked mussels on the beach, the mussels were delicious – Sam & Chrisp
Thank you – jack
This house really makes you relax, with the wonderful vies and open plan rood – we will be back - Carolina

Harry, Carolina & Children – Northumberland.


August 2005

We had a great time, spacious airy cottage and fabulous views. Climbed Stac Pollaidh, Ben Mor Coigach and Sgarr an Fhidhleir and would have done more if the beach hadn’t called. Through misty weather we went to Sandwood Bay and after a 5 mile walk we were greeted by white sand, crashing waves and an awe inspiring sea stack that made the walk worthwhile. The fitter ones of us did long cycle rides to Lochinver among other places. All in all the best holiday we’ve had for years and hope to e back before too long.

The Morris’s – Suffolk.


August 2005

We all had a lovely holiday.. We enjoyed the gorgeous scenery and all the wee craft shops – the locals are so friendly. Food at the pub up the road is great (esp. haddock, prawns) All in all a great holiday – hope to come back

Gordon Diane & family – N. Ireland


August 2005

What a wonderful place. Stunning views and scenery, excellent walking, good beaches and great food – the Summer isles bar is particularly child friendly. Hydroponicum is a good way of keeping dry on a particularly wet aftermost – tour very informative and such an enthusiastic guide that even the most ardent lover of concrete gardens might be tempted to try growing plants. All this and then to view to relax in front of at the end of a packed day.

Helen, Jeremy & children - Berkshire.

August 2005

Our 12th stay in Scotland, we simple love this country. The second visit to the summer Isles and the first stay at Windyhill. It’s a spacious, well equipped cottage with magnificent views over the sea! Also a wonderful base for the mountains, lochs, tours around the area and hill climbing. A wonderful holiday here and not the last.

F & W Neuuann - Germany


September 2005

Even though it was raining at times we have had a wonderful holiday. Like everybody else who has stayed here we found the cottage fantastic. You walk through the front door and the ‘calm’ takes over. We have sat for hours and enjoyed the changing scenery – the rainbows have been amazing!

Our chocolate Labrador (Murphy) has had the best time; especially playing with the two collies down the path and swimming at the beach. All in, this week has been one of the most relaxing we have ever spent. We always wanted to visit this part of the country, and we will be back (summer I think next time!) the local food has been great and the locals most friendly and generous. It is with regret that we leave.

Jane &7 John Parter. & Murphy – East Lothian


Oct 2005

The rainy weather left us at the start of the week, and we were fortunate to have some very nice sunny days. Fantastic scenery, everywhere you go, but for us one of the best views is just from up on the hill at the back of the cottage, 360 degrees panoramic. Never really had time to visit the pubs, but enjoyed 7 cosy nights in cooking nice meals. Ullapool was lovely the day we visited. It is refreshing to find it has an Indian restaurant. Looking forward to the Achiltibuie Mahal opening in 2010! Seriously, we have had a fantastic, relaxing holiday and the cottage is impressive, not o mention the outstanding views.
Spotted 3 staggs, a couple of otters and seals too, lots of sheepdogs. The sheepdog who lives in the cottage below is really friendly – he’s a canny pooch. We recommend the scenic drive from here to the main road, turn left up to Inchnadamph, along Loch Assynt, turn right onto the A894 up to the Kylesku bridge. Return along the coastal route via Nedd, Oldany, Clashnessie, Achmelvich beach, Lockinver, Strathan, Enard Bay and back home. Awesome!!! We want to move up here, cast our “city jobs” to the dustbin and chill out our remaining days (years) The people here are all very friendly, so thank you all of you , for that. We leave with very fond memories.

Phil & Sonia – Northumberland


Oct 2005

Our first visit to Windyhill – selected for the original and practical design after some internet browsing. We are delighted with this cottage - it is such an easy place to relax in and we spent far more time indoors rather than out walking and exploring. The views are stunning and we have also had a couple of out standing sunset.
The weather has been fairly mixed be we never came here looking for a sun tan!!
A good selection of books, games, films and music was an unexpected surprise and very much appreciated.

The coastal road to Lochinver is a stunning drive and the pie shop in Lochinver is fabulous. Our 2 year old daughter (Taylor) tool to the cottage immediately but got a bit confused with upstairs being downstairs and vice versa!! The cottage is a masterpiece of design and we have all claimed our own private corners since it is spacious enough to do so. Finding a stair – gate in the cupboard was a real bonus and allayed the only real concern we had before arriving. We did not use the fire, again because of the ‘wee one’ but the house was very warm at all times. Thank you for a very relaxing holiday.

The Reid Family – Renfrewshire


Oct 2005

Achnahaird beach, Quinag, Ples en Lochinver, Beach Again, excellent food at Hydroponicum, Coigach path to Strathkanaird, Cul Mar, Pies again, beach, walked to mast and meal an Fheadain’’Oh yes and beach again. Good weather – only rained twice, wish we had booked two weeks

Trevor ,Sylvia, Lewis


Oct – Nov 2005

What can we say that hasn’t already been said, the house is a true home from home, we came seeking refuge from the daily pressures of everyday life and certainly found it at Windyhill. The seats in from of the window have been well used. Brilliant watching dusk creep across the day , no lights on in the house for full effect.

The walk from Reiff is breathtaking for pounding surf and plunging cliffs. Loads of sea birds too, not bird watchers so no idea what we saw. Enard bay walk so good we did it twice during our sta. a must for seal spotting and stunning views of the mountains. If you are truly beach lovers make the 1 ½ drive to Blairmore and walk in to Sandwood bay – magical place – if you’re lucky like we were you’ll have the whole expanse of golden sands to yourself. BREATHTAKINLY BEAUTIFUL! Park up by the youth hostel sign just our of Polglass and enjoy some rock hopping – just follow the river Dows to the sea and take your pick left or right – if you go at low tide the beach is lovely and sandy also seal spotting territory.

Falls of Kirkaig impressive, walk past them for 30 mins and towards Sulven for solitude and stunning views of the mountain. Achmelvich beach beautiful and also deserted! Polbain stores great for jus about everything. Am furan bar serves quality home cooked food. Haddock melts in the mouth. All in all a fantastic holiday, been coming to Scotland for 15years now – this tops the list so far, can’t wait to return.

Simon & Jeanette West Yorkshire


Nov 2005

A fortnight of mixed weather as expected later in the season. Squally for much of the first week with a storm one night. By the second week, it was calm with blue skies, clear vies and a dusting of snow of the hills. The cottage has been a haven, and a CD and book selection very much to our taste made I very easy o watch the changing weather. The best low level walk was the improved path from Culnacraid towards Strath Canaird for a couple of miles to the rock beach. In rough weather try the walk past Reiff. The shorter day (plus a leisurely start it must be admitted) suit a day out on Ben More Coigach or Stac Pollaidh, both with wonderful views. This must be our first holiday in Scotland without a Munro ascent, though we’re rarely here this close to year-end (neatly avoiding giving advancing years as a possible reason) A wonderful holiday in this superb cottage.

Ian & Janet Milne – West Dorset