From a partner site
8/10 Good
Fiona Noble
5 Apr 2025
Excellent cottage, perfect for anyone wanting to explore the special beauty of the north and west of
Excellent cottage, perfect for anyone wanting to explore the special beauty of the north and west of Arran and still only half an hour from all the island amenities. The location of the cottage with its views and the stillness of the area, with the amazing dark skies and the sound of the deer in the evening couldn't be improved on and the owners clearly care about your holiday experience. The cottage is so well equipped and every aspect thought out - like being at home not at a holiday rental. The heaters took a little bit of understanding, but enhanced by the ground floor wood stoves we were toasty warm all week (4 extra bags of logs cost just £20).The dog facilities were superb, the in house crates easily accommodated our 2 labrador sized dogs who just adored daily swimming. A couple of extra dog / baby gates at the bottom of the staircase and at the entrance to the rear (spectacular) garden would have reduced the need for supervision / use of long leads outside. That said it wasn't a hardship to watch the stars and listen to the deer from the front door, as the dogs had a bedtime wee.The ground floor toilet is actually up several stairs, but the booking clearly says its not suitable for those with impaired mobility so not a surprise, there are several steps at the gate and internally that cannot be avoided as well as the rear garden - but even my dodgy knees managed to get to the top, with care.We saw abundant wildlife every day - eagles above the glens, deer from the door, and from accessible parking locations we saw seals, hares and numerous sea and game birds, only the otters remained elusive. We easily accessed lochs, beaches, forests and tumbling burns / waterfalls, with so many places within very easy reach both to explore and to sit and watch from car or the house, including the amazing sunsets, the week flew by.With some pre booking we ate very well at The Country Inn, the Drift Inn (Lamlash), Casks at The Distillery and Cafe Thyme.The ferries were a challenge as the sailing times kept changing, but Calmac were super helpful and older dogs / passengers can use a pre booked lift to get from the car deck.We would go back to Croftbank, Lochranza and Arran in a heart beat!