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It’s fair to say that 2020 has left us all in need of a proper holiday, but with foreign travel looking so uncertain and many popular summer spots off the cards, you might be feeling like there’s nowhere to go for some well-deserved respite. Cue the staycation. I know what you’re thinking - the weather - but that’s what Meander is here for!
All of us at Meander love a good homegrown holiday, so we’ve pulled together a wee list of some of our favourite spots to inspire you when planning your next staycation. Whether you’re looking for a bank holiday hideaway for a romantic break or a week-long adrenaline-filled outdoor adventure, these local gems have got you covered. From saunas to sailing, diving to distilleries, your next staycation is sure to be a truly unforgettable experience.
The hardest decision you’ll have to make on a trip to Glen Dye is which one of the idyllic cottages you want to stay in, but the good news is that they all have an outdoor, wood-fired hot tub. These cabins are situated in the middle of the almost 30,000 acre Glen Dye Estate in the North East of Scotland and will act as your basecamp for an extraordinary getaway.
There is a smorgasbord of activities on your doorstep at Glen Dye, whether you fancy a day by the River Dye canoeing, fishing or swimming, or a cycle or hike along the miles of tracks through one of Britain’s finest private forests. If you’re more interested in chilling out, then you can relax in your cabin’s hot tub, turn on the record player and enjoy some classic tunes. Alternatively, you could visit the sauna or take a stroll to the vegetable garden to pick some accoutrements for the dinner you’ll cook on your cabin’s very own Big Green Egg barbecue.
There’s lots to explore nearby, too: Dunnottar Castle, the Falls of Feugh, the V&A in Dundee and Balmoral Castle to name but a few. And at the end of the day after all of that meandering, you can drop by The Glen Dye Arms - the estate’s very own BYOB pub. And if that doesn’t whet your whistle then I don’t know what will. Sláinte!
Find out more about Glen Dye Cabins and Cottages, including prices and availability, here
White sandy beaches and clear blue water, no I’m not talking about the Caribbean, this is the Isle of Lewis. Uig, to be precise. Home to the cool and quirky Carnish Cabins. These beachside boutique cabins offer the perfect retreat for anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and experience pure relaxation in the most breathtaking surroundings.
The self-catering cabins, both bordering the sands of the Uig beach, are super cosy and have all the amenities you will need, including luxury toiletries and flat screen TVs. The clever people at Carnish have even built a little hut between the two as a boot room for wet outdoor gear. Genius.
There are so many activities to enjoy on the island, including - climbing, walking, cycling, sailing, diving, surfing, golfing and bird watching (golden eagles can be spotted in the region). Or if the weather isn’t playing ball and you fancy staying indoors then you can try some whisky tasting at the Abhainn Dearg Red River Distillery or take a trip to the Uig Heritage Centre. And after all of that you’ll be ready to relax and watch the spectacular sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. Bliss.
Find out more about Carnish Cabins, including prices and availability, here
You wouldn’t guess it from the understated name, but The Black Shed on the Isle of Skye is an architectural award-winning accommodation and with a quick look at the photos on their website, it’s easy to see why. Built in 2008, and based on a working croft, the self-catering homestead is sheer luxury on the inside with a wood-burning stove, kitchen equipped with a Smeg electric cooker, king-sized bed, large walk-in shower and a study (amongst other things).
With the Black Shed as your base, you can explore all the amazing adventures available to you on the Isle of Skye. Wild swimming in the crystal-clear Fairy Pools of Glen Brittle is a popular choice for those willing to brave the cold or for those who prefer to stay on dry land, why not hike up the Old Man of Storr, a large pillar of rock whose summit will reward you with stunning views.
If you’re a lover of wildlife then you can take a boat trip to see the Sea Eagles, watch whales at Rubha Hunish or keep your eyes peeled for playful otters on a wander along the shores. Oh, and there are two distilleries on the island in case that tickles your fancy!
Find out more about The Black Shed, including prices and availability, here
Travel to Durness in the very north of Scotland and you’ll find Croft 103 – home to two of the most stunning and unique rental accommodations – Hill Cottage and Shore Cottage. Custom crafted and luxurious interiors can be found in both properties, and the patio even has an outdoor bath for the more adventurous (don’t worry, there are indoor bathing facilities, too!). As if this wasn’t enough, the cottages were built with eco-living in mind and three aims: low energy, natural materials and renewable energy.
If you can manage to pry yourself away from the home comforts, you’ll be greeted by endless opportunities to seek adventure in the surrounding area. The local beaches at Sutherland are award winning and the North West of Scotland is the perfect location for all kinds of water sports, in particular surfing and diving.
Cameras at the ready for Smoo Cave, the largest accessible limestone cave in Britain, with its incredible naturally lit waterfall. And if you’ve got any time left, there’s plenty of walking, golfing and fishing to be done locally, too!
Find out more about Croft 103, including prices and availability, here
If you’re like me and you like the idea of going camping, but not like camping camping where you have flashbacks to your Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition and the tent collapsing in on you in the torrential rain at 3 am (I digress), then I give you the Great Glen Pod.
Billed as luxury glamping (that’s more like it), the Great Glen Pod is located in the village of Spean Bridge in the heart of the Highlands, close to Ben Nevis and Fort William. The Pod itself has a double bed with bed linen, ensuite shower room and a kitchenette area so pop that inflatable mattress, burn that sleeping bag and prepare to enjoy the great outdoors in complete comfort.
Spean Bridge is home to restaurants, pubs, cafes and shops for the casual camper to enjoy, but with Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, on your doorstep we’re guessing you’ll be donning your boots and heading for a hike! Stop by the Ben Nevis Inn on your way home for a well-earned pint and some fish and chips. Delicious.
Find out more about the Great Glen Pod, including prices and availability, here
We hope we’ve inspired you with these fab five and we know there are so many more out there to enjoy so if you’ve got any spectacular staycation spots you’ve been meandering through then let us know!
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