Island View Lodge is a detached, timber-clad Lodge situated just a 25 minute walk or 5 minute drive from the picturesque village of Arisaig, Highland. Sitting in its own spacious, fenced grounds, the views across the fields and sea to the Small Isles and the Isle of Skye are idyllic. With off-road parking and welcoming one well-behaved dog, this lodge is perfect for families or friends seeking a quiet escape. On arrival, go through the small gate and follow the path to the front of the property. Follow the steps onto the deck, take off your shoes, pull up a seat and unwind! The Lodge comprises an open-plan living/kitchen/dining area. From the comfy sofas you can gaze out to sea and plan your next day’s adventures. The two bedrooms can sleep up to four, with a double and a twin room, both with USB sockets by the beds. The bathroom has a bath to soak and relax in or a shower over the bath if time is short – the choice is yours. A boot dryer in the entrance porch ensures your boots are ready for your next hike.
Outside, the spacious grounds, laid mainly to grass, with scented Rosa rugosa hedge and a few borders, offer plenty of space for the kids or pooch to run around. The deck is the perfect spot to watch the sunset, with a cup of tea or a glass of wine. From Island View Lodge it’s a short walk to sandy beaches and rockpools. A slightly longer walk follows the old road, past the Primary School, Catholic Church and historical old burial ground before reaching the village, where you will find food available at the Marina, the Hotel, the Soundbites café or the Old Library. The village has a Spar general store with cash machine and Post Office. Arisaig boasts the most Westerly train station (1.5 miles from the Lodge), with trains running from Mallaig to Fort William and beyond. There is also a local bus service a few times a day. Both Arisaig and nearby Mallaig have interesting local museums with small gift shops. The Land, Sea and Islands Centre in Arisaig offers insights into the local history, including information and displays about the activities of the Special Operations Executive in World War 2, which used this area as a training ground and requisitioned a number of larger properties in the area, including Arisaig House, which became a Commando finishing school. The Heritage Centre in Mallaig tells the story of West Lochaber and the “Rough Bounds”, as the area is known, and how Mallaig became Europe’s premier herring fishing port. Harry Potter fans may like to pay a visit to the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct or the Harry Potter shop in Mallaig. Whilst in Glenfinnan you can visit the Bonnie Prince Charlie Monument and museum, managed by the National Trust for Scotland, and discover history brought to life as you uncover tales of the 1745 Jacobite Rising. A 45 minute drive takes you to the 13th Century Castle Tioram, dramatically sited on its own tidal island and offering a glimpse of Scotland's storied past. From here you could go on to explore the remote Ardnamurchan peninsular and the U.K.’s most westerly lighthouse. Whisky connoisseurs mustn't miss an excursion to the Ardnamurchan Distillery, where you can indulge in the magic of the distillation process and sample the unique character of their single malts. More locally, there are many more lovely beaches and walks to discover. Be sure to book in advance if you fancy a sea kayaking adventure or a boat trip to the Small Isles of Eigg, Muck or Rum, or want a day across on Skye or Knoydart. End each day's explorations back on the deck at Island View Lodge, a perfect end to you day of adventures.