Oct 2011

Back again same week only a year later ! Cottage as lovely as last year - cosy comfortable, warm and home from home. Weather not as good as last October sadly - very cloudy and windy all week, but it hasn’t stopped us ! walks to Brough Bay to see the seals, shopping in Thurso and Wick a return visit to John o Groats and the camster cairns. Also visited Duncansby stacks and had a drive to smoo cave 80 miles approx each way, but well worth it for the scenery en route. We chose to come here again to relax and we couldn’t have picked a better place. Hope to be back in the near future..

Ps for the Northern lights updates, if you have the internet look at www.softserve.com/aurora

Andy & Susan Markham & family, Lincolnshire

Oct 2011

Very Cosy Cottage with everything you need. Loved the Jacuzzi bath. Very peaceful amazing views. Thankyou.

Gemma and Rich Bournemouth

August 2011

Back for 2 weeks this time enjoyable 2 weeks despite the weather brought a new addition to our family this year "Ruby" our Labradoodle puppy, have enjoyed loads of great walks on dunnet beach and dunnet forest. Also surfed Dunnet Beach, great fun and good fishing and seal watching at the bay. No Northern Lights this year though.

Neil, Julie, Leanne, Callum & Ruby  Burntisland, Fife

September 2011

Had a great week, apart from Sundays storm weather now pretty settled. This was our first visit to Far North Cottage and it lived up to all our expectations. A very comfortable cosy cottage with stunning views and excellent walks practically on the doorstep. Weve enjoyed a very relaxing week and will certainly visit again. A big thank you to Morag for a very much appreciated welcome pack.

Douglas and Dianne Gordon and Harvey (Bullmastiff)   Livingston, West Lothian

June 2011

Lovely cottage and views. Wished we had stayed longer despite weather - Rain, Hail, Rain, Fog, rain, gales with a power cut thrown in for good measure ! Thank goodness for the Log Burner. Visited the Seals at Brough Bay several times, Puffins galore at Dunnet Head. Orkney Islands well worth a visit as is Smoo cave a long drive but fab scenery, beautiful empty beaches along the way. Hope you enjoy your stay as much as we did.

Poultney, Derbyshire

July 2011

Lovely stay, weather kind and makes this cottage all the more special. Relaxing week walking the dog. Coco loved the garden and Dunnet Beach. Good meals to be had at the Northern Sands at Dunnet and the Castletown Hotel. Good scenic drive out towards the Kyle of Tongue. Thank you Morag for the welcome pack and advise to sort out the oven !

Andy and Pat Germain, Llantrysant, Wales  

April 2011

Great Stay 42 species of bird seen or heard from the Garden. Hope everyone enjoys their holiday as much as we did !

David and Angie, Perth,

May 2011

First visit to Far North Cottage, we have had a lovely week. Views from Conservatory are amazing Deer in the field every late evening. Seals out at Brough bay. Visited Durness & Smoo Cave. Cottage is warm and comfortable. Thanks to Morag for welcome pack. A surprise on our arrival. Reluctantly returning home.

PS Try the RSPB Walk at Dunnet Head on Wednesdays Very Good Saw Puffins and many Puffins and many other species.

Richard and Karen, Anglesey, North Wales

Feb 2011

We had a very enjoyable week. The weather improved to mild and sunny. The clear skies with no moon at the moment gave superb views to the stars and milkyway and on Tuesday we saw the Northern Lights (a bright light glow with some beams moving) It was lovely to see the Seals, Deer and Birds and also spend time here relaxing.

Mark and Cathy Eastbourne

March 2011

2nd visit in 2 months ! Flew here in Jan 16th to 23rd and on the 18th January we saw the Northern Lights ! Started as a Glow over the Spinney then turned to Yellow and Orange pulsating Lights. It was amazing, they returned at 9pm that evening and again at 1am the next morning. Nothing this time but the night skies were amazing. The full moon rose in the SE 9pm 22nd March and 10pm 23rd March - bright orange and so clear. We felt we could reach up and touch the stars, it was fantastic. Both visits were very impressive, cottage lovely and welcoming, views here at Dunnet Point & Dunnet Bay very impressive. Will defiantely return.

Keith & Kathy Clark, Warwickshire,

Jan 2011

Thanks for the warm welcome from Morag the fine was great and the goodies in Fridge. The cottage is excellent very cosy, the weather was very good much better than expected, dry everyday. Fed the birds and took loads of Photos. Already planning time to return (soon we hope) Going home feeling very relaxed and ready to get ack to work again !

Walkden  

November 2010

We drove from Boston Lincs approx 600 miles in the worst weather conditions in a Classic Sierra. Upon arrival we had the most lovely greeting of a warm and beautiful cottage thanks to Morag. The journey took 16 hours and worth every minute of travel what a sight. Morag told us of a lovely gift shop in John o Groats and we were able to get everyones gifts from this one shop. The garage in Castletown has everything you need for the Log Burner. We have stayed here for 2 weeks and it has been the best 2 weeks ever !

Thanks Tim, Morag also the man who came and brought the new TV for us. We will be back

Debbie, Paul, Charly & China

PS Please feed the birds

December 2010

Fourth time here for us gets better each time (particularly the en-suite - with the underfloor heating) Long walks and roaring fire to come back to. Very relaxing.

Steve and Heather Behan Northamptonshire

What a magical christmas retreat Far North Cottage is! it is so cosy with the night storage heaters which can also be switched to electric convector mode..keeping the place lovely and warm. The wood stove is wonderfull and we found it does do wood / coal combined very well   We had an absolutely fantastic time. The cottage is lovely and the views amazing. We walked up to Dunnet Head. It took us about 1.30 hours altogether..well worth it, we also biked to castletown. Its a long way but with fantastic views. I will defiantely recommend Far North cottage to my friends and family  

Thankyou Harriette Wright and Paul Woolstenholmes  Dec 07  

Arrived to the "perfect getaway" very clean cosy and everthing you need, views to die for. Weather very kind apart from sunday walk to Dunnet Head had to come back for the car, plenty of deers around the house and lots of seals in Brough bay. Birds of all shapes and sizes from Buzzards to tits (no elephants or giraffes..thou see earlier entry) Fantastic drive to Durness scenery and wildlife brilliant, beaches and coves to die for. Dunnet Forest. Very Good Northern sands hotel food exelent. Whalligoe steps, Duncansby stacks beautiful, no Northern Lights..perhpas next time..all in all a fantastic holiday definately will be back, thankyou. Now back to teenagers, think send them here to appreciate life.  

Thanks Tim and Morag Hosking, Southend on Sea, Essex Nov 07 

What can I say! Its all been said so many times...keep up the good work Tim! We will be back once again!!   Jane Strugwell ,Ian Johnson, Poolewe, Ross-shire Feb 08  

A lovely cottage with stunning views, weve been really lucky with the weather - we brought wellies and woolies expecting snow but have been in sunglasses with the glorious sunshine and blue sky. We havent seen the mysterious Northern lights but have enjoyed watching the birds in the garden (apparently deer are in the front garden at dusk, but I keep missing them!) and photographing the seals in the bay at the bottom of the road (they arent camera shy!) The nearest Petrol station is in Castletown and not Dunnet as on welcome pack. The people of castletown are lovely and I can recommend the butchers there. Best place for coal is Hunters coal Merchants, first right past the school as you go towards Thurso (before traffic lights) - drive into an industrial estate and it is on the right. Bags of kindling also available at the cheaper price here. Alan at the bottom of the road is a lovely chap with  a lot of local knowledge. Dunnet head view point up the road is worth a visit - take your camera! In fact take your camera everywhere..as you never know..The sunset at Dunnet bay is amazing..  

Tracie, Ivan Fenton,  Bradford, North Yorkshire Feb 08  

We got this as a cancelation only stayed for 4 days wish it had been for 4 weeks. Cottage immaculate, well done to Morag (last minute notice) views fantastic...we arrived in snow storms (but made it even better) had 2 lovely sunny days. Then last day rain. So went top the pub and met chalky (ha ha) weve seen all the wildlife. Loved feeding the family of Robins in the garden. Hot water takes a while to work to work out in the kitchen...the Jaccuzzi bath is a must (mmm) will definately be back. If we can get booked what a fantastic 4 days me and my husband have had. Definately go to the Northern Sands Hotel for a steak perfect (big portions)  

Denise and Paul, Gateshead Mar 08  

PS Could not have a single complaint about this cottage, or break...Love it Love it!!  

The cottage was lovely and we had a funtime. We saw lots of seals on the beach..Perfect holiday, our last in the uk before we emigrate to Australia in June!! We loved the cottage, so cosy and clean, with everything we needed.   Anyway thanks again.  

Zoe, Jay, Yvonne Jonathon, Glasgow Mar 08   Sorry to leave.

Great cottage, very cosy and lovely views no dear to be seen but could be heard. Seals put on a great show in the bay at the end of the road. Can sometimes be seen playing in the sea at the end of the garden..cows in the field very friendly!!  

Andrew and Leon, Stevenage, Herts Dec 07  

(Colin and Dianne) ...cont a year later....night of 7th March. 9.30 clear dark skye, no moon, after 1/2 hour sky watching the sky to the right of Dunnet Head / left end of Hoy grew bright to a considerable degree across a wide horizon and white columns of light appeared vertically into the sky, varying in intensity, we both saw this for approx 10 minutes. The light faded and disapeared leaving dark sky as before. Not colourfull or overhead but definately the Aurora.  

What a lovely cottage! Very comfortable and in an ideal spot! So quiet, tranquil and remote, just what we were looking for! We have had a wonderfull time just a shame we have to leave. The seals on the local beach down the road were amazing. A little camera shy though! We were hoping to see the Northern Lights, but it looks like we will have to return another time.   Mr and Mrs Rudd, Barnsley   Fantastic Cottage, beautiful scenery. Appreciate all the home comforts especially the christmas tree and decorations upon arrival. No Northern lights but plenty of seals and wildlife to keep us entertained. Food at Northern sands Hotel was spot on. Lookinf forward to our next stay.   Lorraine, Steve, Kyle, Enfield, London   Once again a great escape, what a wonderfull way to recover from the christmas rush, the weather was wild but it only added to the beauty, we still managed a couple of walks and had delicious food at Northern Sands Hotel. No seals this year and sadly no Northern lights, but our friend the stote paid us a visit in the garden. Taking away many happy memories to sustain us through the year. Counting the months to our next visit. Had a lovely day watching Otters play on the old slipway at Kyle of Tongue.  

Sue and Billy, Leyland, Lancashire

  Excellent cottage far exeeded our expectations a whole week of peace and quiet lazy days and cosy nights wish we had booked the 2nd week, look forward to coming again.   Karen and Peter, Whitham, Essex   The cottage is fantastic - love the Jacuzzi! he...he...first we went to the town and the little souvenier shop are fab! The we went to the beach that was reommended to us and we saw loads of seals. We even even got very close to this seal who was sitting on the rocks. Then we went to Ducansby Head - and it was spectacular!! It is a must see thing bring the camera. Didnt see the Northern Lights last night but the stars were super! The more you looked the more you could see. Returned to cosy warm, cottage and jacuzzi spa bath. The Thompson family  

Came last year at this time, said we'd be back cos we had such a lovely christmas...and here we are again - absolutely brilliant. Deer in the garden on christmas day - buzzards @ Thrumster on boxing day after climbing 365 of the whalligoe steps!! Fox's in the garden on Boxing day night and seals everytime we went to John o Groats (in the harbour) It is so therapeutic to spend time here - recharge your batteries and put life in perspective!! The cottage is again absolutely the best inside and out (what views) Thanks again well be back again next year - where else could beat this place??Previous writers / visitors made coment about lack of seals, deer, Northern lights ect....if there is anything you want to see or do...speak to the local people or the policeman, they will tell you the best places to go and see differant things - eg sea eagles can be seen at Tongue...not far away...and another big tip...when looking for deer, foxes ect. Sit quietly - they are there - you just need to look, once you see one you will know how to spot them. If all else fails - guaranteed sightings of Stags & Hinds on the road from Helmsdale and Melvich..a long drive but definately worth it. At dusk stags are down on the road and red kite can be seen near / on edge of forestry bits!! as we saw today..  

Janet and Steve Green and Blue (the whipper) Preston, Lancs     

Fantastic few days with breathtaking views excellent company. Plenty of wine and food, quiet nights spent in front of a blazing fire, total rest was had by all. Saw seals and plenty of wildlife including tigers and elephants wow!! that whisky was good...now its back to reality   Gary & Annette Scott Mandy & Neil Cartmell   Birds in the air. Seals in the bay, Deer in the field. Rabbits in the garden. Peace perfect peace. If your disappointed at the "no show" of the Northern lights. Try watching sunrise and or sunset...Spectacular   Sue and David Fleet, Staffs  

Very impressed with the cottage and its lovely location. Dunnet Head was stunning, particularly on a clear day. We had a lovely drive out to the Kyle of Tongue (40 ish miles) Very scenic and had lunch at the cosy Tongue Hotel. Make sure you walk down to the end of the laneto Brough Bay to see the seals. The weather was a bit disappointing, but an otherwise enjoyable relaxing holiday. No Northern lights, but spotting light houses from the conservatory at night (bring the duvet) There are apparently 5 or 6 to be spotted   Jo & Gareth, Bradford, West Yorks  

We enjoyed our stay very much, especially the big garden with a wonderfull view. We had nice weather the whole week. Is this Scottish weather - everyday sunshine? Freindly people are living here, our neighbour gave us a wonderfull self-smoked fish. Very nice to visit Mary Anns cottage in Dunnet   Andrea, Melbert and Klaus Haenicke, Berlin, Germany   This was our 2nd visit to Far North cottage and as ever was spotless (well done Leslie...you are doing a fantastic job) my only one complaint is I have to go home. The 1st week was cold and wet and windy. But still has charm and when your in scotland if you want the sun all the time Go abroad dont come here and moan. Talk to the local people very friendly and full of information to help your stay more pleasant and interesting. This seemed to work for us if you hear the cuckoo for long periods of time it's going to rain...if its hot pray for a slight breeze and the midges will go away ..Seal watch down in the bay is good for relaxing. Castles to visit Dunrobin, castle of Mey, Cawdor castle. This one is worth the journey south...and if it is open Girnigoe which was not open to the public as restoration work was been carried out at time of our visit. Go West and visit Smoo cave. The coastal scenery is beautiful also visit whaligoes 365 steps talk to the guy that looks after them...he will tell you all about them, Duncansby stacks is a lovely walk and the maxi trip from John o groats is well worth the expense. (book in advance) Military buffs will find this very imformative, if you take B36 west B79 toward Helmsdale you will see plenty of herds of Deer, although there are 3 deers that visit the fields about the cottage. Have seen Linnets, yellow Hammers and Bull Finches on the Gorse...birds I have not seen since I was a boy down south...plenty of other birds to see "not every bird of prey yopu will see is a golden Eagle". Alan in the house on the corner is a very helpful man and will tell you how to spot whales and he is full of local information about the history of the bay...ignore him and it will be your loss...he also makes the best Scot Gin ive tasted thanks..to self catering scotland (visit whistlefield lodge in the trossachs) differant scenery but very awesome...dont forget without the rain you dont get the magnificent waterfalls down the mountains...our 2 weeks now drawing to an end and certainley will be back...hope you enjoy your holiday as much as we have  

Daniel, Davina Gage, Mildenhall, Suffolk, England          

We have had a brilliant holiday here despite a few problems when we first arrived (be sure to ask for help if you have any issues and they will be quickley sorted out) We already know this area very well, but hadnt been back here for a few years. This house is in a great location and the views are some of the best around. Lots of wildlife around, specially baby birds in the front garden, robins, dunnocks and black birds. As well as plentiful buzzards and kestrels, we saw a male merlin behind the house and a golden eagle (our first for a couple of years) circling up until we lost it in the clouds. Saw a roe buck every time we went to the courtfall loch - fantastic flowers there, but the trout are tiny. Much bigger trout (best was 11b 8 z in the Long Loch. 20 per week for a permit - good fishing and a great setting. Try easter head, Sanders and Log Loch. Dry flies at night are best.....   We will be back.  

Cameron, Julie, Jamie and Erin Ayrshire  

We had a really lovely time here at Far North the cottage is beautiful and homley and was very clean and well appointed. Things we loved / recommend Orkney The islands are beautiful, but one day is not nearly enough - if you can stay somewhere overnight. Definately see Mine Flow on the Main Island and Tomb of the Eagles on  South Ronaldsay. Also Fudge! Ice Cream! Fudge! ooh and visit Orkney wine company. Try and bag as Paul calls it Mystical Ben Hope, the magic disappearing Munroe of Doon (we couldn't find it believe it or not) The Northern sands hotel is very good for Dinner. Chill out - we took drives, read a lot and rested thouroughly This place is exellent for that. Keep and eye out for wildlife - we saw bugger all!! We've left some midge repellant on the mantel piece - the midges were voracious and the clegs are the worst Ive encountered, but just run everywhere and you ll be fine..!!  

Thankyou Self Catering Scotland Sarah and Paul Adams (on honey moon)

"Warm welcome, lovely and relaxing even with 3 children, Mey castle lovely, John o Groats and Mary Anns cottage good for kids, people lovely. Sand dunes good fun, sea a bit cold for swimming - swimming pool in Thurso good. Cliffs amazing wind even more so - light house and walks good... Good week of relaxing. Thanks a million."

Ferguson 5, Argyll

"Had a great time people very friendly, fantastic views, plenty of things to do, great walks, was able to be a kid again..."

Daniel and Davina Gage, Suffolk

"We have had a wonderful time. Thanks for the wonderful welcome at the cottage. We've had a very relaxing time, the cottage has been the best we've stayed in for a long time. Hope to come again. Thanks a lot from us all."

Steve, Angie, Tyler and Joe, Nott's

"The more we see of Scotland... the more we become deeply in love with its beauty, its history and its people. 7 days not long enough to absorb more than a mere taste of all that it holds. The royal family chose, all throughout their lives and that is good enough for us. We shall return and that is for sure. The cottage has everything imaginable to ensure complete comfort and peace. Thank you."

Jack and Karen, Wirral

"We loved this cottage and the beautiful scenery. Didn't see the Northern lights but had more than enough to enjoy during our week here including a trip over to Orkney. Would love to come back for a second stay.

PS. Saw a sea Eagle sat on the Garden fence... Fabulous."

Caddells, Merseyside.

"We enjoyed our holiday in this beautiful and unspoilt area. We have travelled from here to Durness and visited lots of interesting places in between. We have had long walks (even in a force 9 gale between John o Groats and Duncasby). The cottage is very comfortable and in a lovely situation. Thank you for the welcome - we will be back."

The Wilsons, Edinburgh

"A beautiful cottage in a beautiful location. A perfect place to spend christmas. Made more perfect by snow on Christmas day! Truly a wonderful cottage made special by all your little finishing touches, which we all appreciated! We will definitely be back. Thank you."

Janet, Steve, Douglas and Blue Green, Preston

Many thanks for the fabulous few days we spent in your
cottage, The photos and views do not do it justice. The boys were spellbound, and for a fourteen and fifteen
year old to walk in and say "wow" says something, they soon
discoverd the bikes and off they went, the only worry we had was that they didnt fall over the cliffs, (you always find something to worry about with the kids.)

The young one pinched the big bedroom upstairs and was
amazed by the lighthouse flashing in his room, we tried one
night to count all the lighthouses in the Pentland Firth, we never got the same number twice, even though we supposedly
knew how many there should have been.

But then again you know all this, again from all the four of us many thanks.

Regards, Clive

Hello Tim, We returned to the US yesterday from our Scotland holiday, and I wanted to write and let you know how much we enjoyed our week at Far North Cottage.  We wish that we had spent all 3 weeks there!  The cottage was a delight!  Nicely furnished and supplied. The location was wonderfully peaceful and truly beautiful.  We had a lovely time and hope to return someday.  Please pass on to the owner our appreciation of the cottage.  We would not hesitate to re-book or to recommend Far North Cottage to anyone.  It is a joy.

Best regards, Michele Miller