Dunalan

The smell of peat smoke drifts across the garden at dusk, and on clear nights the stars feel close enough to touch.

Dunalan offers a choice between traditional guest house rooms and camping pods — perfect for couples wanting a proper bed after a day on the hills, or those testing the waters of outdoor sleeping with a roof overhead. It's year-round, so you can chase the northern lights in winter or the long June evenings when the sky barely darkens. Dogs might be welcome if you ask ahead, and the campfire policy is worth checking when you arrive — there's nothing quite like ending a Scottish day around the flames.

The setup is straightforward and honest — this isn't a sprawling holiday park, just a small place where you can lay your head between adventures. The pods give you that outdoor feeling without the full commitment to canvas, while the guest house rooms offer warmth and comfort when the weather turns. It's the sort of spot where you plan your route over breakfast and fall asleep before you've finished your book.