Love being close to raw nature in remote wilderness? Then come to 'Inner Sound' cottage, where you can unwind, relax and enjoy the silence and serenity of the secret valley of Balachuirn on the Isle of Raasay. We are ideally situated in the centre of Raasay, with good access to all parts of the island. Raasay is a very beautiful isle and also has awesome views of Skye and the mainland.
Visit the dramatic Calum's road, the haunting ruins of Brochel Castle, the deserted and heartbreakingly sad clearance villages, tranquil Inver Beach, and the stunning whisky distillery! Catch the low tide so you can walk to the Isle of Fladda! Climb the extinct volcano, Dun Caan! Say hello to the friendly seals at Holoman Island, be amazed at the circling birds of prey soaring overhead, and watch the deer gently descend with grace and dignity onto the field opposite the cottage at dusk! If you are lucky, you might also see dolphins, porpoises, whales and sea-otters in the surrounding seas - or be surprised at the Northern Lights of the Aurora Borealis at night (the dark night sky is always amazing in clear weather)! The island is great for self-organised activities such as cycling, walking, sailing, kayaking, bird-watching, geology, astronomy, photography, and fishing (please bring your own equipment for such self-organised activities) - and there are a host of organised activities available at Raasay House hotel - kayaking, coasteering, sailing, rock-climbing, gorge walking, abseiling, archery, crating and tours (these are run by the hotel, not the cottage, so you need to pay and book separately for organised activities at https://www.raasay-house.co.uk ). Raasay House hotel offers cycle hire, a restaurant, bistro, bar - and amazing views across the bay to the Cuillin mountains. At Inverarish village, there is a shop and post office, while at nearby Clachan, you will find a distillery and gift shop.
Inner Sound is a traditional Hebridean crofting cottage that has been modernised for your comfort. It has 3 bedrooms (1 double plus a cot, 1 twin, and 1 single box-room) and a shared bathroom (with shower, WC, and sink). Your breakfast room is a kitchen/diner with a log-burning stove. Outside, there is a patio, log store, and car parking for 3 cars. There are local walks by beatiful forests, lochs, mountains, and the sea.
The entire traditional full Scottish breakfast is rarely served these days but you will be delighted to hear that the 8 course breakfast is available (or an alternative Continental Breakfast) at Inner Sound. Your breakfast table is next to the log-burning stove and a large picture window looking out onto open countryside animated with sheep, rabbits, deer, and birds of prey!
Big Balachuirn Breakfast:
- A Selection of Fruit Juices
- Tea or coffee
- Raasay whisky and honey porridge with dried fruits, cream and brown sugar
- Arbroath Smokies
- Bacon, eggs, mushrooms, beans, eggs, tomatoes, onions, black pudding, Lorne sausage, and tattie scones (Scottish potato scones) (a vegetarian version of this course is available)
- Oatcakes and jam
- Brown or white toast
- Fresh fruits and yoghurt
Alternative Continental Breakfast: bakery, jam and honey, fruits, toast, fruit juices, cereals, and beverages.
Plan your journey with sufficient safe driving and rest time to reach the ferry at Sconser at least 15 minutes before your chosen ferry time, which can be selected from this timetable: https://www.calmac.co.uk/article/2981/Raasay-Sconser---Raasay However, your journey may be very long and the roads may be busy, (and there are beautiful sights to see along your way) so it is highly advisable to give yourself plenty of time to complete your journey.
SatNav: Initially, set your SatNav destination to Kyle of Lochalsh (so that it takes you to the Isle of Skye via the Skye Bridge, not the Mallaig ferry, which is often fully booked). Then set your SatNav to Sconser, where the ferry leaves for the Isle of Raasay. Once you have taken the ferry and arrived at the Isle of Raasay, set your your SatNav destination to the cottage’s postcode: IV40 8PE or to the name of the hamlet: Balachuirn.
On the Isle of Raasay: after your 25 minute ferry journey, drive uphill from the jetty on the main road, turn left, continue on the road for approximately 3 miles (4.5 kilometres), take the left turn to Balachuirn and then you will see your destination - the first white cottage, Inner Sound (Fuaim a-staigh), on your left (parking is in the spaces just after the cottage). Please stay on tarmac roads only until you reach Balachuirn (any non-tarmac roads will lead you in the wrong direction).
In Portree, on foot, with no car? Please ask Portree iCentre (tourist Information and booking service) to mention this when booking accommodation and the proprietors will collect you from the ferry terminal (please state the time of your ferry). They will also return you to the ferry terminal at the end of your stay (and drive you around the island if you so wish). All such car journeys are free of charge.
Bus: take the Citylink bus from Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness directly to Sconser Ferry Terminal. If you are travelling from Portree, the iCentre (tourist information office) will tell you how to catch a bus to Sconser, where the ferry leaves for the Isle of Raasay.
Train: take the train from Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh and then take a bus to Sconser Ferry Terminal.
Enjoy the some stunning imagery and video footage in the links below:
The beautiful Isle of Raasay here
Raasay While You Wait can be enjoyed here
View stunning imagery of the Hidden Highlanda, click here
Enjoy a Scottish Hogmannay here
Stunning areal footage of the Quiraing
7 Things to do in Scotland this summer
A guide to island hoping in Scotland here
Scotland's Castle Trail
A guide to event's and festivals in Scotland
Scotlands landscapes
A guide to Scotland's great rail journey's here
Scottish Food & Drink and a guide to Scotlands Food & Drink here