Welcome to part two of “On the Doorstep,” in the Embrace Authentic Scotland series.
In part two of ‘On the Doorstep’, we indulge in the local delights from Five Self-Catering Properties from the Scottish Borders to Perthshire and up to the Northwest Highlands where lies the Assynt Peninsula.
We invite you to experience Scotland at a leisurely pace, savouring the local culture, landscapes, and community spirit. Through self-catering holidays, we believe in the magic of exploring close to your home from home, discovering the charm and authenticity that lie just beyond your doorstep.
The Green House, is in Ettrickbridge in the Scottish Borders
Capacity: Sleeps 2
With walks and biking from the doorstep, the Green House, provides a truly relaxing space ‘off the beaten track” in the heart of the Scottish Borders with all you need to take you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life…
Embrace what’s ‘On the Doorstep’ from The Green House:
- Walk the Ettrick Marshes Hut Circle: a local gem offering an easy yet interesting walk. This short 1-mile trail meanders through one of the UK’s finest examples of floodplain forest. As you stroll, you’ll be surrounded by native woodlands and marshlands, home to rare wildlife species such as otters, red squirrels, water voles, ospreys, and a vibrant array of butterflies. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, this off the beaten track path promises a glimpse into Scotland’s rich natural heritage.
- Visit the Beehive Shop and Café: enjoy a light lunch and / or delicious home-baking
- St Mary’s Loch: Take a short and scenic drive up through the Yarrow Valley to St Mary’s Loch. There is a 7km walk around the loch and paddleboards and kayaks can be hired. Or you can simply take in the beautiful views from the Glen Café.
- The local Pub: just a 5-minute walk away is the local pub. Visit the Cross Keys Inn for a drink, breakfast, lunch and dinner
Hendersyde Farm Cottages, near Kelso, Scottish Borders
Capacity: Millsyde Sleeps 6, West Cottage Sleeps 4, Southsyde Sleeps 4
Nestled in the serene countryside near Kelso, Hendersyde Farm Cottages offer the perfect blend of luxury and cosy charm. These three beautifully appointed cottages, each accommodating between 4-6 guests, are ideal for families and small groups. Embrace the comfort of log fires, cosy sofas, and the convenience of fibre broadband. With breathtaking views stretching across the Scottish Borders, each cottage provides a quiet country escape while being close to the amenities of Kelso. Plus, your furry friends are welcome too—making Hendersyde a delightful retreat for both humans and dogs.
Embrace what’s ‘On the Doorstep’ from Hendersyde Farm Cottages:
- Walks from the doorstep: walk ‘off the beaten track’ by exploring walks across the farm, beside The Eden Water. And The River Tweed watching the wildlife, birds and tranquil flowing waters. The cottage owners also recommend walks and views from the Bowmont Forest.
- Visit the Buy Design Gallery: the Scottish Borders is a haven for talented artists and craftspeople. The showroom is open all year round from 10 am to 5:00 pm (except Thursdays) and is home to over 100 locally based artist makers working in wood, glass, metal, ceramic, and textile.
- Embrace something new: if you are organised enough to book in advance, there is the opportunity to book a Wood and Green creative course. These authentic courses vary from Rustic Stool Making to Spoon Making or Wood Prints and Wild Bird Feeders. Or try Glass Making Courses in Harestones Glass Studio.
- Walk with Beirhope Alpacas: weave your way up to Kale Valley to visit Beirhope, to enjoy a relaxing walk with alpacas, soaking up the scenery, in the foothills of The Cheviots, which straddle the Anglo/Scottish border
- Local Events on the doorstep: check out some of the local events and markets from the open-air theatre at Floors Castle to the Kelso Folk and Live Music Festival in September.
Lyon Lodge, Aberfeldy, Perthshire
Capacity: Sleeps 4
Just a 15-minute walk into the town of Aberfeldy, in Highland Perthshire, lies Lyon Lodge. This pet friendly lodge is where contemporary meets highland charm. Soak up the uninterrupted views over the Strathtay and beyond. The perfect highland retreat, off the beaten track and within walking distance of the local town and amenities.
Embrace what’s ‘On the Doorstep’ from Lyon Lodge:
- Embrace Adventure: Take a 10-minute walk from the lodge and you could be white water rafting on the river Tay with Splash White Water Rafting. If it’s excitement, you are after then this is for you and it’s not far from the doorstep of Lyon Lodge! Do you have wee ones who also seek adventure? The wee adventures centre is also a 10-minute walk and offers a range of adventure activities for children, from bushcraft to abseiling, and zip-lining to canoeing.
- An afternoon or evening of culture: visit local cinema “The Birks Cinema”, just a 15-minute walk from Lyon Lodge. A unique experience of visiting a community cinema in the centre of town – just how they used to be ‘back in the day’! The cinema has been restored and is a community enterprise providing a world-class cinema programme, a thriving cafe and bar as well as a wide range of community activities and events.
- Walks from the doorstep: there is a range of fabulous walks from Lyon Lodge, including an 8km walk from Aberfeldy to Grandtully where you can linger for a picnic by the river (there are some great options to purchase local delights in Aberfeldy) or there is the option of eating out in either Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier for a light snack and award winning chocolate or there is the Grandtully Hotel and the Inn on the Tay.
- Visit the local Whisky Distillery: a 5-minute walk from Lyon Lodge is the world-famous Dewar’s Whisky Distillery. There is a welcoming cafe to enjoy a morning coffee or perhaps you fancy a whisky tasting from the Fine Whisky Emporium – and there is not far to walk back to your self-catering holiday cottage.
Meall Dubh Holiday Cottage, Assynt, Scottish Highlands
Capacity: Sleeps 4
A traditional stone-built croft cottage situated 300 metres from the sea – off the beaten track with spectacular coastal and mountain scenery on the doorstep. Spot wildlife from otters to dolphins and basking sharks from Raffin’s beach and take a walk from the cottage to the Lighthouse. Whatever your ability, there are local drives, walks, and outdoor activities just from the doorstep.
Embrace what’s ‘On the Doorstep’ from Meall Dubh Cottage:
- Walks from the doorstep: explore Raffin beach, beach combing and messing about – with the feeling you are on a desert island. Practising mindfulness, spotting things like the perfect egg-shaped pebble.
- Wildlife watching: revel in the simplicity of wildlife watching, take your binoculars on holiday to help you spot dolphins, basking sharks, seals, porpoises, and whales out at sea or along the coastline. Spot nesting sea birds on the cliffs below the coastal path, from Fulmars and kittiwakes to herring gulls and arctic skuas regularly during the spring and summer.
- Visit Stoer Lighthouse: on a calm day, take a slow walk along the road from Meall Dubh to the lighthouse at Stoer head, one of 200 located around Scotland’s magnificent coastline.
- Gannet watching at Culkein Bay: head to nearby Culkein Bay and watch the Gannets dive bombing into the water to catch fish. A true wildlife spectacular!
River Edge Lodges, Bridge of Earn, Perthshire
Capacity: View here
Wooden lodges next to the River Earn where you can even fish for free! The lodges lie a few minutes from the local village, Bridge of Earn with local facilities on the doorstep. Sleeping up to six people the location is perfect for families, with goats, hens, and a grassy play area for children.
Embrace what’s ‘On the Doorstep’ from River Edge Lodges
- Walks from the doorstep: there are a number of walks from the lodges including The Wallace Road and Scott’s View taking about 3 hours. Sir Walter Scott loved this view from Dron Hill and described it in his book ‘The Fair Maid of Perth’.
- Wildlife watching: another popular walk from the doorstep is the Dunbarney walk which takes around 1 ½ hours. Teaming with wildlife from deer and birds of prey to red squirrels and guinea fowl. This is an accessible walk for all abilities and is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs (buggy friendly!).
- Open Water Swimming: if you are a fan of open water swimming, then try our Lochmill Loch in nearby Newburgh. Check out the EmbraceScotland water safety blog first!
- Walk to The Earn coffee shop, a warm and welcoming spot on the picturesque riverbank. Enjoy delicious specialty coffee, a mouth-watering menu, and excellent cakes. The walls feature paintings by local artists, and the interior of the cafe is beautifully crafted from natural materials by the team’s friends and family.
Begin Your Journey Beyond the Ordinary
Scotland is a land of countless wonders, each awaiting your discovery! Through our “On the Doorstep” series, we hope to inspire you to slow down and savour the richness and beauty of your surroundings. As you plan your self-catering holiday, remember that adventure often begins right outside your door. Stay tuned for more stories and guides that will help you explore Beyond the Ordinary and create unforgettable memories in Authentic Scotland.
stay inspired by visiting our social media, EmbraceScotland and our inspiration pages for ideas on specific holiday types. If you’re looking for last-minute accommodation or summer offers, check out our late availability page and offers page for the latest availability and deals.