REVIEWS

We had the privilege of staying nearly four weeks at Leac a Ghradain and had the most amazing time. As many other guests have commented, the cottage is fabulous. The quiet and secluded location offers peace and tranquillity with the wonderful views over the Loch and is an ideal starting point for anyone who wants to walk the hills and mountains in the Torriodon area. The large and well-maintained garden is a delight to explore and spend time in, so is the cottage itself, especially with the triple aspect windows in the living room – we always felt immersed in the land and sometimes just sat for hours watching the weather over the Loch and mountains. The cottage is kept to a very high standard and very well equipped with everything we needed, and we enjoyed browsing the books and information provided.

Teresa was an absolute joy to work with, she was very accommodating and generous in her welcome and always responded immediately to any queries we had. We were very lucky with the weather, it often was a lot better than predicted. We saw the Milky Way even from inside the cottage and for one evening had the Northern Lights, too. We left with grateful hearts and memories that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. 

Jay& Christine, London/County Durham, September/October 2024

My partner and I very much enjoyed 10 days at Leac a Ghradain and feel very relaxed after our holiday.  The cottage is well equipped and maintained to a high standard.  The garden is fascinating for anyone with an interest in rewilding / native species.  There is plenty to do from the garden gate including walks to nearby settlements or cycling to Torridon and beyond. 

We tackled a couple of the bigger hills … there is plenty of information and maps available in the house for anyone who loves walking.  Teresa was most helpful before and during our stay.  Highly recommended if you like the outdoors and breathtaking scenery.

Paul & Lisa, Stirling, September 2024

This is a beautiful, comfortable house in a spectacular quiet location on a rise overlooking the loch and ranges of hills. The house is sumptuously equipped and surrounded by a wonderful garden with paths, heathers, and herb beds.

Torridon village is not far (we walked it once, both ways) and Beinn Alligin a stunning and challenging nearby Munro. Teresa is a warm, attentive and accommodating host. Top marks all around!

DK & family, Carlops, July 2024

Teresa is a lovely, cheerful host, really thoughtful and accommodating.  A pleasure to deal with.  She did a fair bit of juggling with us to find dates that worked. Communication is excellent and the house has lots of info and guidance.  Really well appointed, spotless and comfortable ... there are lots of touches like welcome basket, laundry and cleaning materials, walking books and maps etc. 

The star of the show is the fantastic view from most windows.  It was lovely and relaxing to just sit and watch the weather play over the hills and the garden views are lovely. Great base for walking Torridon.  We had a fantastic week and looking forward to next year.

Alison & Chris, Sussex, April 2024

This is the fourth time we have stayed at Leac a Ghradain, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. The house is fabulously located on a high point overlooking Loch Torridon, and has amazing views from its large, triple-aspect living room. The house is warm and well-equipped, and has good mobile and wifi reception. Teresa is a diligent, helpful, and generous host, who is clearly determined to ensure her guests have a great time. From the extensive garden there are great views in all directions, looking south over Loch Torridon to the south Torridon peaks, and east to Beinn Alligin and Liathach. Many birds can be spotted in the garden, and on our last day we saw a golden eagle go right over the house.

As a photographer, the house gives me great opportunities for panoramic images, especially at sunrise and sunset, and I’ve loved capturing the dynamic weather and the regular bursts of crepuscular light. The quality of the light here is fantastic for photographers. (The photograph below is Loch Torridon during Storm Babet in October 2023: copyright John Murray.)

The house is also in a Bortle 1, dark-sky area, meaning that there is absolutely no light pollution at night, thus giving fantastic opportunities for star-gazing and astronomy on moonless nights. Even with a simple pair of binoculars I could see several galaxies which are difficult to observe even with a big telescope elsewhere.

John and Marilyn, Cumbria, October 2023

After arriving at Leac a Ghradain, we immediately made a cup of tea and sat in the garden in the late afternoon sun taking in the spectacular views over Loch Torridon.  It was a wonderful start to our stay.

The home is spacious, warm, comfortable and well-equipped.  We particularly appreciated the garden.  A lot of work has gone into creating a wildlife haven, with many different mosses and lichens, and a resident bird population in the surrounding trees.

The property is an excellent base for exploring Loch Torridon and the local area.  If you enjoy mountain walking, then some of Scotland’s most iconic Munros are on your doorstep.  We tackled Beinn Alligin and Beinn Eighe.  Neither are for the faint hearted, but the climbing was worth it for the views and the sense of achievement. 

There are also many low-level walks.  The walk around Loch Cuillin and Loch Clair was a particular highlight, which included close encounters with highland cattle and red squirrels.  Other memorable wildlife encounters included watching a white-tailed eagle soaring over Loch Torridon, and sitting for an hour by the lochside below Leac a Ghradian, whilst we watched a family of otters fishing and playing.

On most walks we were fortified by cake from the Torridon Stores, which has a good range of essentials for a small shop.  We also recommend smoked salmon from the Loch Torridon Smokehouse in Shieldaig.  And of course, you should definitely book for a meal at Gille Brighde in Diabaig – we went back several times.

The Scottish weather was predictably unpredictable during our stay, but, when it rained, we sat in front of the picture window and watched the clouds roll in over the Loch.  We felt relaxed after our stay in such a beautiful and peaceful location and hope to return soon.

JB & DB, London, September/October 2023

We really enjoyed staying at Leac a Ghradain. The house was very well equipped, clean, and lived up to our expectations in relation to the photos and information at the website.

Teresa was very helpful leading up to and during our stay. We loved the house, loved the surroundings but most of all we loved the views from the garden.

Watching the mountains change colours during the day was, apart from our trips, a wonderful holiday experience on its own.

We really would like to come back to this house in the near future. 

JV, TV-B & SV, Netherlands, August 2023

We just returned from two weeks in the lovely Leac a Ghradain. The house and garden are amazing. We spent lots of hours watching the wild birds form the dining table. We fed them and saw some juvenile siskins. So wonderful!

We slept very well. The Kingsize bedroom has a very comfortable mattress and there is no noise, so we slept long and deep. In the morning you had the view of the loch and the garden from the bed.

The view from all windows is beautiful. From the kitchen, from the dining room, from the living room and from the bedroom. We had much rain, but it didn’t matter, because we sat in the living room and saw the clouds over the mountains.

I like photography and I took many photos from the outdoor sitting places, in different weather and light. We didn’t use the TV, we always looked out of the window or sat in the garden and looked to the mountains.

The landscaped garden is also beautiful. With many lovely details, and little walks. There are two tables near the house but also a sitting place looking down over the loch and a viewing deck at the pond. We couldn’t decide which place to use. ;-)

It is also a lovely place to walk in the Torridon mountains. The parking places for the most famous routes are nearby. Also in 15 minutes drive there is a beautiful café in Torridon and a beautiful restaurant in Diabaig. So you are very far away from all noise and traffic and people but also with a good infrastructure.

We fell in love with Leac a Ghradain - a place of enchantment. We will come back next October, another time of the year, other light, other weather but surely the same enchantment.

Thank you, Teresa, for being such an excellent host, very helpful and gave us all the information we could possibly need. We are looking forward to our next stay.

A und R, Germany, July 2023

This is a perfectly sited, warm, comfortable place to stay. Why?

It has THE view of the upper Loch Torridon with the range of hills encircling it. Remarkable garden full of wildlife; birds and butterflies. It is about 5 miles off the NC 500, so no noise.

There are large rooms for eating, sleeping and lounging in, the latter has THE view as well, very useful when the weather is not helpful.

The heating works well, well equipped with very good  washing machine and dryer. Good Wifi speed. The owner is very responsive and helpful for any queries and an utter Torridon fan so very helpful.

Downside … too many large saucepans  and frying pans for two people staying!

No better place to stay in our view having been going there for 25 years +

JH & FC, Yorkshire, April/May 2023

Dear J and F, So lovely that you came to stay again at Leac a Ghradain, thank you. Two smaller saucepans have been purchased and are waiting for you when you come back next year! Keep well, Teresa

The views ... the garden ... the location - we fell instantly in love with Leac a Ghradain!

The house is beautiful. Light, airy, spacious and equipped with everything you could possibly need for the perfect holiday. The garden is a delight and the variety of birds was remarkable. The location is perfect: peaceful and private but without feeling remote or isolated. The house is situated in an elevated position with stunning views of the spectacular Torridon mountains. You won't believe the views until you see them!

Teresa was an excellent host, very helpful and provided us with all the information we could possibly need.

We can highly recommend the Gille Brighde, Amanda and Aart were fun and friendly and the food was delicious. But be warned, you do need to book well in advance.

We had a fabulous holiday at Leac a Ghardain and will definitely return.

W & G, Herefordshire, May/June 2022

Thank you for a lovely week in Torridon.  The house is beautiful – I took my yoga mat and though I don’t actually do yoga, did do some wonderful stretching in the sun on one of wooden platforms – bliss!  I wished I was a child to play in that amazing garden with so many nooks, crannies and wee paths.  It was really special.  The baby blackbirds had not arrived before we left yesterday morning but the mother was not perturbed by our presence.   

We enjoyed various walks – again, thank you for your ideas and use of your books, which were an additional help to those we already had.  We enjoyed our meal at Gille Brighde, which was absolutely scrumptious.

C&M, Arran, April/May 2022

I’ve just returned home after spending nearly a month at the house during February this year and I’m missing it very much indeed.

As a photographer, the local area of Wester Alligin and glen Torridon were more than enough to keep me busy, and the wider area of Wester Ross could be explored indefinitely and never give up all it’s wonderful secrets.

As for the house, it’s large but homely, it heats up quickly, and the wifi had no issues and was easily fast enough for zoom calls or streaming films. However, you’ll probably be distracted by the golden / sea eagles I occasionally saw from the very large living room window. I even met a common lizard in the garden which was most unexpected. Oh and perhaps most importantly there’s a coffee machine.

GM & JM, London, Feb/Mar 2022

We spent 10 days at Leac a Ghradain in early October 2021 and had a wonderful stay.

The house is set in beautiful natural gardens with spectacular views from various seating spots, even in changeable Scottish weather! It was delightful wandering around the extensive grounds seeing the native trees and plants thriving along with the birdlife.

The house inside is very comfortable, super clean and well equipped with a large bright spacious lounge area , panoramic windows and views - you could spend all holiday in it! Having rented many self catering properties over the years in Scotland this ranks in our top 5. Numerous thoughtful touches are evident to make your stay more than comfortable.

Teresa the owner was so helpful and informative about the house and area, and it is obvious it is a very well loved property. She communicated regularly and promptly to any correspondence, and the Covid precautions prior to our arrival were first class.

This is a beautiful, immaculately maintained property in a stunning area which we would not hesitate to recommend.

A&J, Lanark, October 2021

We have just returned from a fabulous 2 weeks at Leac a Ghradain. The house and gardens were wonderful, so much better than photos, and the views - well what can we say! The huge picture windows in the living room provided a far reaching view of Loch Torridon and the mountains. On the couple of days when the weather was too wet to venture out we just had wonderful cozy time inside, with the stylish but comfy armchairs pointing at the view and watching the birds.

The house was very well equipped with everything you could possibly need, including a great supply of ecover cleaning products and very full and clear instructions for everything. The owner has clearly spent a lot of time making the property welcome for guests, providing lots of helpful info about the local area and amenities. The maps, walking books and additional info about walks were especially useful, so much better than the ones we had a taken with us. As well as our attempt of Beinn Alligin, which was less than a 10 minute drive from the house, the other highlights were two great lochside walks from the house, to Torridon village in one direction and Diabaig in the other.

We loved the remote setting of the house and though slightly hairy at first, we soon got used to the drive on the single track road from Torridon village. The remoteness does mean that it is a long drive to the nearest big supermarket but we had managed to get most of our supplies in Inverness on our journey up and we were able supplement this from the small village stores in the area.

All in all a really amazing place and we hope to return some time in the future.

S&P, Newcastle on Tyne, September 2021

We spent 11 nights at Leac a Ghradain and the house is in a truly stunning location. The garden is is like no other we have ever stayed in with numerous beautiful view points making it a great place to relax. The house is extremely spacious and has everything you should need.

We explored the area thoroughly and our highlights were the climb up Beinn Alligin, the mountain trail on Beinn Eighe, the long walk from Glen Torridon to the triple buttress and the Corbett Coire a Chaorachain, which starts at the top of the Applecross pass. We also discovered the lovely beach at Red Point with amazing views over to Harris and Lewis. We booked an evening meal at Gille Brighde and the food was delicious. We were lucky to be there at the time of a beautiful sunset in the pretty harbour. The road there from the house is not for the nervous driver!

Teresa was excellent at communicating with us from the moment we booked and if you are looking for somewhere ‘off the beaten track’ Leac a Ghradain is a fantastic option.

H& J, Lancs, August 2021

We booked Leac a Ghradain for our honeymoon having decided not to travel abroad due to the Covid restrictions and we weren’t disappointed! 

Leac a Ghradain is the perfect place to unwind if you want to get away from it all for a break. The house is not situated close to any other properties and affords the privacy of its own fenced and sheltered grounds.  This does not mean that any home comforts are compromised due to the location or seclusion.  The house is modern, very well equipped and has all the modern amenities that you could wish.  Teresa has thought of everything that a guest could possibly need during a stay. 

Teresa is an extremely attentive host without being overbearing, this made for an exceptional hassle free visit. Teresa has ensured that all precautions were in place for a safe stay during these times of Covid.

The panoramic views from the lounge are amazing and are constantly changing.  Leac a Ghradain affords a perfect base for those wishing to walk from gentle strolls to serious mountain hiking.  The location makes a perfect spot to watch and photograph nature, the landscapes or on a clear evening to star gaze.   We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and self catering at Leac a Ghradain gave us the flexibility and privacy not offered by hotels.  It was a wonderful experience and we will be booking again in the future.

R & L, Letham, Angus, July 2021

Set above the loch, Leac a Ghradain has stunning views in all directions. Whether sitting in the garden or the house the surroundings are mesmerising. The garden is beautifully managed with pools and seating areas to maximise the view but you feel you are in a natural landscape. The spotted orchids, water lilies and flags were beautiful for our July visit.

Inside, the house is very well equipped and the large windows on every aspect make the most of the surroundings. It is very peaceful.

Although Leac a Ghradain is well off the beaten track it is very well located for exploring Wester Ross. There are lots of options if bagging Munros isn’t your thing. Over the loch at Shieldaig the peninsula walk is stunning especially when followed up with a seafood lunch in the Coastal Kitchen and 10 minutes from the house in Diabaig is Gille Brighde - perfect for Sunday lunch.

Teresa is a very attentive host which made the whole stay hassle free. We would love to return.

J&P, Oxford, July 2021

We’re more than happy to recommend a stay at Leac a Ghardain. The house is tastefully furnished and equipped to a very high standard, with all kitchen equipment, china etc as good as new (and matching!). The garden is particularly lovely although unfortunately the weather wasn’t kind enough for us to eat outside. The views from the house are stunning in all directions and the panoramic view of the mountains and loch from the lounge is continually changing. We were kept entertained by identifying the wide variety of birds in the garden, and even caught a brief glimpse of deer in the field next to the house.  

We had a lovely week staying during the second week of June, and our visit coincided with the preparations for the Celtman Ultra Triathalon with the finishing line in Torridon village. The race was taking place on the Saturday we left, and although we weren’t directly impacted we spent an entertaining hour in the pub in Shieldaig on the Friday watching the competitors and support teams limbering up.  Their athleticism and dedication putting us to shame. 

A few other things to mention. We’d recommend the shortish walk around the coast to Inveralligin. It’s a crofting settlement by the loch shore that you don’t see from the road into Torridon. There’s a garden selling  PYO with a very friendly and knowledgeable owner.  Although no fruit or veg were ready for picking we visited twice and  came back with armfuls of gorgeous lupins. We also took the longer walk around the coast to Lower Diabaig . The final clamber down the hillside into the village was a little more challenging than we were expecting, so leave plenty of time if you’re aiming to eat at the restaurant. Although there was a sign saying the restaurant was fully booked and they weren’t accepting ‘walk-ins’, they were happy to serve us drinks in the garden. Fortunately our lunch booking was for later in the week and so it didn’t matter. We do recommend eating at Gille Brighde. We also drove along the coast to Applecross and had very good lunch at the Walled Garden Café. Another day was spent driving North to Gairloch and exploring the Inverewe gardens, which seemed to be in very good condition considering the impact of Covid over the last year. We were also lucky enough to climb Ben Alligin in near perfect weather with the bonus of the path starting from just down the road from the house.

We booked the house 9 months in advance of our stay and Teresa has been an excellent host in keeping us well informed as the Covid situation has developed. In the end our plans weren’t directly affected although I’m confident that Teresa would have handled things appropriately and fairly if the situation had deteriorated.

Hopefully we’ll be able to stay again before too long.

P&C&F, Birmingham, June 2021

We booked Leac a Ghradain a year ago, in the hope that Covid regulations would allow us to venture further than our small village, to a destination promising to offer comfortable and isolated accommodation in an area we already knew to be beautiful.  We were in no way disappointed. The main advantage we saw was that the property is located on  the no- through road from Torridon to Diabaig and therefore not actually on the NC500. This turned out to be an excellent move as the location is one of pure tranquillity.

Teresa proved to be an excellent absent owner. In the time of Covid we were also attracted to the property because she maintains a 3 day empty period between guests.  Prior to arrival and during our stay, she was in touch by email to ensure that everything ran smoothly.

The property has large comfortable rooms with every facility provided.  The main bedroom has a very comfortable bed and the kitchen and utility are equipped with quality appliances.  We found that if the weather was inclement, we were more than happy to spend the day chilling out watching the ever changing amazing  views from all the main rooms. The other aspect to this property that is worth a mention is the extensive  grounds and beautiful established garden.  It was a real bonus to be able to enjoy a drink at one of the various lookout points.

In summary, Leac a Ghradain is the best self catering property that we have stayed in in all our visits to Wester Ross and Sutherland.

R&R, Cheshire, May 2021

We had a lovely stay at Leac a Ghradain. It’s a beautiful property with fantastic views all around.

It was warm and well equipped and Teresa is an exceptionally attentive owner who ensured everything to do with our stay was just perfect. We felt incredibly safe and well looked after, especially in the current climate.

S&A. Aberdeenshire, December 2020

We were lucky enough to spend another week at Leac a Gradhain at the end October, the week representing an oasis in a year of Covid restrictions. The weather was typical of the time of year - wet and windy - but that didn't stop us getting out every day to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Wester Ross in the knowledge we were returning each day to the warmth and comfort of Leac a Ghradain, and a warm bath! There are so many wonderful walks, even when the clouds prevent safe exploration of the mountains. Given the impact of Covid and all the uncertainties about travel, Teresa (the owner) was excellent in keeping us fully informed about the situation leading up to our holiday, and in ensuring that Leac a Ghradain was Covid secure. We are very grateful. We cannot emphasise how beautiful is the location of Leac a Ghradain overlooking Loch Torridon. A real spirit lifter.

P&S, Kent, October 2021

Leac a Ghradain was the most perfect place for us. Arriving late afternoon we just went and sat at the picnic table on the rock, watched the sun go down, and then the moon rose from behind Ben Damph to complete our welcome.

Your home, and the surrounding gardens, were a delight, the setting could not be bettered - to be able to see the sun rise and set was amazing.

We walked to Torridon Estate one day, then over the hills to Lower Diabaig the next. Our son was treated to a climb up Beinn Alligin in near perfect weather, and the following day the trip over to Applecross, a walk on Sand beach, ending in a meal at The Applecross Inn, followed by a drive over The Pass of the Cattle, where we watched the stags roaring, the Golden eagle soaring and the sun setting.

The four of us attempted the walk from Lower Diabaig to Craig, but gave up half way as it was a bit wet. Then we met up at Gille Brighde in the evening for a most fabulous meal.

On the Friday that S and T left, we met up at Loch Clair for a short walk before they headed home. Then J and I drove to Loch Maree and did the Mountain Trail up to Meall a’Ghiubhais in the most glorious sunshine - almost too hot! At the top we met a young couple who were going to swim in one of the Lochans - J tested the water, and thought it would be a bit chilly!

Your home was lovely and cosy, we lit the fire a couple of times in the evenings, but our favourite place had to be the picnic table on the rock where we saw the sun go down on our holiday … with the obligatory bottle of wine!

J&F, Winchester, October 2020

Leac a Ghradain is an incredible location. It's peaceful with stunning views over Loch Torridon and the surrounding hills and is an excellent spot to base yourself to explore the local area. Teresa is a great host and provides speedy communication and clear instructions all the way through your stay. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a visit.

V&C, Glasgow, August 2020

The house and garden made for a fabulous holiday. The views of the loch and mountains from the house were spectacular, and we loved watching the views change at different times of day. It was lovely being able to pick the raspberries from the garden and have them for breakfast while overlooking the loch. We also loved being able to swim in the loch from the beach, which was 5 minutes away. 

C&S, Newcastle upon Tyne, August 2020

Leac a Ghradain is a wonderful house in a stunning location. The accommodation is marvellous with comfortable and spacious rooms and a very well equipped kitchen. The public rooms and master bedroom all have unobstructed views of the Torridon hills and Loch Torridon. The house is beautifully secluded in large private grounds which have been expertly 'landscaped' to blend into the surrounding hillsides.

It is a perfect base for a stay in the Torridon area. Unfortunately, ours was cut short as we arrived just before lockdown but we will definitely return to Leac a Ghradain sometime in the future.

To top it all, the house owner, Teresa, is a fantastic communicator and provided expert help and attention prior to, and throughout our stay.

I & F, Fife, March 2020 (pre-lockdown)

It is rare that an advert or promotion is exceeded by reality. But in the case of Leac a Ghradain ('Leac') that is precisely the case. We were drawn to Leac by the website with the promise of lovely views and a comfortable house in a beautiful part of the North Western Highlands. So there was much anticipation as we left Torridon village and drove the 5 miles along Upper Loch Torridon to Wester Alligin. The scenery got better and better (it helps if you arrive in the sun!) and on arrival we were simply overwhelmed. The setting is stunning and the house spacious and very well equipped, with panoramic views from every room.

We had a wonderful week exploring the beautiful countryside and, despite some variable weather, enjoying some great walks. We were very pleased we had invested in some wet weather gear!

Finally, a special mention for Teresa, the owner, who could not have been more helpful in ensuring our 5 star stay in Leac was memorable. We will definitely return.

Philip, Sarah, Charlotte and Anya, Kent, October 2019

Such a wonderful stay on a beautiful location! We have visited Torridon before, staying in the village, but to be so high up with such fabulous views was amazing.

The garden is special and we loved it - after 10 days of very mixed weather, it was even hot enough to sit outside on our last day, which was great and made it even harder to come home. The house is bright, comfortable and well-equipped, and sitting in the living room watching the changing light made us dash out and take photos every day.

Late one morning we walked from the house, over the top to Inveralligin and on to Fasag and had lunch in the lovely cafe at Jo’s shop. Duly refreshed, on the return leg, we saw an otter and her cub as we walked along the road to Torridon House, picked some soft fruit for our breakfast from the community garden in Inveralligin, then watched two peregrines as we drew close to the house, where a hind was close to the gate. What a day. We can’t wait to come back!

L & G, Staffordshire, September 2019

We enjoyed staying at Leac a Ghradain very much. Such a fabulous position, with wonderful views down Torridon loch, and a really special garden to enjoy as well, full of birdlife.

The house is warm and comfortable and well equipped and in good location to access the mountains.

Thank you!

H & C, Cumbria, September 2019

This was paradise on Earth, both the house and the garden. And superbly equipped and organised. Thanks again: we’ve had a fantastic week and would have done so even if we’d never gone beyond the garden fence, such is the sense of space and so nourished are all the senses there.  We've stayed in many fantastic places round Loch Torridon, and have been blown away by most of them:  often we've felt the intensity and comfort of just being there was beyond our wildest dreams, and would have spent more time in or in the immediate environs of where we were staying, were it not for the fact that our time in Torridon is limited, and there is so much to see and do.  We never imagined the existence of anything even more fulfilling!

But there's something extra special, and extra complete, about Leac a'Ghradain.  To be able to see, from the garden, so many of our familiar and much loved skylines in an uninterrupted circle, and down to the Loch and the Narrows, was fabulous.  Yet we never felt exposed or uneasy there:  such is this wonderful garden - it shelters without shutting you in:  this isn't just about sightlines:  the garden blends into the surrounding hills, and nearer grazings, seamlessly:  the trees are varied and reflect what one sees in the forests round here.  The garden's placed rocks are all of a piece with its natural rock outcrops, and the great sandstone slab on which the house is built, and after which it is named:  warm-hued and very ancient, the sandstones that are one layer of Torridon's essence.  The mixture of harmonious woodland, heather and the plants that naturally grow with it here, fruit, herbs, garden flowers, and more - it was truly lovely.  Such places one can easily see are great at all times of year:  vibrant, deep orange rowanberries, heather and scabious flowers were some of the August highlights.  And being able to partake of some of the fruit and herbs was a great bonus.

We did of course venture out, and deepen our experience, of Alligin in particular, and of Torridon more widely.  With only bicycles for transport, we had been worried about the extra effort involved in getting to Jo's shop and café in Fasag (Torridon village) - such a vibrant centrepoint for the community here.  We normally stay quite near there.  But the effort was rewarded manyfold:  the journey, whether on the high road, or on the shore path through Rechullin, is so absorbing, so diverse, beautiful, and spectacular, it made a superb excursion in itself:  we should have known!  We've cycled and walked both routes many times, and they simply get better each time.

So Leac a'Ghradain is in a great position practically, too, being on the Diabaig road, but well set back from it (not that there's much traffic anyway!):  it's also ideally placed for exploring the hills to the north, or anywhere towards Diabaig, without being too far from Fasag.  And Alligin, of course.  Several times in previous years, we've parked the bicycles by the letter box and noticeboard, before walking on into the gneiss wilderness to the west of the road.  We had no idea what lay the other side of the fence, let alone that we'd have the privilege of staying in this amazing haven one day.

The house inside is every bit as lovely as the outside.  It's beautifully light and comfortable, spacious, beautifully maintained, and beautifully clean.  And the welcome pack was really nice, thank you.

Thanks again for taking so much care over everything, going way beyond the call of duty in making sure that we had all the information we needed - even ensuring that there were some emergency provisions in case we weren't able to buy food as we cycled across from the train.  (We did, by the way - the Services at Kinlochewe, like Jo's in Fasag, is really excellent:  another important heartbeat for the area).

There were so many superlatives about the whole experience of staying at Leac a'Ghradain, that it was difficult to know where to start a review, or where to finish.  We can simply suggest that you stay at Leac a'Ghradain too!  If you enjoy getting to know Torridon and its people, Leac a'Ghradain is absolutely stellar.

It's been a fabulous time for us - something to remember for always.  Thank you so much.

C & D, Leeds, August 2019

We don’t want to leave!

We are coming to end of our 4 week stay at Leac a Ghradain. It is beautiful here.

Driving in, the house at the top of the hill. A backdrop of complete privacy provided by native trees and shrubs, protecting gardens and a truly amazing and unbroken view of the Loch and the mountains beyond. Gardens with flowers, fresh strawberries and mint tea every day for breakfast, and fresh herbs abound.

Well equipped kitchen with everything we need. Clean, clean, clean.

I will remember the view as I wake up every morning until we return.

R & W, NYC, June/July, 2019

Wow!  Leac a Ghradain was absolutely perfect in so many ways.  The main reason being the awesome vista in such a peaceful and tranquil setting, whether admiring from many of the rooms in the house, or from the very well thought out outdoor seating areas.  From sunrise to sunset, the mountains just appeared to come alive when the sun bounced off them, but even in the dreich weather the vista was still awesome.  An absolutely stunning setting to escape the city hustle and bustle.

The house itself was also perfect.  I found the place to be very spacious, as well as being very comfortable and very well equipped. Outside had plenty of car parking space, with even an open shed and outside tap if required. The wildlife garden also being a gem and worth exploring each corner.  All within a very short drive to Torridon to explore the area.

Also have to compliment Teresa, for being such a fantastic friendly and helpful host, going out of her way to ensure I had a comfortable and memorable stay.  I will definitely be returning to this place.

Caroline, Aberdeen, June 2019

We thoroughly enjoyed our week in this beautiful, spacious bungalow. Everything was provided to ensure our stay was ‘home from home’. The setting is superb with breathtaking panoramic views of Loch Torridon and the surrounding hills. A view which will be hard to beat and will stay long in our memories.

The delightful, extensive garden has a wide variety of plants, trees, fruit bushes and herbs together with a number of water features - we loved exploring the different areas and spending time just sitting, admiring the views. Lots of wildlife spotting too - we were lucky enough to see a pair of sea otters nearby. We also caught sight of a peregrine falcon in the garden and a red deer dashed across our path on a nearby walk. All this plus a blackbird rearing its young in the back porch!

Thank you Teresa for all of your help in making this such a special place to stay. We hope to return again soon.

Alison & family, Perthshire, May 2019

Our first guest arrived in April 2019 with no booking, took up residence in the rear porch, and liked the house so much that she decided to stay. She is now a proud Mum. Over the course of just one week in May the featherless young blackbird chicks suddenly transformed into hungry, demanding fledglings. Many thanks to one of our guests for very kindly sending some photos of the young family.