Coile Bheag is a family-run croft owned and maintained by Alasdair and Clare Wright, with the help of our elder son Callum.
If you have any questions before you book feel free to contact us HERE - although we've tried to answer some of the most common enquiries below!
If you have any questions before you book feel free to contact us HERE - although we've tried to answer some of the most common enquiries below!
What exactly is a croft?
It's not a house as many people think - it's a kind of smallholding used for growing food and/or grazing sheep and cattle. Historically, crofters were small tenant farmers in the Highlands and Islands, although more recently some families (such as ours) have bought their crofts and become owner-occupiers. Most Highland crofts still have their traditional stone-built cottages (croft houses), although many have fallen into ruin. In recent years, some croftland has been turned over to grass. Our croft has woodland, wild meadow and some cultivated areas, and you are welcome to wander where you please.
Where is Coille Bheag?
It's on the western shore of Loch Ewe, a few miles north-west of the village of Poolewe. Loch Ewe itself is a large sea-loch on the west coast of Scotland. Twenty minutes away by car is the larger village of Gairloch, and the port of Ullapool is an hour's drive. Inverness is the nearest big city, and you can fly to its airport and hire a car to drive the rest of the way (about two hours). We will give you detailed directions when you book so that you don't get lost!
We don't know which house to book - what's the difference between the two properties?
It really depends on what kind of experience you want! The Cottage offers you the chance to stay in a traditional 150-year old croft house with all its associated quirks! It's rustic, homely and has masses of character - with its three bedrooms, solid fuel fireplace and fun conservatory area it's ideal for families who want to enjoy a typical farm-style holiday. It's not a standardised luxury-style property but it's friendly, cosy and individual. The Lodge is a modern, semi open-plan building and offers a more luxurious environment for a holiday, ideal for couples - although it will sleep up to 4 in its two bedrooms. It has fantastic all-electric heating and cosy eco-friendly insulation, wooden floors, double glazing and enjoys exactly the same spectacular views as The Cottage through its huge picture windows.
Are there any hidden extras to pay?
No - everything's included in our prices regardless of size of party. We won't charge you extra for electricity or fuel for the fire, and linen and towels are provided. If you have a baby, please bring your own travel cot and bedding, although we can lend you a high chair if you need one!
What about phones and the internet?
There's no landline or wi-fi at the cottage or lodge, but we get a good signal on most mobile networks. The Poolewe Hotel and the restaurant at Inverewe Gardens (both within ten minutes' drive) both have free wifi but most people are glad of the excuse to be incommunicado!
Do you accept pets?
We're happy to welcome families with well-behaved pets. Let us know on the booking form if you'd like to bring your animals with you. We have a large dog, a cat and some chickens! There's plenty of room on the croft and on the nearby beaches and common land for you to exercise dogs, but please keep them on the lead while on the croft, and keep them under control elsewhere - don't let them chase the sheep and other livestock who roam free in the area.
What about shops and restaurants?
The village shop/post office in Poolewe is only ten minutes' drive away and stocks everything from milk, fresh bread and cakes, papers, toiletries and general groceries to wine, beer and spirits. Depending on the season, we can usually sell you some fresh organic produce, or free-range eggs, and one family who stayed with us in 2010 also produced this excellent guide to foraging for wild food in the area around Coille Bheag. There are also several markets in the area where local produce and home baking is usually available, as well as arts and crafts. There are many more shops in nearby Gairloch, including 24-hour petrol, a bank, an excellent butcher's and two general stores as well as places to buy books, gifts and souvenirs. The nearest supermarket is in Ullapool, and you can do any serious shopping in Inverness! If you feel like eating out, there are good places in Poolewe, Gairloch and Badachro, and excellent takeaways serving fish & chips and Chinese food in Gairloch.
What is there to do, besides walking?
Plenty! If you're looking for some indoor activities on rainy days, there's always the local museum in Gairloch or the wartime Arctic Convoy Museum in Aultbea. We're very lucky to have our own indoor heated swimming pool in Poolewe and the loch is also great for swimming or snorkelling in warm weather, or any time if you have a wetsuit. If you're interested in rare plants from around the world or just want a pleasant walk in gorgeous surroundings, across the loch from us is the world-famous Inverewe Garden. You can launch a kayak from the beach or the Inverasdale slipway, and there are great sea trips to be had from the harbour in Gairloch. If you head a little further afield, ferries from Ullapool will take you on a cruise to the Summer Isles or over to the Hebrides. Mountain bikers can find plenty to interest them on our hills and tracks, too.
What clothes should we bring?
Dressing in layers is best as the weather is changeable. As well as summer things for sunny days, bring a good waterproof coat or jacket, and a warm jumper or fleece for chillier spells. Everyone will need wellies, plus good walking boots if you plan any serious expeditions on foot. If you're heading for the peaks, you'll need proper clothing and equipment if you don't want to become a Mountain Rescue statistic!
How do we pay? Do you take credit cards?
Unfortunately we don't accept credit cards at Coille Bheag, but you can transfer your payment direct to our account (ask for details!) or pay by cheque in sterling (make cheques payable to Alasdair Wright). We ask for 10% deposit at the time of booking with the remainder payable one month before you arrive. Alternatively, you can book instantly via Airbnb (different rates may apply).
We don't have an e-mail account - how do we contact you?
You can phone us on +44 (0)01445 781783 to check availability or make a provisional booking and we can send the necessary forms to you by post if you prefer.
It's not a house as many people think - it's a kind of smallholding used for growing food and/or grazing sheep and cattle. Historically, crofters were small tenant farmers in the Highlands and Islands, although more recently some families (such as ours) have bought their crofts and become owner-occupiers. Most Highland crofts still have their traditional stone-built cottages (croft houses), although many have fallen into ruin. In recent years, some croftland has been turned over to grass. Our croft has woodland, wild meadow and some cultivated areas, and you are welcome to wander where you please.
Where is Coille Bheag?
It's on the western shore of Loch Ewe, a few miles north-west of the village of Poolewe. Loch Ewe itself is a large sea-loch on the west coast of Scotland. Twenty minutes away by car is the larger village of Gairloch, and the port of Ullapool is an hour's drive. Inverness is the nearest big city, and you can fly to its airport and hire a car to drive the rest of the way (about two hours). We will give you detailed directions when you book so that you don't get lost!
We don't know which house to book - what's the difference between the two properties?
It really depends on what kind of experience you want! The Cottage offers you the chance to stay in a traditional 150-year old croft house with all its associated quirks! It's rustic, homely and has masses of character - with its three bedrooms, solid fuel fireplace and fun conservatory area it's ideal for families who want to enjoy a typical farm-style holiday. It's not a standardised luxury-style property but it's friendly, cosy and individual. The Lodge is a modern, semi open-plan building and offers a more luxurious environment for a holiday, ideal for couples - although it will sleep up to 4 in its two bedrooms. It has fantastic all-electric heating and cosy eco-friendly insulation, wooden floors, double glazing and enjoys exactly the same spectacular views as The Cottage through its huge picture windows.
Are there any hidden extras to pay?
No - everything's included in our prices regardless of size of party. We won't charge you extra for electricity or fuel for the fire, and linen and towels are provided. If you have a baby, please bring your own travel cot and bedding, although we can lend you a high chair if you need one!
What about phones and the internet?
There's no landline or wi-fi at the cottage or lodge, but we get a good signal on most mobile networks. The Poolewe Hotel and the restaurant at Inverewe Gardens (both within ten minutes' drive) both have free wifi but most people are glad of the excuse to be incommunicado!
Do you accept pets?
We're happy to welcome families with well-behaved pets. Let us know on the booking form if you'd like to bring your animals with you. We have a large dog, a cat and some chickens! There's plenty of room on the croft and on the nearby beaches and common land for you to exercise dogs, but please keep them on the lead while on the croft, and keep them under control elsewhere - don't let them chase the sheep and other livestock who roam free in the area.
What about shops and restaurants?
The village shop/post office in Poolewe is only ten minutes' drive away and stocks everything from milk, fresh bread and cakes, papers, toiletries and general groceries to wine, beer and spirits. Depending on the season, we can usually sell you some fresh organic produce, or free-range eggs, and one family who stayed with us in 2010 also produced this excellent guide to foraging for wild food in the area around Coille Bheag. There are also several markets in the area where local produce and home baking is usually available, as well as arts and crafts. There are many more shops in nearby Gairloch, including 24-hour petrol, a bank, an excellent butcher's and two general stores as well as places to buy books, gifts and souvenirs. The nearest supermarket is in Ullapool, and you can do any serious shopping in Inverness! If you feel like eating out, there are good places in Poolewe, Gairloch and Badachro, and excellent takeaways serving fish & chips and Chinese food in Gairloch.
What is there to do, besides walking?
Plenty! If you're looking for some indoor activities on rainy days, there's always the local museum in Gairloch or the wartime Arctic Convoy Museum in Aultbea. We're very lucky to have our own indoor heated swimming pool in Poolewe and the loch is also great for swimming or snorkelling in warm weather, or any time if you have a wetsuit. If you're interested in rare plants from around the world or just want a pleasant walk in gorgeous surroundings, across the loch from us is the world-famous Inverewe Garden. You can launch a kayak from the beach or the Inverasdale slipway, and there are great sea trips to be had from the harbour in Gairloch. If you head a little further afield, ferries from Ullapool will take you on a cruise to the Summer Isles or over to the Hebrides. Mountain bikers can find plenty to interest them on our hills and tracks, too.
What clothes should we bring?
Dressing in layers is best as the weather is changeable. As well as summer things for sunny days, bring a good waterproof coat or jacket, and a warm jumper or fleece for chillier spells. Everyone will need wellies, plus good walking boots if you plan any serious expeditions on foot. If you're heading for the peaks, you'll need proper clothing and equipment if you don't want to become a Mountain Rescue statistic!
How do we pay? Do you take credit cards?
Unfortunately we don't accept credit cards at Coille Bheag, but you can transfer your payment direct to our account (ask for details!) or pay by cheque in sterling (make cheques payable to Alasdair Wright). We ask for 10% deposit at the time of booking with the remainder payable one month before you arrive. Alternatively, you can book instantly via Airbnb (different rates may apply).
We don't have an e-mail account - how do we contact you?
You can phone us on +44 (0)01445 781783 to check availability or make a provisional booking and we can send the necessary forms to you by post if you prefer.