The Isle of Wight

Whenever I talk to people about the Isle of Wight, the response is always either “I have not been there since I was a child” or “I have always meant to visit the Isle of Wight”. Let me tell you a little about the Island, with its balmy climate.

First, it is so much easier to get there than almost anywhere else – no airport delays – no road traffic jams – just a half hour ferry journey, and you are there. As soon as you board the ferry, you feel you have started your holiday, and you relax.

The Island is a time warp. Time stopped fifty years ago – there are no motorways, and hardly any dual lane roads – they are not needed in an island that measures 23 miles across and 13 miles from North to South. The Military Road was built in Napoleon days to move troops quickly from The Needles Battery at the West to Bembridge Fort on the East, and is still in use today.

Queen Victoria loved her house at Osborne, and the Island became popular for holidays in her times. The natives are friendly and always have time for a chat.
There is something for everybody's holiday whether you like beaches, walking, cycling, fossils, scenic views, pretty villages and cottages or stately homes. Wherever you want to go on the island “it is not very far”.

We particularly love Shanklin at the South East corner of the Island, and the nearby hamlet of Luccombe, looking across the Channel. Shanklin caters for visitors and is well supplied with restaurants, shops, thatched pubs and a theatre.

For walkers, the Coast Path from Shanklin climbs to Luccombe with outstanding views across the English Channel, and continues to Bonchurch, Ventnor and 65 miles round the Island until it returns to Shanklin.

Shanklin has a large clean sandy beach which is approached from the Esplanade or via Shanklin Chine or Appley Steps, and is seldom crowded. Luccombe also has a Chine that drops to a secluded beach and at low tide you can walk to Shanklin beach.

Our beautiful Clifftop Apartment is in a fine restored landmark Victorian building perched high on the cliffs between Shanklin and Luccombe, with uninterrupted sea views and a two acre woodland garden for your use.
Oliver Parsons, Barncroft HP5 2UG©
Photo: The Apartment
Listed with Cottage Holidays May 2009

The Highlands - A ‘Monster’ Experience

The Scottish Highlands are famous for not only for the Loch Ness Monster and Bonnie Prince Charlie – but also the beautiful scenery, romantic castles, famous whisky distilleries and some of the best places in the world to enjoy the outdoors and natural wildlife of the British Isles.

Loch Ness is one of the most celebrated destinations in the UK. Wild and beautiful, the surrounding countryside isn’t just scenic; it’s teeming with wildlife and a variety of visitor attractions are within easy reach. You may be surprised to learn just how much the area can offer visitors in terms of attractions, activities and as a base for exploring further a field in the Highlands, whatever the season.

There really is something for everyone from majestic castles to the Caledonian Canal – a wonder of the industrial age that is still very much in use today. There are also plenty of heritage and wildlife trails to enjoy.

You could try your hand at canoeing or kayaking – one of the best ways to experience wild Scotland. Sea Kayaking can offer opportunities to spot seals, dolphins and otters while inland, our local area of Glenmoriston provides superb opportunities to explore lochs and quiet rivers. Visitors can regularly encounter wildlife such as herons, ospreys, deer and occasionally otters. If you're feeling even more energetic, there are plenty of adventure sports on offer.

Of course, The Highlands are well known for their more traditional past-times – ceilidhs and the Highlands Games – both of which are in abundance in this area, but you can also tour the art galleries, exhibitions, museums and craft shops - and don’t forget the fantastic distilleries and enjoy a drop of true Scotland.

Whatever your interests, Invermoriston provides a great point to explore this beautiful region. The Old Smithy provides superb self-catering accommodation. We’ve converted and extended our 200 year old former smithy to provide a fantastic holiday cottage for 4 people. The cottage is in an amazing location overlooking the spectacular falls at Invermoriston, and our own old stone Telford Bridge, which is a famous local landmark.

Our conversion maintains the character of the building yet provide first class, comfortable accommodation with a real ‘WOW’ factor.

The area boasts a great range of activities to suit all tastes. Invermoriston is the perfect base for exploring the Highlands and provides a natural link to Skye and the West Coast, Inverness, Fort William and Aviemore and the Cairngorms – all within an hour’s drive.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday where you want to sit back and take in the surrounding landscape, explore the history of the area, visit the charming towns and villages or enjoy the outdoors – there’s something for everyone. Gie’s ae spark O Nature’s fire’ Robert Burns
Photo: The Old Smithy
Listed May 2009 Cottage Holidays