Shore Croft Sleeps 2 | £625.00 to £1050.00 per week

Uisken Explore the area, things to do and more

For those ready to forgo the bustle of daily life and recharge in the salty sea air blown in by an Atlantic breeze, there can be no finer cottage to choose than Shore Croft. Tucked at the head of Uisken beach, this charming stone cottage promises the ultimate dose of vitamin sea, where each day begins with a windswept stroll along the sand as clouds race through the sky and concludes with a long, hot soak and the comforting feeling of a day well lived.

After following the single-track through the heart of mountainous Glen More, skirting the shores of Loch Scridain and then peeling off past the village of Bunessan for the final stretch down to Shore Croft on Uisken beach, the adventure has already begun.

A warm Hebridean welcome awaits in this cosy stone cottage, which dates back to the late 18th century and was only the second to be built above this part of the beach, where the reclaimed timber features, a trove of old books and character details speak of charm and stories that have been shared for centuries around the now decorative fireplace.

Entering the cottage into a roomy porch, the accommodation unwraps around you, with the sleeping quarters to the left, the bathroom straight ahead, and the living room the right, but we’ll begin in the kitchen.

Beautifully appointed with modern fittings yet retaining a cottage feel, the galley kitchen comes complete with a butcher’s block and all the mod-cons to enjoy your stay, from a coffee grinder for a fresh brew in the morning, to all the equipment you need to serve up a local seafood supper.

Dinner is served in the living room, where the dining table enjoys a perfect view out to sea across the beach. Then spill over into the comfy sofas and pull out a board game, turn up the radio or peruse the lovely collection of time-worn books that tell of Mull’s wonderful natural history. With a smart TV, you can even enjoy a film or two despite Shore Croft’s remote location.

As the day draws to a close, retire into the cottage’s sleeping quarters for a truly restful sleep, where the only soundtrack is that of the changing tides. Beautifully decorated in heather tones, the master bedroom too enjoys superb sea views from the king-sized bed and perfectly positioned sofa, so whatever the weather you never feel far from the sea.

Next door, the bathroom is a well-appointed space with basin, W.C. and a bath with an overhead shower, with fluffy towels provided.

The garden encircles the cottage, extending mainly to the front, with parking for a vehicle at the roadside to the property.

Shore Croft promises you an escape from the everyday and a chance to reconnect with the wild landscapes around you at every turn. Wildlife abounds, from red deer to eagles to creatures of the deep, and keen walkers will find more trails to explore than they could possibly squeeze into a week.

A stroll to the eastern end of the beach followed by a climb to the lookout cairn above promises a lovely way to stretch your legs at the start of your stay, before retreating to the warmth of the cottage to plot the rest of the holiday’s adventures.

Locally, there are beaches aplenty – including gems like Ardalanish and Kilvickeon – and only a short drive away to Fionnphort turns up the opportunity to sail for the islands of Iona and Staffa too. Adventurous souls may make the tidal crossing on foot from Knockvologan beach to the island of Erraid (keeping an eye on the tide!), or simply pack a picnic and a wet suit and enjoy a day of wild swims and alfresco feasts.