A collection · Places to stay

Scotland’s Most Peaceful Escapes

We all have those moments when we long to escape from the clamour of modern life – to ensconce ourselves in the natural world, away from phones and computer screens.

Curated and written by Hidden Scotland

Scotland’s wild and varied landscapes are ideal for doing so and, whether your idea of peace is being among the mountains, surrounded by trees or watching the tide, you’re bound to find the perfect spot here. Fortunately, finding peace doesn’t have to mean compromising on style or modern comforts. A tranquil setting needs to be complemented by a serene interior in order for it to really work as an escape; ultimately, you need to feel calm and at home so that you can relax and enjoy the peacefulness of a location. Of course, the places that offer up ‘peace’ are often far from completely quiet: you might be woken by a chorus of birds, the bellow of a stag or the screech of an eagle. But connecting with nature – whether watching birds feeding or easing yourself into a cold loch – brings a special kind of deep-rooted peace.

The black timber cabin's exterior, with a chimney above the roofline and a freestanding bath standing on the decking below.

More infoBalmulloAirditPlace to stay · Sleeps 2

Tucked away among 30 acres of woodland, Airdit’s treehouse is the perfect hideaway for two, from the bed positioned under a stargazing window to the outside bath. Airdit also has two campervan pitches, which are set in completely separate spots, so you still benefit from the tranquillity of the site’s countryside location.

A landscape view of Park Cottage in the snow, its windows lit, forest and a white hill behind.

More infoKincraigPark CottagePlace to stay · Sleeps 6

The view of the Cairngorm mountains from this pretty three-bedroom cottage is enough to instil a sense of peace. Situated on Alvie Estate, it provides a wealth of opportunities if you’re feeling more active – or you can simply choose to lounge in the garden, soak in the hot tub or kick back by the woodburner.

A grey stone farmhouse with several chimneys stands against rolling hills, a wildflower meadow in the foreground.

More infoYarrowThe SculleryPlace to stay · Sleeps 2

This beautifully renovated Victorian property sits among rolling hills and overlooks Ladhope Burn, the gentle sound of which provides a soothing background to a stay here. Regular wildlife visitors include moles, voles, red squirrels and roe deer, a sign of how quiet it is here.

Borradill

The dramatic landscapes of the west coast are enough to bring peace to even the most hardened of souls – and what better way to experience it than in Borradill’s two cabins. This is an isolated location where guests can forage, wild swim and bike – or just luxuriate in the quiet.

Stonechat Bothy, a timber-clad cabin with a grey corrugated roof, at the end of a grassy double track among birch, pine and rushes.

More infoDrumfearnStonechat BothyPlace to stay · Sleeps 2

Set deep in the Skye countryside, on the striking Sleat Peninsula, Stonechat Bothy is very much about being immersed in the natural world. It is the only accommodation offered on this ‘wildlife croft’, enabling you to feel like it is yours alone – start the day to the sound of birdsong and finish it marvelling at the stars overhead.

A white two-storey house stands on a grassy point above a rocky shoreline, pine trees rising behind it at sunset.

More infoShieldaigRhuroinPlace to stay · Sleeps 3

Otters and herons live in the sheltered bay that little Rhuroin looks onto – time your visit right, and you might even catch sight of a pod of dolphins. Situated in the north of the Applecross Peninsula, it provides staggering views over Loch Shieldaig and the mountains that surround.

A grey corner sofa with cushions and a sheepskin throw sits before a shelf of books and a round mirror, a wood burning stove and log store to the right.

More infoDunlopTalli HousePlace to stay · Sleeps 4

Surrounded by meadows and woodland, Talli House feels like it’s tucked away – but it’s just 30 minutes from Glasgow. This design-led property, which sleeps four, is totally private; you’re more likely to encounter deer than you are other people. Pack a book and soak up the quiet from the veranda.

A dark timber cabin with a pitched metal roof stands among ferns and birch trees.

More infoCairndowKabnPlace to stay · Sleeps 2

The minimalist style of these two secluded cabins, on the shore of Loch Fyne, matches their off-grid nature. The perfect spot to retreat from modern life and spend your days exploring the water and woodlands that surround.

A curved cabin clad in overlapping wooden shingles stands on gravel among wildflowers, arched windows and a door along one side.

More infoNairnBoath CabinPlace to stay · Sleeps 4

Scenically set among fields, this striking timber cabin is beautifully secluded within a wild garden, yet within easy access of both Nairn and the Moray Firth with its beautiful beaches.

A white church-like building sits at the foot of a rocky, grass-covered hillside, sheep grazing on the slope above.

More infoDurnessCeannabeinne CottagePlace to stay · Sleeps 4

The only building to remain from the old township of Ceannabeinne, this restored longhouse has a wonderfully solitary position on the cliffs above the soft-sand beach of the same name.

Log cabin porch with lantern-lit door, snow falling on the wooden walkway

More infoStruyEagle BraePlace to stay

These beautiful, handcrafted log houses sit among woodland on a hillside above a glorious Highland glen. Common visitors include wild deer, pine martens and, in the skies above, golden eagles.

Glenhurich Lodge, white-harled with dormer windows, at the end of its track behind a beech hedge, snow on the hills beyond.

More infoGlenhurichGlenhurich LodgePlace to stay · Sleeps 11

This restored schoolhouse, set among an abundant garden on the shores of Loch Shiel, is the perfect escape for a large group looking to immerse themselves in a tranquil location.

A long sandstone steading with a conical-roofed tower at its centre stands beyond a field of young crops, trees framing it on either side in evening light.

More infoBalblairNewhall MainsPlace to stay

The gentle farmland of the Black Isle is the epitome of peacefulness, and there’s arguably no better place to experience this than elegant Newhall Mains, set in stylishly restored farm buildings.

More infoSkinidinThe Black ShedPlace to stay · Sleeps 2

Surrounded by Skye’s typically rugged landscape, and looking out at Loch Dunvegan, The Black Shed is a stylish bolt hole for two. Whether you’re holed up inside or exploring outside, you’ll be able to enjoy the calmness of the location.

Large windows in a black timber house look out over a loch.

More infoHarloshHarlosh Black hPlace to stay · Sleeps 2

The two properties here – Black h and Wood h – enjoy separate positions to each other, ensuring a true escape. Both are sleek and contemporary, with huge windows from which to connect to Skye’s wild landscapes.

A dark timber-clad gabled cabin with a chimney and skylights glows warmly from within at dusk on a grassy hillside.

More infoLower MilovaigHarlosh Wood hPlace to stay · Sleeps 6

Set apart from its neighbouring property, Wood h is a contemporary retreat on Skye’s west coast with wide-reaching views towards Macleod’s Tables. Sleeping up to six, it offers a calm, well-designed base for those looking to switch off and spend time in the surrounding landscape.

The Trotternish coast from above Half of One, cliffs and green headlands running out into the sea.

More infoCulnacnocHalf of OnePlace to stay · Sleeps 8

The clifftop position, and staggering views it provides, of this renovated crofter’s cottage is enough to promise complete escape and peace. A short walk will take you down to a secluded beach.

A curved timber-roofed house glows with lit windows at dusk, chairs set on the gravel and decking outside.

More infoCliasmolHarris HideawayPlace to stay · Sleeps 2

With arguably one of the finest views in the Outer Hebrides, over the Sound of Taransay and the staggering beaches of Luskentyre and Horgabost, this ‘underground’ house is every inch the serene retreat.

More infoAppinStormhouse NorthPlace to stay · Sleeps 2

The floor-to-ceiling windows in these two striking properties – not to mention the outdoor hot tubs – are ideal for soaking up the seclusion of the setting here, overlooking Loch Laich and Castle Stalker, and beyond to Loch Linnhe.

A stone cottage with a slated roof sits nestled among dense woodland, two paddleboards resting on the lawn in front.

More infoLochgoilheadRed Squirrel CabinPlace to stay · Sleeps 6

Tucked away on the shores of Loch Goil and surrounded by woodland, this peaceful cabin offers a quiet escape within easy reach of Glasgow. Sleeping up to six, it combines generous space with a relaxed, homely feel, making it well suited to couples or small groups looking to spend time in a calm, natural setting.

More infoLochgoilheadSeal CabinPlace to stay · Sleeps 2

Whether you opt for a cabin and a cottage by the side of the loch or a cottage beside a mountain stream, this 12-acre estate provides ample space to revel in the peacefulness of the location.

A whitewashed cottage sends a thread of smoke from its chimney, framed between pine trunks with a dog bounding through the grass.

More infoGlenfeshieCoire Domhain CottagePlace to stay · Sleeps 10

Set beside the River Feshie, this serene cottage is the perfect place to ensconce yourself in the wildness and serenity of the Cairngorms, with views stretching down the beautiful glen.

Smoke rises from the chimney of a pink-harled house with a slate roof, seen over a drystone wall amid trees and misty hills.

More infoDoresTigh na Coille CottagePlace to stay · Sleeps 8

Situated at the northern end of Loch Ness, Tigh Na Coille is surrounded by woodland, which provides a calm setting. Wander through the trees and take in the view of the loch to make the most of the location.

The house's gabled wing with a decked terrace and two chairs, solar panels along the roof, seen across a grassy slope.

More infoGlenborrodaleBorradill HousePlace to stay · Sleeps 6

More infoGlenborrodaleBorradill CottagePlace to stay · Sleeps 4

More infoBrodieCulbin EdgePlace to stay · Sleeps 4

The whole of Larch House across its meadow: the larch-clad gable and long roof with roof lights, the lower wing beside it, a ring of river stones in the grass and oaks behind.

More infoBlairgowrieLarch HousePlace to stay · Sleeps 6

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