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The Wild West Coast
Published 26th March 2021
We asked some of our favourite travel influencers which UK spots they'll be heading to once lockdown is over. Photographer Harry Baker @harry.t.baker is planning to jump in his campervan with his dog Coco @cocothestaffy and take a road trip around the lochs and mountains of Scotland's wild and beautiful West Coast.
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Once lockdown is lifted I will definitely be heading back to Scotland with my camera and dogs. I completed my campervan conversion last year but was unable to do much with it due to the restrictions.
Whenever I go to the west of Scotland I always hit up Glencoe first thing in the morning. You can get some amazing conditions in the valley as well as a chance to spot the local deer wandering around.
For the highest chance of seeing deer here you can simply hang around near the Kingshouse Hotel but it's definitely much more worth it to take the little side road down to Glen Etive. If you see these animals please refrain from feeding them.
The Glen Etive road goes on for quite a few miles and the narrowness and road surface requires you to drive slowly but this just helps to take in the beautiful surroundings better, waterfalls, mountains, wild animals. Some of the film Skyfall was shot here. I often stop for lunch at the atmospheric Boots Bar before carrying on my journey.
If you're feeling more adventurous why not travel further to my favourite place in Scotland. Book a stay on your own island and lighthouse cottage Eilean Sionnach, on Ornsay, just off the Isle of Skye.
The skipper, Gus, who takes you over by boat has to be the most interesting man I have met and is full of life and stories. Once on the island you do have the option to come off for a fee and weather permitting. I would advise staying on and taking in the wild surroundings of the south Skye sea and mountains!
Where to Stay on Scotland's West Coast
Follow in Harry's footsteps with a stay at one of these epic hideaways on the West Coast and the Isle of Skye.
Wild Nurture
Fort William - Highland
Sleeps 5
Off-grid luxury in the Scottish Highlands offering amazing views of Ben Nevis and unrivalled access to some fabulous scenery.
Stormhouse
Appin - Argyll
Sleeps 2
Architect designed, contemporary holiday home for two in Argyll with breathtaking castle views, ultra-modern design, and a luxury sunken hot tub.
Inverlonan Bothies
Oban - Argyll and Bute
Sleeps 2 per bothie
Beautiful, minimalist cabins set on a secret patch of Scottish wilderness overlooking Loch Nell and close to the Western Isles.
Knoydart Hide
Inverie - Scotland
Sleeps 2
Experience views to die for at this newly-built romantic hideout with hot tub and sauna in Scotland’s remote Knoydart peninsula.
Kilchuimen House
Fort Augustus - Inverness-shire
Sleeps 8
This truly magical Highlands escape is located on the southern shore of Loch Ness and offers stunning views, open-plan living and luxurious interiors.
The Field House
Avernish - Kyle of Lochalsh
Sleeps 4
An architect-designed Highlands retreat that sits in perfect harmony within its stunning location on the banks of Loch Alsh.
Avernish Lodge
Kyle of Lochalsh - Ross-shire
Sleeps 4
Rugged outside, modern inside… This 2-bedroom lodge on the banks of Loch Alsh has the most beautiful of locations and superb style
Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse Cottage
Isleornsay - Sleat
Sleeps 8
Extraordinary four bedroom coastal home off Skye, with access to a private beach and four bedrooms, on its own island.
Skye Lair
Isle of Skye - Highland
Sleeps 4
Luxurious Scottish hideaway amidst spectacular scenery in the Garden of Skye, a relaxing escape for friends or families.
Skye Window House
Isle of Skye - Scotland
Sleeps 6
A beautifully-designed home on the majestic Isle of Skye, where serene coastal vistas will take your breath away….
9 Achnacloich
Isle of Skye - Scottish Highlands
Sleeps 6
Renovated croft house on the Isle of Skye boasting breath-taking sea and mountain views.