Frequently asked questions

Yes, please do! Well-behaved dogs are most welcome at Cathair Dhubh. We just ask that they aren’t left on their own in the cottage unless they’re in a crate, and that they stay downstairs. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dog walks, from the hills and peat roads to the lovely beaches.

There is. The outdoor area around the cottage is securely fenced, so your four-legged friend has room to stretch their legs. It’s a shared space with the other cottages though, so we ask that you keep an eye on your dog while they’re out there.

There is, I’m afraid. The limit is set by our Short Term Let License. Heather Cottage sleeps 6 guests and our other cottages sleep 4. We’re sorry, but we can’t offer camping spaces.

Yes, Cathair Dhubh is well set up for larger groups. The cottages are all close together and we regularly host big gatherings. It’s lovely to see whole families enjoying time together. The only limit is the guest limit in each cottage. If you need more than one cottage, we’d advise booking early as demand is strong. We’re sorry, but we can’t offer group discounts.

Of course! We want you to feel right at home, so visitors are very welcome. The only thing we ask is that the accommodation limit set by our Short Term Let License isn’t exceeded overnight and that visiting vehicles are parked with consideration to guests in the other cottages.

Yes, we do. You’ll find a bath towel and a hand towel for each guest, and bed linen for every bed in the cottage. We don’t supply beach towels or towels for wet dogs, so please bring your own if you think you’ll need them.

Yes, every cottage comes with a cafetière, so you can enjoy a proper coffee with your sea view.

To an extent. The staircases aren’t unreasonably steep or narrow, but we’re sorry to say our cottages aren’t well suited to wheelchair users. Heather Cottage has a downstairs bedroom and bathroom, but there are steps into each cottage.

Not at the moment, unfortunately. Because of where the car park is, it isn’t possible to charge from the cottage supply, and we don’t have charging points in the car park.

Absolutely! You have three beaches on your doorstep. Alltan’ A’bradhan is a 10–15 minute stroll, Vestey’s beach is about 20 minutes away, and Achmelvich main beach is just beyond at 25–30 minutes.

Yes, lots! We have regular guests who barely touch their cars all week once they’ve arrived. You can head straight out from the cottage, and you’ll find information on the walks inside. Some paths are rough and uneven, so do bear that in mind, but this is the Highlands after all.

This is a very common question! The honest answer is no, not usually. We’re only 50–100m from the sea and there’s nearly always a breeze to blow the midges away. People often ask us about the online “midge maps”, but we think they’re rubbish! Most seem to be sponsored by insect repellent companies, which might suggest a somewhat biassed opinion! That said, there are days when midges can be annoying, as they love still, cloudy, mild weather. Choosing your activity to suit the weather helps you avoid the worst. A walk in a sheltered wood on an overcast, still day is probably asking for trouble, but stick to the coast in the same weather and nine times out of ten you’ll be fine.

You’ll find plenty of choice in Lochinver, just a 15 minute drive away.

Lochinver has two handy convenience stores: the Spar on the High Street and the “Bog-shop” in Inver Park. There’s also a delicatessen in Drumbeg. Stock is limited and they can’t match supermarket prices, so they may feel a little pricey, but they’re great for last-minute or local items. If you’d like a bigger shop, Morrisons offers click and collect in the Assynt Leisure car park near the Harbour. Slots are limited, so do book well in advance. Tesco also offers click and collect in Ullapool, which has a good-sized supermarket, and you’ll find a full range of supermarkets in Inverness.

There is, though Lochinver has just the one taxi, so it’s well worth booking ahead. In high season we’d suggest booking several days or even a week in advance. Uber hasn’t made it to Assynt yet!