The sandy beach at Opinan is just over a mile away and, carrying further along the road, is the wonderful long stretch of sand at Red Point (4 miles) with a path that leads down to the sand from the parking area. Gairloch Trekking Centre just by the beach offers the truly unforgettable experience of pony trekking along the sandy shores.

For drinks or meals out the Badachro Inn (1.75 miles) is in walking distance and serves delicious food with an enjoyable wander back afterwards. Gairloch (8 miles) has a village shop for basic provisions but it is worth stocking up in Inverness or Ullapool en route to the house (online grocery deliveries also available).

Gairloch’s little 9 hole golf course is known as one of the most picturesque in Wester Ross, being set in a great coastal spot with amazing views of the sea and the Torridon mountains beyond. Boat trips run out from Gairloch Marine Wildlife Centre at the nearby pier (Mar to Oct) from which an array of wildlife can be spotted including seabirds, porpoises, seals, dolphins and minke whales.

Take to the sea to try out sea kayaking around the Gairloch coastline with full or half day adventures available or, if you prefer staying on dry land, the quiet, mainly single track roads are ideal for cycling (with secure bike storage at the house).

Heading north about half an hour’s drive away is Big Sand, another superb sandy beach that begs to be explored and, if you time your visit just right, you can witness some extraordinary sunsets.

Walkers will enjoy visiting the Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve, Britain’s first nature reserve, which is home to some wonderful wildlife including red deer, pine martens and mountain hares, as well as golden eagles soaring across the skies. There are various walking trails within the reserve and the visitor centre just outside Kinlochewe (21 miles) is a mine of useful information on everything to see and do.