196 Droman
A family cottage, in the wilds of North West Scotland
The Cottage
196 Droman has been in the Ross/Anderson-Wallace family for more than 40 years, and has long been a refuge for tired souls seeking peace, beautiful scenery and magically fresh air.
It isn't a polished holiday cottage and we don't pretend that it is. It is practical, warm, comfortable and well equipped for whatever the north-west Scottish weather decides to throw at it - a place where you can properly settle in. What it offers is something increasingly difficult to find: a simple, extended crofters cottage in an extraordinary place, with the sea at the bottom of the road, beaches over the hill and a great deal of North-West Scotland outside the front door. There's a comfortable sitting room, a well-equipped kitchen and everything you need for having a wonderful break - whatever the weather. There are plenty of books and games for rainy days and evenings in front of the fire, and everything you need to enjoy the "midnight sun" on the beach in the summer.
Downstairs
Upstairs
Outside
The Location
"As far north-west as you can get on this island — you really can't get much further away from it all."
Droman is a small hamlet on Scotland's north-western coast, near Kinlochbervie in Sutherland. A rocky bay and pier are a two-minute walk from the door; sandy beaches are five minutes across the hills.
The wider landscape is moorlands, lochans, and bare rocky mountains. Northwest Sutherland is one of the most sparsely populated and hauntingly beautiful places in Britain.
Getting Here
Take the A894 to Kinlochbervie, then follow signs for Balchrick. Turn left towards Droman pier and the blue and white cottage is down the hill next to the track. You're as far north-west as it gets.
pleaser.bandaged.skisActivities
The area rewards those who love the outdoors, from mountain walks and sea-bird watching to sandy beaches and fresh seafood.
Beaches
Polin beach is a short walk from the door. Droman Bay is a charming rocky cove at the end of the road. Oldshoremore and Sheigra can be reached on foot or by road. Remote Sandwood Bay is an 8-mile round trip and stunningly beautiful.
Walking & Climbing
Ben Stack, Arkle and Foinaven rise from the moorland nearby. Foinaven is the most challenging, mostly because of the trek to reach its base. Walk Highlands has good route guides.
Fishing
Sea fishing requires no permit. For loch, river and fly fishing, permits are available through the Durness & KLB Angling Club. Sea-angling equipment is in the workshop.
Handa Island
A Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve home to over 100,000 breeding seabirds - guillemots, razorbills, puffins, great skuas and more. Seasonal ferry from Tarbet; 3.5-mile circular walk around the island.
Durness & Balnakeil
Smoo Cave, one of the largest cave entrances in Britain, is just east of Durness. Balnakeil Craft Village has workshops, a gallery and the excellent Cocoa Mountain chocolate shop. The Faraid Head walk (approx. 5 miles) offers whale, dolphin and otter sightings.
Lotte Glob
Renowned ceramic artist with a wonderful croft garden and sculptures on the road along Loch Eribol out of Durness. Book a visit in advance.
Kylesku
Seasonal boat trips from Kylesku to Eas a Chual Aluinn, Britain's tallest waterfall at 200m. Also a chance to see seals and sea eagles.
Eating Out
The Quay House in Kinlochbervie harbour is recommended for coffee and lunch. Loch Clash Larder (a van past London Stores) serves fresh local seafood April–October. Further afield: the Crofter's Kitchen in Scourie and the Shorehouse Seafood Restaurant in Tarbet.
Gallery
Stay
196 Droman is our family home, but when we're not using it ourselves it is available for others to enjoy at any time of year.
We are licensed by Highland Council for short term letting (licence number XXXXX) for up to six people in three bedrooms. You can find out more about the house, what's provided and what to expect in the Cottage section.
Prices vary according to the time of year and the length of your stay. Our booking calendar shows what's currently available and the price for the dates you're considering. Stays are normally Saturday to Saturday, but we are very happy to accommodate adaptations to that where possible. All bookings will be initially marked as "pending". Please wait for confirmation from us BEFORE making any other arrangements.
Cleaning & a linen change fee of £100 will be added to each booking.
Before you book
Part of Droman's appeal is its location, but that also means it's worth knowing what you're coming to. This is the far north-west of Scotland. The weather can be glorious & wild - looking green in the and same afternoon. Shops, restaurants and other facilities aren't on the doorstep, and getting here takes a little effort.
That's rather the point.
Have a look through the Location and Getting Here sections before you book. They'll give you a much better idea of where 196 Droman is, what there is to do and what staying here is actually like.
A few practical things
196 accommodates a maximum of six people. Stays are subject to availability and our minimum-stay requirements, which can vary through the year. The current price, availability and any minimum stay for your chosen dates are shown on the booking calendar.
Questions?
Or you're wondering whether Droman will suit you, please get in touch. We're very happy to answer questions about the house, the journey or the area. We'd much rather you knew what to expect before coming — and arrived looking forward to exactly the sort of place 196 is.
Tariff
£450 - Low (October to March) £550 - Shoulder (April, May and September) £650 - High (June, July, August, September) All plus cleaning at fee to £100. Half terms, school holidays & Xmas, NY are all classed as "High Season"