The Batbox, Lochinver

Welcome to the Batbox, Lochinver. With turquoise seas, white sandy beaches and dramatic, otherworldly mountains, Lochinver and Assynt is one of Scotland’s most stunning regions. Let’s check in to one of my favourite cabins in Scotland and explore. 

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We’d come to Assynt to climb the mighty Suilven, but driving down through Glen Oykel with its long views of the mountains, along Loch Assynt, past Ardvreck Castle and beneath the majestic Quinaig, I have to admit that arriving in Assynt truly blew me away.

Our home for the next few nights was to be The Batbox, a luxury wooden cabin with incredible views of Cuil Mor and the Rubha na Breige peninsula sitting high on a hillside above Loch Kirkaig.

The Batbox – Lochinver accommodation

At The Batbox you are well looked after by owners Gita and David who live just down the hill – they will be there to welcome you and give advice on the area, but then you have the place to yourselves. Batbox comes along with a welcome pack of two cold local beers to crack open on arrival and for breakfast an organic loaf, & excellent jam and porridge oats – all important for that long walk you will be doing the next day! 

After a long day out on this hills, by night, relax in front of the log fire and those windows – all you can see are stars, then there is the occasional hooting of a tawny owl, the rustling of a deer and bats shooting by – and if you are lucky one of those west coast sunsets that Assynt is famous for… There is no need to close the blinds at Batbox, there is no one there to see!

5 Things to do at the Batbox (if you aren’t climbing Suilven!) 

Where to eat Lochinver

• You have to try a Lochinver pie – sold at Lochinver Larder on the village’s main street are pies spoken about in hushed tones across Scotland. From traditional steak, haggis, and venison, to cauliflower cheese, the pies are stuffed full of filling and well worth the eye-watering price tag.
• If you prefer a more traditional tea, The Caberfeidh restaurant in Lochinver also serves up excellent meals – try the local scallops, stews and salads off the blackboard. Make sure you book, The Caberfeidh is a popular local restaurant and mentioned in the Michelin guide. There is a public bar serving local beers and outside is a large beer garden if the midgies are hiding.
• Looking for fresh seafood? The Kylesku Hotel serves up locally caught seafood on the banks of Loch a’ Chàirn Bhàin. Try the Langoustines – straight out of the loch!

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How to get to Lochinver and Assynt

While much Assynt is visited by driving the famous North Coast 500 you need to detour off the route between Unapool and Ullapool to visit Lochinver. Batbox is located in the hamlet of Inverkirkcaig, 10 minutes drive south of the village.

If you aren’t driving the NC500, Lochinver is around 5 hours north of Glasgow and Edinburgh and 2 hours from Inverness. Whilst the best way to explore Assynt is by car  – there are daily bus services. To get to Lochinver catch the Far North Bus service 804 from either Durness or Ullapool.

Love, from Scotland x

Note: Batbox might be off-grid lux but up on the hillside there is no internet or phone signal – you are truly remote from the world here. If you can’t live without being connected, then book the Lazy Bed Cabin.