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This comfortable cottage with a cozy wood burning stove was once the home of Victorian lighthouse keepers. It has some stunning views looking out over the Pentland Firth or across the hills of Hoy. From the lighthouse gentle strolls take you to the Hills of White Hamar wildlife reserve just next door, to a nearby sandy beach, or to the shops and general store in Longhope. Relax in the Scandinavian wood fired hot tub or sauna, both enjoy stunning sea views where you can look out for passing orca, dolphins, seals and porpoises. The cottage is tastefully decorated to retain many of its original features with the additional requirements of modern living, including WiFi, TV, touch controlled radiators, Dishwasher, microwave oven and a fridge freezer. Words really can’t do this magical place ju...This comfortable cottage with a cozy wood burning stove was once the home of Victorian lighthouse keepers. It has some stunning views looking out over the Pentland Firth or across the hills of Hoy. From the lighthouse gentle strolls take you to the Hills of White Hamar wildlife reserve just next door, to a nearby sandy beach, or to the shops and general store in Longhope. Relax in the Scandinavian wood fired hot tub or sauna, both enjoy stunning sea views where you can look out for passing orca, dolphins, seals and porpoises. The cottage is tastefully decorated to retain many of its original features with the additional requirements of modern living, including WiFi, TV, touch controlled radiators, Dishwasher, microwave oven and a fridge freezer. Words really can’t do this magical place justice, it has to be experienced to be appreciated. Please read the wonderful reviews from our previous guests many of whom return year after year.
House Rules
Pet-friendlyKid friendlyNo smoking
Well behaved dogs are allowed. We have free range chickens.
We had a very relaxing girls weekend at Cantick Head. Beach wanders, good food, bubbles and a very chilled out afternoon in the sauna and hot tub. Just what we were all needing!
The cottage is lovely and cosy, kitchen is very well equipped. We didn't get a chance to use any of the vast collection of games or dvds as we were too busy chatting.
Excellent stay - made even better by the presence of the 3 dogs!
Visited August 2024
Written September 9, 2024. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alan Mackinnon
It was lovely to meet you all and we are so glad you enjoyed a relaxing stay at Cantick Head.
Best wishes
Alan
Written September 9, 2024. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Storky A
1 contribution
Amazing!
We stayed at Cantick Head for 3 nights… and one word comes to mind, WOW.
What an incredible place. We had the most relaxing and peaceful stay at the lighthouse cottage, Alan was super friendly and helpful not to mention their lovely dogs, Ruby, Ziggy and (sorry I can’t remember the name of the third lovely dog!).
It was so cosy, we loved all features, especially the outdoor sauna and hot tub underneath the lighthouse looking out at sea.
We could spend hours looking out at the dramatic views spotting wildlife.
It’s a real break away from civilization, we have never stayed somewhere so remote and it was truly a place to really turn down all the noise and tune into nature.
Cantick Head has become one of our favorite staycations we have ever been on.
We will certainly be returning as soon as we can!
Visited July 2024
Written September 4, 2024. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alan Mackinnon
Thank you for your wonderful words, it was our pleasure to host you at Cantick Head. We are so happy you are already planning your return for some peace and tranquility.
Best wishes
Alan
Written September 5, 2024. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
maigaret
7 contributions
An incredible place
We stayed for 5 nights at Cantick Head Lighthouse. This is our fourth time of visiting and it never fails to disappoint. It is so hard to describe how incredible this place is. No photo quite does it justice.
If you're after a place to have peace, relaxation, see stunning sceneries and visit a unique place then book this place. The hot tub overlooking the ocean is amazing along with the steam room.
The accommodation has everything you need and if you need something then Vicky and Alan I'm sure will have it. They are the beat hosts who go out of their way to make sure you have an incredible stay. The king size bed is huge, could fit three in it 🤣. A visit to Rackwick beach is a must.
Already booked next year as this place is paradise. You will not be disappointed if you book this accommodation and no wonder it continues to get 5 star reviews.
Visited August 2024
Written August 14, 2024. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alan Mackinnon
Thank you so much for making Cantick Head your “second home” we always look forward to welcoming you back year after year.
Written August 17, 2024. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robert E
1 contribution
Unique and special place.
Location was unique and very beautiful.
Peaceful but with a constantly changing backdrop of sky and sea.
Hoy is a wonderful and wild place to explore and the chance of seeing whales, porpoise and seals as well as all kinds of seabirds make it a great place for wildlife.
The Keeper’s cottage is very comfortable and spacious and Alan and Vicky are very welcoming hosts.
Our dogs loved it, too.
Visited July 2024
Written August 8, 2024. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alan Mackinnon
Thanks for choosing to stay at Cantick Head, we are so glad you enjoyed your visit and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
Written August 17, 2024. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karen M
Kirkwall, United Kingdom656 contributions
Amazing location, fantastic views, super facilities & great hists
The most amazing holiday let. Fantastic views over Scapa Flow & the Pentland Firth.
The cottage is wonderful & comfortable. Everything has been thought of.
Alan & Vicky are the best hosts - always checking to ensure we were ok & not wanting for anything.
The cottage has a lovely traditional feel whilst having modern facilities, there's even a hot tub & sauna.
Highly recommend a visit to Hoy & stay at the Cantick Head lighthouse cottage
Visited July 2024
Written July 27, 2024. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alan Mackinnon
Thank you so much for your wonderful words, it was lovely to meet you both and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
Written July 28, 2024. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KJG75017
Paris, France35 contributions
Glorious stay here.
What a fantastic place to stay. Friendly and thoughtful host, stunning and beautiful location, immaculate property. We’re already planning a return !
Visited June 2024
Written June 17, 2024. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alan Mackinnon
Thanks for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review! It was lovely to meet you and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
Written June 20, 2024. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DavidKPerth
Orpington, United Kingdom1 contribution
Fabulous stay at Cantick Head
We had a fabulous stay at Cantick Head. The weather was not great but the cottage more than made up for it. Alan has restored it faithfully to its Victorian era but has included all modern touches to make the stay comfortable. We particularly enjoyed the word burning stove (in June!) and the incredibly comfortable bed. Walks to the Old Man of Hoy from Rastwick and along the Cantick cliffs are recommended. The Scapa Flow and lifeboat museums are excellent.
Visited June 2024
Written June 12, 2024. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alan Mackinnon
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, we are so glad you enjoyed your stay at Cantick Head. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Written June 13, 2024. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Howard
Llansantffraid Glyn Ceiriog, United Kingdom3 contributions
Magical!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Cantick Head Lighthouse Cottages. The accommodation was first class and the location our of this world! Alan was the perfect host, making is feel very welcome. This is truly a magical place. I would recommend it without hesitation. Thank you.
Visited May 2024
Written June 4, 2024. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alan Mackinnon
Thank you so much for your kind words, it was a pleasure hosting you at Cantick Head Lighthouse. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Written June 11, 2024. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PJM-Oxford
Oxford, United Kingdom2 contributions
Get the feel for living at a lighthouse
What a fabulous place! The lighthouse keeper’s cottage is really lovely, great kitchen/dining room and a lounge too. Comfy beds and good shower and warm & cosy overall. On the day we walked Old Man of Hoy, we got back to the wood fired hot tub all ready for us to jump in and stare out into the Pentland Firth – thanks to top host Alan. The welcome pack included fresh eggs from the hens who are running around in the cottage garden, and there was a place to shelter our bikes. We booked 3 nights and stayed for 4, what more can I say?
Visited May 2024
Written May 30, 2024. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alan Mackinnon
Thank you for such a wonderful review I am so glad you enjoyed your stay! We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Written June 11, 2024. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
stuart
Northamptonshire, United Kingdom1 contribution
Amazing place on Hoy
We had a fantastic time at Cantick Head. Alan was a fantastic host and took us to some amazing places, including the local pub - which did a great fish & chips!
Lots of historical sights/sites.
The accommodation is second to none! It is very roomy, lovely views to the sea and has great facilities such as a hot tub / Sauna.
Overall we had a great time and were really looked after.
Visited May 2024
Written May 14, 2024. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alan Mackinnon
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay at Cantick Head. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Written May 15, 2024. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hoy (from Norse Háey meaning high island) is an island in Orkney, Scotland measuring 143 square kilometres (55 sq mi) — ranked largest in the archipelago after the Mainland. A natural causeway, the Ayre, links to much smaller South Walls; the two islands are treated as one entity by the UK census.
Synonymous with the world famous sea stack the Old Man of Hoy, Orkney's second largest island rises dramatically from the sea. With mountainous moorland and glacial valleys, you will encounter a dramatic highland landscape. Hoy is unlike anywhere else in Orkney.
The Vikings named Hoy High Island and it is not hard to understand why. Orkney's highest peak - Ward Hill - stands an impressive 1,570 feet.
Getting around
Hoy is best enjoyed outdoors and has an intriguing history. A recently restored path guides walkers from the hamlet of Rackwick and its dramatic bay to the iconic Old Man. Still in the north, the Dwarfie Stane is reputed to be the only Neolithic rock-cut tomb in Britain dating from 3000BC. Orkney mythology and legends abound on Hoy, with tales of giants and evil dwarfs!
Hoy is rightly famous for its birdlife. 10,000 acres of moorland and dramatic sea cliffs form an RSPB Nature Reserve which attracts large numbers of migrating and resident birds, including the much loved Puffin - the viewpoint overlooking the Old Man is said to be the best place to spot them.
The majority of Hoy's 400 strong population live in the south of the island.
Access
Car advised
How to get there
Fly or ferry to Orkney and ferry to Hoy.
Activities nearby
Fishing spots availableGolf course (within 30 mins drive)Horse riding facilitiesWatersports
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