Drimnin, Morvern Peninsula, Scottish Highlands
Drimnin is said to be one of the most remote places in Scotland. Now there’s a thing. This ancient settlement - once part of the Maclean clan territory - lies at the end of 12 miles of single-track road from Lochaline (also very remote). Getting here certainly takes some doing but that’s the point. But, if the splendid isolation gets too much, there are a few things to do nearby. The Nc’Nean Distillery was recently named by The Guardian as one of the top ten Scottish distilleries to visit. There are regular tours and the shop opens every weekday.
Landscape, seascape and wildlife artist Alan Hayman lives on the Drimnin Estate and has his own studio and gallery on site, open weekdays.
Accommodation-wise, there are a few options on the Drimnin Estate, including the eccentric neogothic manor house.
Or else book The Captain’s Cabin or PilotHousePH5. These two unique and architecturally striking cabins with panoramic views have been built for pure pleasure. See outoftheblue.uk.com.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE Catch the seasonal weekly water taxi to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. You have to book in advance at tobermoryboattrips.co.uk. If there’s time, head south to explore the Isle of Iona, collecting a bag of mussels at Inverlussa mussel farm at Craignure on the way (make sure you drop £2.50 in the honesty box).
Ballycotton, County Cork, Ireland
This comfortingly named village surrounded by sandy beaches is just 40 minutes from Cork airport. You can be dipping your toes in the sea with a locally sourced fish and chip lunch in no time. Ballycotton has an impressive choice of restaurants, cafes and pubs, with many serving seafood that’s come straight off the boats.
Natural beauty is in abundance here. The village sits on a rocky ledge overlooking Ballycotton Bay. The local cliff walk is a must, with views of the roaring Atlantic Ocean and even the occasional dolphin. Interesting fact: Ballycotton Lighthouse (also a visitor attraction) is one of only two black lighthouses in Ireland.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Go deep sea angling. It’s a popular pastime because the harbour is non-tidal, so boats can go to sea at any time. See ballycottonseaadventures.com.
Port Isaac to Polzeath, South West Coast Path, Cornwall
Everyone should do at least a section of this worldfamous trail at some point in their lifetime. Mountaineer Graham Keene has done the whole lot - as well as becoming the oldest British climber ever to have climbed Mount Everest. Graham trains for his expeditions by hiking different stretches of the coast path and says one of his favour
