Cantick Head

Cantick Head Lighthouse Self Catering Cottage on Hoy – Arguably the best accommodation in Orkney. Steal away from civilisation, to an historic haven, with dramatic sea views out towards the Pentland Firth and Caithness on mainland Scotland.

Perched atop a breathtaking cliff, on the red sandstone Scottish island of South Walls, Hoy, Cantick Head Lighthouse Self Catering Cottage is remote enough to make you feel as though you’ve been magically spirited away from everyday life.
Adjacent to the historic lighthouse tower itself, the cosy self-catering cottage is dog friendly and sleeps four to five guests in two bedrooms; ideal for a true ‘get away from it all’ break for a family or a group of close friends.

Once the home of a Victorian lighthouse keepers family (the lighthouse was built in 1856), you can expect timeless comfort in instantly charming surroundings. Everything you need for a relaxing holiday or vacation is here, including a well-equipped kitchen, a family bathroom, and a snug lounge that comes complete with a warming fireplace.

Oh, and if you can’t tear yourselves away from those mod cons, you’ll find there’s Wi-Fi (vital for updating your Instagram account with magnificent holiday sea views), a TV, and a great selection of DVD’s.

Better still, if you enjoy far-reaching sea views, you’re in for a genuine treat, for we boast some of the best in Scotland. Most of the rooms overlook incredible Orkney scenery and, as you’re on top of a high cliff, those dramatic views will seem as though they stretch out forever.

Watch the huge, rolling waves as they lead your gaze out towards the Pentland Firth and mainland Scotland, or across the hills of Hoy – the highest you’ll see on the Orkney Islands. Watching that incredible, ever-changing Orkney vista is likely to become completely addictive, whether you’re taking in the sunrise with your morning coffee or gathering together for sunset tipples.

Yet if you’re not one for staying in, you won’t have to! Light the firepit, by evening, for a sizzling al fresco holiday supper cooked on the barbecue, while by day you can get up close and personal with those waves, with kayaks and paddle boards available to hire.

You can also hire a bike (or bring your own) and explore the surrounding area. Head for the Hill of White Hamars wildlife reserve for some incredible opportunities to spot nesting seabirds and grey seals, along with some gorgeous wildflowers during the summer months!

Wander towards Hoy if you’re more of a rambler, where you’ll spot the beach at Rackwick and the iconic Old Man (a 449-foot red sandstone sea stack that’s very popular with climbers) and immerse yourselves in famed Orkney myths and Viking legends whilst spotting endless bird varieties.

Of course, you could simply stretch out on the sandy beach with a book, or head into nearby Longhope for some holiday supplies before heading back to the comfort of your lighthouse cottage accommodation. Simply and refreshingly, the choice is entirely yours.

At a glance
• Cosy lighthouse self-catering cottage, the former home of a Victorian lighthouse keeper, set adjacent to the historic working lighthouse tower on the Scottish island of South Walls, Hoy which is part of the Orkney Isles.
• The self-catering dog friendly accommodation sleeps four to five guests in comfort. Expect incredible Orkney views out towards the Pentland Firth and beyond to mainland Scotland.
• The site features hot tub, sauna, outdoor cooking facilities and laundry facilities. Bicycles, kayaks and paddle boards can be hired.
• There are shops, pubs and restaurants on the island.
• There is a white sandy beach and a nature reserve close by.
• We aim to provide the best accommodation in Orkney. Why choose bed and breakfast when you have access to the finest local Orkney produce with which to prepare your own gourmet meals.

Things to note
Smoking is not allowed in the cottage.
Check in after 3pm, check out before 10am.

Local activities
Cycling, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, walking, rock climbing, birdwatching.