Editor’s Choice

Free your wild side in Cornish nature haven

Little Menherion offers a truly wild glamping experience in Cornwall. Guests luxuriate in unique, magical cabins designed to connect them with nature without compromising on comfort. The setting is leafy and romantic, the accommodation quirky and the concept an ecoconscious venue for relaxing yet exhilarating ‘wildcations.’ The cabins nestle on a 12 acre smallholding in the peaceful heart of Cornwall, about three miles from the national rail and road links of Redruth, a heady 190 metres above sea level. Many guests scramble up nearby Carnmenellis Hill to enjoy panoramic views of the whole county, from Atlantic to English Channel coasts. The cabins Log Jam and Round n Round, are spaced about 50 metres apart on either side of a babbling stream which includes a natural ‘jacuzzi’. They are handcrafted to combine rustic charm with convenient practicality, while blending perfectly with surroundings which are being actively re-wilded by hosts Huw and Bernice.

Cabin features include a mezzanine floor holding a king-size bed with a skylight to the stars, a comfy living area with a leather sofa, a neat kitchen with a hob, fridge and a wood-burning stove which powers an oven. There is a shower room with a civilised compost loo and, outdoors, decking with seating, a fire pit, barbecue, double swing seat and hammock. Books, games, radio and many lovely extras are provided, including ecotoiletries and kitchen basics. The emphasis is firmly on enjoying nature, perhaps taking a dip in the ‘wild jacuzzi,’ foraging for food, campfire cooking or circling the nearby reservoir. Many explore the local area by bicycle, along scenic old mining trails that form part of Cornwall’s World Heritage Site. Spotting wildlife is a daily joy. Numerous species of butterflies, bees and birds from owls to woodpeckers frequent the diverse habitats of the property including the cottage garden, orchards, pond, glade and woodland. They are also drawn by irresistible features such as the ‘Cornish hedges,’ stone walls laden with mosses and lichens. Little Menherion, Menherion, Cornwall TR16 6NW T 07766 775851 or 07748 32869 E littlem@littlemenherion.com www.littlemenherion.com

Boutique glamping with hot tubs and views to the Milky Way

Cosy and comfy for all seasons, The Pod Over By is newly installed accommodation for ‘glamping in the glen’ on the enchanting west coast of Scotland. It’s a great spot for walking, cycling, horse riding, kayaking and golfing within an area of exceptional beauty, perhaps exploring the Kintyre Peninsula and island-hopping by ferry around the Inner Hebrides.

Many visitors tour Inveraray Castle, one of Scotland’s finest stately homes and almost all sample local specialities such as oysters, salmon, venison and, of course, whisky from a region worldrenowned for its many excellent distilleries. The Pod Over By is a luxury glamping pod for two adults at the end of a family garden in Kilmichael, overlooking sheep fields, rolling hills and stunning sunsets. Close by is Kilmartin Glen, home to prehistoric rock art, ancient burial mounds and Dunadd Fort, once a power centre of Iron Age kings. The handcrafted pod has one double bedroom, a small but perfect kitchen, an en-suite shower and toilet, underfloor heating and decking. It’s within walking distance of a village pub and a range of attractive independent shops, only a few minutes’ drive from a choice of beautiful beaches and also near Crinan Canal, dubbed ‘Britain’s most beautiful shortcut.’ Adventurous couples love the outdoor experiences to be enjoyed throughout the area, perhaps en route to the islands of Islay, Gigha or Colonsay spotting rare wildlife. The location is also great for drivers, being on the Argyll Coastal Route from gorgeous Loch Lomond to mountainous Fort William, dominated by Ben Nevis. It’s the fulfilment of a dream for pod owners Iona and Andrew to have the accommodation available so they can share their special environment with guests, making them welcome all year round. “It’s a peaceful, beautiful, spot and we’re surrounded by nature,” says Iona. “There’s fascinating history on our doorstep, too.” See the brand new website www.thepodoverbyargyll.co.uk for promotional rates. The Pod Over By, Kilmichael Argyll, T 07917 332365 E thepodoverby@gmail.com www.thepodoverbyargyll.co.uk

Amazing views, magical sunsets, luxurious comforts and fabulously starry skies await in the unique boutique hideaway of Stargazer Glamping. Set in 4.5 acres of gorgeous grounds around a Georgian country pile in the astoundingly beautiful Wye Valley of Herefordshire, the site provides luxurious Lotus Belle tents with their own six-person hot tubs, hot and waiting for guests on arrival.

There are three delightful glamping areas among the woodland and mature gardens. The whopping showstopper Mahal tent sleeps eight in a staggering 700 square feet of space, lavishly furnished with king sized master beds and cosied up with abundant rugs and cushions. Two more ‘Stargazer’ tents are similarly equipped and allow celestial viewing from their beds. Each tent has its own fully equipped outdoor cabana kitchen, electrically connected and with firepits and barbecues. Your personal pristine hot shower, compost toilet and washing up facilities are also provided. Seating, sunbeds, hammocks and covered dining areas are provided for each tent, but so too is a communal area with an honesty shop and a shared pizza oven where glampers who choose can socialise together. The grounds are super special, featuring hundreds of mature trees, orchards, vegetable and herb gardens with free range chickens, a gladed hammock garden and even a bewitching fairy garden. At night, the Milky Way is displayed to perfection in this Dark Sky area and telescopes are available free of charge to encourage everyone to enjoy the heavenly treats. Additionally, Stargazer Glamping lets out two stylish cottages, Wisteria and Sunrise, the latter all at ground floor level. They have all modern conveniences from smart TV to woodburning stoves and hot tubs. Booked altogether, the site can accommodate up to 20 people, all enjoying the great local amenities of Bromsash village, including the Alma Inn – CAMRA’s Herefordshire’s 2021 Pub of the Year – and the Michelinrated restaurant, The Moody Cow. Owner Dominic Sheridan says: “The River Wye and Forest of Dean are just down the road, great for canoeing, horse riding, cycling, climbing and Go Ape for the kids.” Contact details: Stargazer Glamping, Bromsash, Ross-On-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 7PL T 07825 990166 E dominic@stargazerglamping.co.uk www.stargazerglamping.co.uk

People who enjoy outdoor activity close to nature are spoiled for choice when they book into Toad Hall Lodges in the glorious Suffolk countryside. Close to the East Anglian coast, Dunwich Forest and multiple nature reserves teeming with life, Toad Hall’s timber retreats are built for uncompromising comfort and ideal for adult couples and group holidays or celebration weekends for up to 10 people. The health-conscious owners picked the spot because of its proximity to great places for running, walking and cycling, not to mention wild swimming and multiple watersports. It’s in a leafy corner of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where guests can watch Suffolk’s stunning sunsets from their fire pits and make use of shared exercise space. One popular walk is through the Hen Reedbeds Nature Reserve, then down the Blyth Estuary into either Southwold or Walberswick. The five stylish Toad Hall Lodges each provide modern comforts and luxurious touches for two people, including power showers and supercomfortable twin or king-sized beds with feather duvets and Memory Foam mattresses. They have private decking with firepits and dining furniture, but guests also have use of a communal garden, outdoor covered kitchen and coffee terrace. Normally Toad Hall is for adults only, with no pets, but owner Gavin Crossland says: “For group bookings we are happy to be flexible.” Toad Hall Lodges, Mardle Road, Wangford NR34 8AU; T 07989 559 861 E gavin@toadhall.life www.toadhall.life Health and happiness fit beautifully together at Pathgreen Glamping, a holiday experience in the picturesque Perthshire countryside. Guests not only pamper themselves in luxurious pods with deeply comfortable beds and hot tubs, but can also nurture themselves with wellbeing and beauty treatments at an on-site spa. Accommodating 10 people in two stylish pods, the secluded Pathgreen retreat is ideal for extended families, good friends, even small, intimate wedding parties. Many people love to simply relax and enjoy the views or walk for miles in around this familyowned smallholding in the Ochil Hills between Perth and Kinross. Others go exploring, perhaps visiting nearby Scone Palace, the ‘crowning place of Scottish kings,’ or playing a round at Gleneagles Golf club. The pods themselves, White Clover for six people and Heather for four, are finished to exquisite standards. Centrally heated for year-round comfort, they are impeccably decorated and come with bijou shower rooms, well-equipped kitchens and outdoor amenities for cooking and eating. A pizza oven is available to hire. Meadowsweet Spa is run by awardwinning complementary therapist Denise Millar, who previously worked in palliative care. Whether for relaxation, rejuvenation or looks, her treatments use the finest natural products and leave clients feeling wonderful. Denise also delights in arranging special treats for guests, anything from bespoke decorations to artisan pizza-making kits and gift bouquets for special occasions. “Nothing is too much trouble,” she says. Pathgreen Glamping, Path of Condie, Forgandenny, Perth PH2 9DW T 07840 769811 E contact@pathgreenglamping.co.uk www.pathgreenglamping.co.uk

Tipi heaven on the edge of Stratford

Handy for the great tourism opportunities of Shakespeare’s Stratford upon Avon, Royal Leamington Spa, the Cotswolds and amazing days out at Warwick Castle, Toasty Tipis offers a unique and weatherproof glamping experience. Expect a peaceful, private haven of tranquillity with its own private hot tub, five minutes’ walk from an on-site gastropub in the grounds of a polo club where you could strike lucky and see polo, showjumping or dressage events taking place. Your tipi comes furnished with a king sized bed, equipped with an electric blanket for extra snugness in cooler weather. Features include a log-effect fan heater, carpeted interior, full-sized fridge and an outdoor gazebo with barbecue. Also equipped with a private shower and compost toilet in addition to on-site public toilets, it has many personal touches to add to the luxury feel so perfect for a romantic couple’s break. The site has been set into the woods so glampers enjoy great privacy and a very leafy outlook. Owner Catherine Varney got hands on with building the site alongside her roofer father. They used all reclaimed materials to create the site, proud to make the eco-friendly effort. “We wanted to share our love of luxurious outdoor living,” says Catherine. “This is a great place to be and our guests all love it.” Toasty Tipis, Dallas Burston Polo Club, Stoneythorpe Estate, Southam, Warwickshire CV47 2DL T 07774 658910 E info@toastytipis.com

Irish farm glamping for all the family

Little River Glamping offers the chance to visit Northern Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions - including the iconic Giant’s Causeway - but also enables guests to get close to nature on a family-friendly farm. This exquisitely peaceful spot has resident sheep, cattle, ducks and geese as well as an abundance of visiting wildlife, a riverside picnic area and a quite amazing night time starscape. Run by a couple with four children of their own, the farm is just nine miles from the famous Causeway Coast with its ruggedly beautiful beaches, coves and harbour villages. Close by are the famous Dark Hedges of the fantasy TV series Game of Thrones, while local amenities include several good restaurants and take-aways which deliver to the site. Little River Glamping accommodation is all cosy and comfy with real beds, cushions, rugs, firepits and outdoor seating. There is a dome tent for the larger family, a bell tent with a hot tub for romantic weekends and a yurt which sleeps six and includes a play tent. Each group has its own private facilities in a modern shower and toilet block nearby and there are shared kitchen and laundry facilities.

Owner Yvonne says: “We want our guests to have a really lovely and memorable rural adventure with us.”

Little River Glamping, 90 Gracehill Road, Stranocum, Ballymoney BT53 8JD T 07732 262994 E littleriverglamping@gmail.com www.littleriverglamping.co.uk

Indian cuisine

in the countryside

Diners are discovering authentic Indian cuisine in the best of English countryside at The Taj restaurant in Iron Cross, a pretty hamlet near the upmarket Warwickshire village of Salford Priors. Frequently closed from 2020 to the present, it recently reopened under the zestful new management of an experienced and passionate second generation restauranteur. Every aromatic dish on the new menu of The Taj is painstakingly prepared from scratch by the cheffing team, using quality ingredients including fresh, flavourful herbs and spices. Guests can expect not just a great meal but also a thoroughly pleasant eating experience. The extensive menu includes meals for every taste, including perfectly cooked tandoori dishes, classic favourites such as korma, tikka, balti and biryani and house specials such as Taj Bahar, made with barbecued meat, poultry or seafood served with a special sauce. Adventurous eaters love signature dishes such as Moong Dal, made with lentils and a meat of choice; Keralan Murgh with a creamy coconut base or hot Phanaeng chicken curry, packing the flavours of chilli, galangal, kefir, lime leaves, garlic and shallots. There are many vegetarian options and also a safe selection of traditional English favourites for children who like to stick to what they know. A take-away service is also available. The Taj is part of the former Stonegate complex which includes the Queens Head inn with light, airy, bed & breakfast accommodation in ensuite family and double rooms. New business owner Azad Hussain ran several restaurants with his father before striking out on his own ventures in 2008. He was enthusiastic about the potential of The Taj, being set in such beautiful countryside. Azad says: “Iron Cross is between Warwickshire and Worcestershire, surrounded by lovely villages such as Salford Priors and Bidford on Avon, six miles from Evesham, eight miles from Stratford upon Avon and within an easy drive of Alcester, Worcester and the Cotswolds.”

The Taj, Evesham Road, Iron Cross, Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 8SH; T 01386 870257, E queensheadtaj@gmail.com www.tajironcross.co.uk

Live luxuriously with Westcote Design bespoke furniture

Customers seeking high-end furniture for their homes can be sure of stylish results from Westcote Design. This longestablished, highly experienced company specialises in bespoke and hand-crafted pieces including sofas, armchairs, sofa beds and dining chairs. Quality is at the heart of the business and it offers a truly immense range of choice in designs, fabrics and finishes to create each perfect piece. With more than 85 years’ joint experience, business owners Mark and David consistently fulfil their customers’ wishes for furniture which reflects their individual taste and personality. Proud homeowners seek them out to produce individual pieces or groups to fit and suit particular spaces, perhaps complementing an existing furniture layout, perhaps achieving a fresh modern makeover. Alongside that, Westcote Design serves a wide range of trade professionals such as interior designers, architects, product designers and contract furnishers. Customers can commission specific pieces made to their own requirements, or buy from Westcote Design’s attractive collections of sofas, armchairs, footstools, headboards and sofa beds, which range from traditional to contemporary designs. They are luxuriously made by experts, with solid wood frames, natural fibre wadding, coil springs and sprung edges and superior upholstery. The company also offers a reupholstery service. Customers use this to revive a favourite piece – sometimes an heirloom – to restore its appearance, repair damage or perhaps modernise the appearance. Westcote Design attracts much repeat custom from its discerning customers all over Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds, including Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire, building on loyalty which has been accruing since the business started in 1991. David says: “Buying home furniture can be a big investment and we make sure our pieces are worth that investment in design, quality and durability.” Customers can visit the company’s showroom in Kingham, Oxfordshire, by appointment, Monday to Saturday. Westcote Design, 5 Threshers Yard Kingham, Oxon OX7 6YF T 01608 659091 E info@westcotedesign.co.uk www.westcotedesign.co.uk

Connect with your wild side in rural Ceredigion

Glampers love the freedom and quietude of The Three Spaniels, a wildly beautiful 26 acre smallholding in the unspoiled Ceredigion countryside. Their bright, airy shepherd’s hut comes with everything from hot showers to underfloor heating, while they can also enjoy stunningly scenic views from a dog-friendly enclosed garden with a private hot tub resplendent with mood lighting and adjustable water jets. A spacious static caravan will also be available later this year.

The seclusion in this special setting, rich with varied wildlife, is a huge delight for people often more used to urban sprawl and traffic congestion. Guests relish the peace and solitude, not to mention the charms of resident sheep, ponies, hens and friendly dogs. They can even take their own dogs or horses along for the holiday if they wish. There is also space to be sociable in the on-site minibar, sometimes in the company of the affable owners Dave and Miri, who created it in their stone barn. The glampsite is within 20 minutes’ drive of the fabulous Cardigan Bay coast, replete with beautiful beaches and a regular smattering of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and grey seals. Also within easy exploring distance are the attractive harbour towns of Aberaeron with its long, golden beach and New Quay, with quirky terraced streets and attractions including a marine wildlife centre and Dylan Thomas trail. Many Three Spaniels guests walk spectacular sections of the Wales Coast Path. Others visit bustling Aberystwyth, unspoiled Lampeter or the walking and mountain bike trails of Brechfa Forest.

Miri says: “We are living the dream and we love sharing it with our guests. Wildlife and conservation are vitally important to us and are re-wilding our land so plants and animals thrive. Towards that, we plant a tree for every booking we get.” The Three Spaniels, Penlan Ganol, Cwrt-Newydd, Llanybydder, Ceredigion, SA40 9YN T 01570 434520 E info@thethreespaniels.co.uk www.thethreespaniels.co.uk

Toy hunters in search of quality will find themselves delightfully spoiled for choice at Ginger and Pickles, where timeless and traditional are watchwords of well executed design. The selection is colourful, fun and frequently educational and these toys don’t cost the earth, because they are sustainably sourced and ecologically sound. Ginger and Pickles is an independent family shop business which opened in Upton upon Severn in 2020. The timing turned out unfortunate, just two weeks before the COVID pandemic shut everything deemed non-essential, but it enabled owners Pat and Catherine Badham to consolidate and build a website to facilitate both in-person and online sales which, then as now, includes free delivery to local customers. For Pat, the shop was a new and daring venture after a long first career as a cabinet maker. Catherine, furloughed from her hospice job, was happy to help. With five children of their own, then aged seven to 15, they had plenty of product selection experience to muster, along with a

ready-made testing panel. Toys stocked by Ginger and Pickles are well-made, attractive and appealing, often hand-crafted in wood or fabric and invariably made individually or in small batches. There are toys for everyone, including babies, toddlers and the most demanding school age customers. Hand puppets are a particular speciality, but from animals to art sets, building blocks to brain games, dolls to dinosaurs, they’re durable, aesthetically pleasing and harmless to the planet. Customer service is paramount and many a forgotten birthday has been rescued by the Badhams having precisely the right gift available. Another wonderful aspect of the Ginger and Pickles shopping experience is where it is located, among a classy clustering of independent retailers, enjoyable eateries and an attractive riverside streetscene, often with festivals or special events in evidence. Pat says: “Upton upon Severn is a lovely place to spend a day.” Ginger and Pickles, 2A New St, Upton upon Severn, Worcester WR8 0HR T 01684 594895, E gingerandpicklesupton@gmail.com www.gingerandpicklestraditionaltoys.co.uk

Peak experiences in deluxe lodges near Ashbourne

Romance, adventure and exploration all flourish in the luxurious lodges of Mayfield Snuggery, in the glorious Peak District setting of the Derbyshire/ Staffordshire borders. The area is packed with great walking trails, cycle routes, scenic rivers and lakes. It also offers fantastic visitor attractions such as Chatsworth House, Alton Towers theme park and the Heights of Abraham.

Mayfield Snuggery hit the Gold standard in the 2022 Staffordshire Tourism Awards with its contemporary offering of handcrafted lodges complete with their own private sauna and hot tub. Four are for couples, the fifth for a family and all are beautifully equipped, furnished and decorated in countrystyle décor. Features include king-sized double bedrooms, light, bright open plan living areas, super-sized showers for two, freestanding baths and well-equipped kitchens. Floorto-ceiling windows and outdoor patios make the most of attractive, unspoiled views and provide an excellent environment to relax and unwind in peaceful countryside comfort. Owners Jason and Ruby Stanley bought the 2.5 acre site in 2017. Jason was a builder working in his father’s construction company and in 2019 they set about building perfect new lodges, utilising his and Ruby’s extensive experience of lodge holidays and what would make them unique. Many of the guests who stay at Mayfield Snuggery choose it because they are celebrating a special occasion. Ruby Stanley, who runs the site with her husband, Jason, says: “As a small business we enjoy being able to offer an added personal touch to our guests stay”. “We’re on the southern tip of the Peak District, about 2.5 miles from Ashbourne, a really lovely market town. There are lots of attractions and activities within very easy reach, including the Tissington Trail and Dovedale beauty spot.” Mayfield Snuggery, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 2JX; T 07498 205176 E enquiries@mayfieldsnuggery.com www.mayfieldsnuggery.com

Relax with abundant wildlife in Sussex hideaway

Nestled on a family farm in a secret corner of Sussex, holidaymakers can relax in a country cottage or glamping getaway, with roe deer, pheasants and buzzards nearby. Guests have a choice of an 18th century three-bed cottage, a cosy shepherd’s hut or a vintage American Airstream travel trailer, the latter previously rented to celebrity festivalgoers including, the current owners are reliably informed, Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin. Suitable for families or couples and also dog friendly, the accommodation is all equipped to very high standards including Egyptian cotton bedlinen, soft fluffy towels and bath robes. The shepherd’s hut and Airstream are near a small lake and benefit from hot showers, mains water, electricity and flush toilets. The units are spaced out for restful relaxation and have their own patio area with a fire pit to enjoy the fantastic views and sunsets. The cottage has it’s own private garden along with historic interior features and a log burner. Extra airbeds are also available. There are plenty of woodland walks on the doorstep and a link to South Downs National Park. Just five miles away is the famous Knepp Castle Wilding Project. Chase Farm, too, supports wildlife, through the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. As a recent innovation, guests can book private yoga, eco-nidra and reiki sessions at the practitioner’s nearby studio or in their own accommodation.

Despite being sojourned in a rural idyll, guests are also close to Brighton’s flamboyant shopping and nightlife, the historic city of Chichester, Goodwood Estate horse racing and motorsport and a great choice of National Trust properties, theatres, gastropubs and Michelin starred restaurants.

Glamping manager, Louise Edwards, recommends visiting the nearby medieval market town of Horsham.

“It’s becoming a real foodie centre and is very charming, with café culture, twice-weekly markets and many events,” she says. Chase Farm Glamping, Chase Farm, Shaw’s Lane, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9BX T 01403 788700 E bookings@ChaseFarmGlamping.co.uk www.chasefarmglamping.co.uk

Find your personal holiday bliss with Devon Farms & Country Stays

Holidaymakers love the relaxing rural scenery of Devon, one of Britain’s prettiest counties, and Devon Farms & Country Stays offers the most fantastic pick of places from which to enjoy it. The accommodation includes farmhouse bed & breakfasts, selfcatering cottages, lodges, glampsites and other options, all in peaceful, private settings with nature on the doorstep and wonderful attractions within easy reach. Many are petfriendly. Devon Farms & Country Stays is a co-operative of more than 50 country dwellers offering holidays in countryside settings, many of them on farms or smallholdings, often barn or outbuilding conversions. Others stand in their own gardens or grounds, sometimes large country estates. Between them they cater for everyone from single explorers to large families and offer an authentic experience of rural life, sometimes even an education, if wanted, about farming and food production. Locations cover the entire county, including Dartmoor, Exmoor, the sunny English Riviera and Jurassic coast of the south, the surfing seas and resorts of the north and fabulously scenic walking and cycle routes such as the Tarka Trail and South West Coast Path. There are properties near rushing rivers and nature reserves, awesome castles and ancient monuments, national parks, stately homes, gardens and family theme parks. There are two amazing cities, Exeter and Plymouth, and many welcoming towns with their own special mix of shops, places to eat and drink and entertainments. Beautiful beaches about and quaint harbour villages are never far away. Enchanting views are everywhere. Devon Farms & Country Stays members pool resources for marketing, share a website and support one another to ensure great experiences for their guests, who book directly with their chosen providers. Spokeswoman Karen Shaw, says: “The co-operative is entirely run by its member families, ensuring its integrity. We all live on site, so guests aren’t dealing with some big faceless bureaucracy but with real people who care about what they do and want their guests to have an enjoyable experience.” Holidaymakers are invariably offered locally produced food, drink and other products, whether in catered or self-catered accommodation. The landowners are all working hard to ensure their land provides great habitat not only for farm animals but for wildlife, too, so guests invariably see a great variety of birds and other species during their stay. Co-operative member, Georgina Dennis, says: “We are all passionate about sustainability. We try to run our farms, our land and our accommodation in as ecofriendly way as possible and keep our food miles low.” To browse your own best holiday opportunities, visit www.devonfarms.co.uk

Achmeney Glamping offers immense freedom, solitude and adventure on the north eastern tip of Scotland, in the beautiful county of Caithness. The larger-than-usual accommodation pod near Thurso is unique and luxuriously kitted out for a comfortable, relaxing stay and has its own hot tub. The spot is just a few minutes’ drive from the sea and is also near the North Coast 500 (NC500) tourist road route, which is widely considered one of the best in the world. NC500 invites visitors to explore breathtaking Highland landscapes, get excited by watersports among the crashing waves and catch sight of rare wildlife, perhaps whales, dolphins, otters and wildcats. Explorers can discover the ancient castles, monuments and battlegrounds which trace Scotland’s turbulent history, relish foodie experiences galore and sample whisky from some of Scotland’s world famous distilleries, plus the many attractions of Inverness, the Highland ‘capital’ and the route’s start and finish. If you want to see the Aurora Borealis – nature’s magical light show also known as the Northern Lights – Achmeney Glamping offers one of Britain’s very best vantage points. It is also very warm and cosy with a king sized bed, ideal for a couple or perhaps a young family utilising a sofabed. It has its own shower and toilet, a well-equipped kitchen, smart TV and other amenities. Breakfast and barbecue packs are available and on a clear day there are mountain views in the distance. Owners Andrea and Peter Forman hand-built and furnished the glamping pod themselves, to make the most of what is their favourite spot in the whole of their well-travelled lives. Andrea says: “We previously visited Land’s End and I suggested that next holiday we should visit John O’Groats. We came here for a week’s holiday and decided to make a five year plan to retire here. Six months later we moved in. “For us it’s simply perfect.” Achmeney Glamping, Harpsdale, Caithness T 07856 887391 E andrea@achmeneypod.co.uk Facebook @ AchmeneyPod

Peaceful idyll in rural Wales

Exhilarating mountain walks and unsullied peace await guests of Little London Wales, a hidden gem of holiday accommodation in the wooded wilds of the Brecon Beacons. Offering luxurious bed & breakfast and a riverside glamping pod, this is a secluded retreat in prime Welsh countryside, ideal for people to relax and enjoy unspoiled nature at its finest. Little London was built near the banks of the River Tawe, Abercraf, around 1805 and originally used as a homefrom-home by sheep drovers. It was ramshackle and run down when bought by Catherine and Gareth Morgan in 2018, but after extensive and tasteful renovation is now the epitome of restful indulgence for the comfortloving modern holidaymaker. The property offers two spacious double en-suite guest bedrooms with epic views. One, an attic room, overlooks the treetops and the other the rushing river. Both are furnished with highend beds, velvet armchairs, freestanding baths, glass panelled showers with mood lighting and modern accessories including WiFi, TV, USB ports, Nespresso machines, fridges and complimentary toiletries. Breakfasts are made with tasty, locally sourced ingredients and special diets can be arranged for all needs. The nearby glamping pod, for couples, is charmingly fitted out for comfort and privacy, larger than usual and with its own courtyard garden. Popular spots to visit nearby include the leafy Fforest Fawr Geopark and dramatic Henrhyd Falls, a gushing waterfall nearly 90 feet high where Batman hung out in the 2012 film, The Dark Knight Rises. About three miles away is Craig-y-nos Country Park, a delightful 40 acre site in the grounds of a Victorian castle. Catherine says: “People come here to press the pause button, relax, recharge and enjoy themselves.” Little London Wales, Abercraf, Powys SA9 1ST T 07590 588524 E littlelondonwales@outlook.com www.littlelondonwales.co.uk