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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.
Bedrooms
1 King3 Singles
Bathrooms
1 Shower
Meet the host
Alan M
Hosting since November 2017
Languages spoken: English
Response Rate: 100%
Response Time: Within a few hours
Interaction with guests: We will be available during your stay and we want to make Cantick a magical memory for you.
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We love a lighthouse and saying at Cantick Head was the absolute highlight of our month in Scotland. Alan and Vicky made us feel very welcome and the cottage was beautifully snug and well appointed. The location is outstanding - you couldn't be closer to a lighthouse! - and the sense of immediacy with the ocean, wildlife and weather was sensational. For us the freedom to simply step out the door and walk a wild coastline is the ultimate luxury. And the whole of Hoy is spectacular and fascinating. We fulfilled a lifelong dream to visit and witness the 'Old Man'. Having travelled 11,000 miles from Australia we were so glad to have stayed at Cantick Head.
Visited October 2023
Written 7 October 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alan Mackinnon
It was a pleasure to host you both at Cantick Head, we are so glad you enjoyed your stay and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Written 8 October 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Deanna J
2 contributions
A remote haven
A haven in a remote place. The quietist nights sleep I’ve ever had, in the most comfortable beds. Clean and neat, tastefully decorated. We didn’t manage to use the hot tub and sauna but it’s a nice addition. Thank you for having us
Visited September 2023
Written 1 October 2023. 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 lovely review, we are so glad you enjoyed your stay and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Written 5 October 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DayTrip40223856349
1 contribution
Amazing experience
Just the most amazing location with a cosy cottage stay and great hosts. Very relaxing with comical dogs and chickens thrown in!
Visited September 2023
Written 18 September 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alan Mackinnon
Lovely to meet you and so glad you enjoyed your stay at Cantick Head Lighthouse. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Written 24 September 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
andyvet
2 contributions
Fantastic friendly island getaway
Once again Cantick lighthouse has provided a wonderful base for exploring this hidden gem of an island. With breathtaking ever changing views from the cliffs under the lighthouse. From stormy wild seas to calm waters with guillemots diving for their dinner. The wildlife seen has been brilliant with seals porpoise Risso dolphins and even a minke whale coming passed. Too late for the puffins and the orca remained elusive this year. Though I was chuffed to bits to discover my 2021 video of the orca from the cliffs was the most viewed video on the visit Scotland website! Alan and Vicky have been the most generous and welcoming hosts - allowing our four year old to feed the hens and collect the eggs and allowing out her friends Ziggy and Luna to come out to play. The accommodation is perfect. The setting stunning and the hot tub and sauna overlooking the cliffs perfectly placed to make the most of the views
Visited August 2023
Written 29 August 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alan Mackinnon
It’s always a pleasure to host you and your family, you have all become good friends and we always look forward to welcoming you back to Cantick Head.
Written 30 August 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cees V
Vlieland, The Netherlands9 contributions
Fantastic!
Where to start. Alain and Vicky don't just rent out an accommodation, but an experience. The accommodation is fantastic, the owners make it complete. Every morning we enjoyed the view, during the day we explored the island and in the afternoon we sat under the lighthouse with a cup of coffee looking out to sea or spotting animals or having a chat with the landlords. Our son was allowed to help feed the chickens or play with the dogs. There was also plenty of toys for him on the grounds. In the evening the wood stove was turned on and to top it all off, on our last day we dived into the hot tub with a view of the sea. The island of Hoy is also highly recommended. We have already made many beautiful trips, but this one is definitely number 1. This accommodation cannot be described in 1000 characters, you have to go there.
Visited August 2023
Written 7 August 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alan Mackinnon
It was so nice to meet you and your family. We are happy to hear how much you enjoyed your stay at Cantick Head and we look forward seeing you again soon.
Written 21 August 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kathyjowett
Ribadeo, Spain2 contributions
Stunning location and clean and comfortable accommodation which felt like home
Fabulous place for a relaxing break with stunning views from the cottage and hot tub and sauna. Lovely clean and comfortable accommodation with a very comfortable bed. We were welcomed with a bottle of Prosecco on ice which was enjoyed from the hot tub. Complimentary fresh eggs, fudge, cheese and biscuits were a lovely touch and added to the welcoming feel of the place.
The bbq facilities were great for our first evening meal and was kindly supplemented by freshly caught mackerel by Alan.
Vikki and Alan were excellent hosts and their delightful dogs added to the homely welcoming feel.
Next time we would stay much longer and not leave the amazing site!
Visited July 2023
Written 17 July 2023. 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 both and we are so happy that you enjoyed your stay at Cantick Head. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Written 28 July 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ali G
6 contributions
Amazing stay at Cantick Head Lighthouse - Stunning views and facilities
The cottage and surrounding are amazing, I loved every minute. Such beautiful views to the sea from the sauna to the hot tub. It’s absolute bliss. The hosts are fabulous and made us feel so welcome, they looked after us so well and gave us as much privacy as we needed. Everything is so pristine clean and stylish. Kitchen facilities to cozy shower.
The sauna is beautiful and the hot tub is amazing 🌞🌞🌞🌞🤩🤩🤩🤩 couldn’t find a nicer place, equipped with everything you need and more 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. 10/10
Visited July 2023
Written 10 July 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alan Mackinnon
Thanks for the amazing review! It was lovely to meet you and we are so glad you enjoyed all that Cantick has to offer. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Written 11 July 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emma watt
2 contributions
Number one in Hoy
Just back from the most relaxing weekend break to Cantick Lighthouse, Hoy. The hosts, Vicky and Alan, are the most accommodating folks you can imagine. We spent evenings in the wood fired sauna and hottub staring out to the Pentland Firth - delightful. The accommodation is extremely comfortable and charming . The King size bed is to die for and the kitchen fully equipped with all the mod cons.
We also had time to explore Hoy - had a gorge eve in Emily’s cafe, which is a short drive from Cantick. There is a delightful beach next to the lighthouse which is great for a morning dip.
Big thanks and love to Alan and Vicky for looking after us so well; we will be back xxxxx
Visited July 2023
Written 9 July 2023. 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 lovely review, it was lovely to hear you had such a great time at Cantick Head. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Written 10 July 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Debrea L
1 contribution
A wonderful, relaxing and unique place to stay
We have had the most relaxing holiday ever, in a stunning location in a cosy & homely Lighthouse Keepers Cottage. It could not have been bettered, The hosts are lovely and have just the right approach, making you feel welcome but totally unobtrusive. The cottage retains many of its original features but is cosy and comfortable, with a lovely relaxing atmosphere. It is so well equipped and it was such a treat to have a bottle of Prosecco on ice for our arrival, and other luxury local goods to welcome us. We had fresh eggs from the hens who were a cheerful part of the surroundings; and we were always welcomed by the two friendly dogs who happily kept us company as we sat in the garden and whale watched. We would highly recommend a stay here, and totally intend to stay here again. Orkney and Hoy is very special.
Visited June 2023
Written 3 July 2023. 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 and Brian, we are so glad you enjoyed your stay at Cantick Head. It was nice to hear you follow us on Instagram. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Written 9 July 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John L
Glyn Ceiriog, United Kingdom14 contributions
The fantastic Cantick Head Lighthouse.
Absolutely brilliant place. The eye for detail that Vicky and Alan have given, putting themselves in the guest position, is amazing from knives to mattresses.
The location is a true getaway spot and you need to accept that. The weather was kind however we would have loved it in any weather. We used the hot tub in early evening looking out over the sea. We could not recommend this enough.
Visited June 2023
Written 13 June 2023. 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 both and we are so glad you enjoyed your stay at Cantick Head. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Written 15 June 2023. 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
Things to know
Check in / out timings
Check in after 3 pm • Check out by 10 am
Cancellation policy
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
No refund available once booking is confirmed
About this property
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