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Silver Birch Lodge

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Silver Birch Lodge

It is surrounded by stunning scenery with views across to the 5 Sisters of Kintail.

Silver Birch Lodge offers self catering accommodation (max occupancy 6 - 3 bedrooms) in the village of Ratagan on the shores of Loch Duich on the west coast of Scotland.

18/06/2026

We are up in Ratagan this week - it is good to be back!

We had a day out on Raasay on Tuesday. It’s an hour’s drive from Ratagan to the ferry port at Sconsor - just leave plenty of time for the journey - we were headed for the early 9:25 ferry but got stuck behind a truck and missed the ferry by 2 minutes - it was just pulling out as we arrived. The Noost cafe however is right next door to the ferry terminal - tea, coffee and a fabulous toasted sandwich in their lovely garden with great views helped us while away the hour until the next ferry to Raasay.

There is a lot to see and do on Raasay. We drove up the island to do the 3km walk to Inver Bay and back - a lovely secluded bay patrolled by a very noisy and persistent sandpiper! Further up the island we had a packed lunch by Brochel Castle. We then headed back down to Inverarish and walked the red route around the village and surrounding woodland - great views back to Skye from Temptation Hill.

After tea and a scone in the cafe at Raasay House we finished our walk and headed back to the ferry for the return journey to Sconsor.

Raasay has industrial heritage with the old ironstone mines, social heritage with Callum’s Road, historic landmarks (broch and Pictish stone) and good walks using the Raasay walk network (another good walk is to the summit of Dun Caan - the highest point on the island or the walk to Fladda from the end of Callum’s Road). It also boasts a new distillery in a very smartly designed building and the cafe/restaurant at Raasay House is a great stop for lunch. Wildlife, wild flowers and great views make Raasay the perfect island visit.

09/05/2026

The Waverley paddle steamer returns to Kyle of Lochalsh this week for some cruises up to Gairloch and around Skye as well as a Cuillins evening cruise. This time last year I went on The Waverley in fabulous weather for an afternoon cruise from Armadale to Loch Hourn and an evening cruise from Kyle into Loch Carron. She is such a beautiful ship - the last ocean going paddle steamer in the world. It’s such a privilege to be able to spend time on board and be taken back to a bygone era of steam. Here are some photos from last year. Have a good weekend!

27/03/2026

We have been up at Silver Birch Lodge in Ratagan this week getting the house shipshape for the forthcoming season. We have also had a bit of time to go out and explore. All sorts of weather this week - rain, hail, sleet, snow, wind - and the occasional glimpse of sun. When the sun has appeared the light has been spectacular. British Summer Time starts this weekend and we look forward to welcoming all of our guests over the warmer summer months. Here’s some photos from our trips this week.

08/03/2026

Happy Sunday! Just putting together a photo book of last year's Scotland photos. Here are some from a great day out on the Isle of Skye last March. We started at the Fairy Glen, then across the Quirang to Portree where we walked the Scorrybreac Trail. Back home across the Skye Bridge to catch the sunset over the Cuillins and the final colours of sunset from Eilean Donan Castle. One of those days where memories are made - amazing!

12/02/2026

When we were up at New Year we had some errands to run in Kyle and afterwards popped over the Skye Bridge to Kyleakin. There are 2 walks in Kyleakin on www.walkhighlands.co.uk which you can join up to make one longer walk. Start at the war memorial with great views of the Skye Bridge and Castle Moil then walk along to the castle - normally easily accessible but watch the tides - at high tide the path is covered by the sea! After walk along The Obbe to the village hall then up to the start of the trail up the Cnoc where there are 2 walking options - a shorter trail or a longer trail. Great views of the Skye Bridge, Cuillins and back over Kyleakin towards the mountains surrounding Loch Duich. Finally walk back to the centre of Kyleakin via the shore with great views of the lighthouse and bridge. We spent time here watching a Great Northern Diver fishing. In the summer season there are eateries in the village serving great local produce and seafood. Once a thriving ferry terminal before the bridge was built, Kyleakin now often gets bypassed but a walk around on a nice day offers some great views and wildlife spotting.

01/02/2026

So that's January over! Time to look forward to longer days and better weather. The winter light is amazing and there are a couple of weeks still available to book in February to make the most of it. We also have 1 week free in April which is another great time of year to visit as the countryside starts to come alive again after the winter. There are still some weeks free in the summer to enjoy the long days. Head to www.sykescottages.co.uk to book. I have been putting together a book of photos taken in 2025 whilst visiting Silver Birch Lodge and I have attached a selection of them taken at various times throughout the year. There are so many places you can visit using Ratagan as a base and we have a list of places and walks we want to visit for the first time in 2026 and others that we want to go back to. Enjoy the attached photos, have a great Sunday - and if you are visiting Silver Birch Lodge in 2026 we are looking forward to welcoming you!

16/01/2026

It’s the middle of January already and the nights are definitely getting lighter. Winter is a lovely time to visit the Highlands. On a good weather day the air is clear and crisp and the views amazing. On a not so good day it is an ideal opportunity to stay in and read, do a jigsaw or catch up with the TV you have missed. Inverness makes a good day trip from Ratagan even on a rainy day. The new Inverness Castle Experience opened mid December and we visited over the Xmas break - it is well worth the visit and open year round. We had a walk along the Ness river and visited the cathedral as well as doing some shopping and eating (recommend the Victorian Market Hall - a variety of street food on offer with live music sessions). One day isn’t enough to see everything so we will be heading back - the Museum & Art Gallery, Ness Islands and Leakey’s bookshop are all on the list for our next visit.

03/01/2026

So much snow in Ratagan today……it is beautiful! Not quite sure yet about the drive home tomorrow 🤔.

01/01/2026

Wishing you all a Happy New Year from Silver Birch Lodge, Ratagan. Thank you to all our guests of 2025. We look forward to welcoming all of our guests in 2026. Ratagan is such a lovely and special place to spend a holiday. We hope you have a happy and healthy 2026.

01/12/2025

It’s the start of Advent and the Christmas is tree is up at Silver Birch Lodge in Ratagan. The weather has been very cold and sunny this weekend so it has felt just like winter should. We have had a last minute cancellation for this weekend coming. Head to www.sykescottages.co.uk to book a great winter escape at a reduced price. The views of the 5 Sisters of Kintail are fantastic in winter and the winter light is just amazing. There are so many good winter views to be had without too much (or no) driving and it’s a great time of year to spot the Aurora Borealis. Then after a great day out curl up in front of a good film or challenge yourself to a jigsaw puzzle. Love the winter. ❄️☃️❄️

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Kyle Of Lochalsh
IV408HR

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