Explore the North Coast 500 from Ina’s Cottage

Ina’s Cottage offers the perfect beachfront setting from which to explore the North Coast 500. With the added benefits of a hot tub and being pet friendly, we think it’s the ideal Highland beach escape for the whole family. You can see why our first beachside property really created a buzz in the Seasgair team!

With so many options for wild swimming, paddleboarding and lots of local activities, how would you spend a few days in this haven? Well let us suggest a fun-filled itinerary for you to explore the North Coast 500…

Day One – Beaches, Paddle Boarding and Local Food

After a beautiful drive, we arrive at Ina’s Cottage and what a location!  Being so close to the beach, we can hear the sea calling us and after being in the car, the first thought is to drop our bags and head straight in! After a refreshing swim, we head to the outside shower at Ina’s Cottage, which is perfect to get rid of sand. After heading into the house for a warm drink and then getting changed, we head back out for an evening meal. 

We set off on a short walk along the seafront to the Oyster Catcher restaurant. On the way we stop at the local shop, as we see that they rent paddleboards and we can’t wait to have even more fun in the sea tomorrow. After a lovely meal and gentle stroll back, we grab a drink and head to the hot tub. With the sun setting over the sea and whilst we enjoy the bubbles, both in our glass and the hot tub we feel such a sense of calm and relaxation!

Day Two – Explore the North Coast 500’s Dunrobin Castle and a Beach Picnic

Waking up to the sound of the sea, we remember our paddleboards and decide to go straight to the beach. After working up an appetite, we head back to Ina’s Cottage and tuck into an alfresco breakfast. 

There’s lots to do around Portmahomack but we want to make the most of being able to explore the North Coast 500 and decide to head out to the stunning Dunrobin Castle, we spend a lovely day exploring Scotland’s most northerly great house and the largest in the Highlands.

With the thoughts of last night dancing in our minds, we come up with the perfect plan – an evening picnic on the beach to watch all the glory of the sunset. We stop off in Tain on our way back from the Castle to stock up on supplies and then collect the thoughtfully supplied picnic bag from the cottage, with plates, glasses and rug and we head down to the sand.

Day Three – Whisky and Fine Foods

After another alfresco breakfast, packing up and taking one last longing gaze at the beach, we head off. To ease our sadness at leaving, we stop off at Glenmorangie Distillery for an interesting tour and a bottle to take home, hoping that every sip will remind us of the amazing moments from our stay. Finally, we stop for a delicious lunch at The Storehouse and stock up on a few more local treats for when we get home. 

Ina’s Cottage really does offer the perfect blend of coastal charm, outdoor adventures, and relaxation—perfect for creating lifelong memories. Find out more about Ina’s Cottage and start planning your own perfect break. If you are looking for more inspiration for your stay why not look at our Experiences page.