Caolas Beag Holiday Cottage
2 Big Sand, Gairloch, Ross-shire, IV21 2DD, Scotland
A Cosy Cottage in a Stunning Stargazing Location
Originally built in 1850 as a traditional thatched “blackhouse” by the Gairloch Estate for tenant crofters, this charming cottage has been tastefully renovated to modern standards while retaining its unique character. With low ceilings, exposed rafters, multi-fuel stoves, and solid two-foot-thick stone walls, it offers a cosy and authentic Highland retreat.
Nestled in the breathtaking surroundings of Gairloch, just a 10-minute walk from Big Sand Beach, the cottage boasts panoramic views of the Torridon Mountain Range, the Isle of Skye, and the Outer Hebrides. The area is renowned for its dark skies, making it a spectacular spot for stargazing—whether you’re gazing at the Milky Way, spotting planets, or even catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Perfect for a romantic escape, a fun-filled family beach holiday, or as a base for outdoor adventures, the cottage accommodates up to four guests, welcomes well-behaved dogs, and provides all the modern comforts you’d expect for a relaxing stay.
Stay & gaze - this location benefits from dark skies, relatively low levels of light pollution, is astronomy friendly and suitable for stargazing breaks.
Weather forecast
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29/04/25
15° 0% -
29/04/25
13° 4% -
30/04/25
12° 1% -
30/04/25
12° 0%
Weather forecast for Carn Dearg Youth Hostel (1.0 miles away) updated 29/04/25 at 20:02.
Local light pollution
Caolas Beag Holiday Cottage is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to adark site dark site location based on the latest data from the VIIRS satellite.
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Urban
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Suburban
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Semi-rural
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Rural
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Dark site
The above demonstrates the estimated effect of light pollution - graphics created using Stellarium.
Best time to visit
The below chart shows when the skies will be at their darkest at this location and therefore the best time to visit. Moonlight is shown in light yellow and the Sun's twilight in light blue. Midnight on the date shown is shown as a white line with sunset to the left and sunrise the next morning to the right. A black background with stars shows the best times for stargazing. See our dark sky calendar for more details.
Tue 29th Apr
Wed 30th Apr
Thu 1st May
Fri 2nd May
Sat 3rd May
Sun 4th May
Mon 5th May
Find more dates
If you are planning to visit this location check our dark sky calendar to find out when is best!
Calendar