The Old Lock keepers cottage a deceptively spacious holiday home with four bedrooms and situated in one of the most idyllic places we have ever seen! As the name suggests it was formerly the home of the lock keeper on the Caledonian canal four miles from Fort Augustus a picturesque village nestled at the southern end of Loch Ness. The cottage is situated on a stretch of canal between Loch Ness and Loch Oich.
The Old Lock Keepers cottage is a listed building dating back to 1800 the original cottage has been extended and refurbished to provide comfortable and spacious self catering accommodation with much character in a unique location, most rooms looking out to the Cullochy lock gates. Fort William and Inverness are both about forty minutes drive away.
The gardens are enclosed and landscaped with colourful plantings and a large decked area is furnished with picnic tables and loungers. There is plenty of interest to be had simply watching the boats, large and small, passing through the lock gates. The Caledonian Canal tow path is actually used in parts as the route of the Great Glen Cycle and Walkway which passes in front of the cottage, so making this is the perfect choice for outdoor activity holiday suitable for all ages and abilities.
The cottage is also an excellent central location for exploring the Highlands with easy access to Inverness, Fort William and Ben Nevis, Eilean Donan Castle, Plockton and the Isle of Skye. Fort Augustus is only 4 miles either by road or all the way to the village along the towpath. There is a good mix of shops, pubs and restaurants, a golf course and cruises on Loch Ness. A rare breeds farm and a heritage centre offer more interest. At Drumnadrochit there is an award winning Loch Ness Monster exhibition which provides a great day out for the family
Two pets are welcome at the property and the garden is fully enclosed.
A Good Housekeeping Deposit of £200 is required at the property.
Best Features
The Old Loch Keepers Cottage is in a great location, half a mile from the road, it is very peaceful but next to the lock so usually a bit of boating activity to watch during the day. The track to reach the cottage is wide and well surfaced so no problem to reach the cottage. The cottage is well equipped, we have never stayed in a cottage with a fish kettle! but it also had everything else we required. If there are eight of you may find the single four cup coffee pot a bit small but otherwise no lack. Our dog enjoyed the enclosed garden and seeing people go past and this makes the lock side location safe for children too. There are great walks nearby including walking towards Fort Augustus on the tow path or along Loch Oich on the Great Glen Way. Fort Augustus is always busy with coach tours but we had a good lunch at the Loch Inn. The Londis store at the petrol station is quite well stocked but Fort William now has a brand new Aldi and M&S Food to compliment its existing Morrisons. My main advice would be take lots of midge repellent and then relaxing will be easy.
What an idyllic setting and very comfortable house. We had a super holiday, exploring the local area, skiing at the Nevis Range and cycling back and forth to Fort Augustus. Thoroughly recommended for families.
Our second stay at the cottage it was a wonderful week for us walking the canal with our dog. The cottage has everything you require and we will definitely be booking again thanks.
A lovely cottage in a very peaceful and beautiful location. The cottage was well equipped and comfortable and the conservatory was a great place to watch the many birds from, as well as the boats going in and out of the lock. We had many lovely walks and cycle rides along the canal path, as well as kayaking up to Loch Oich. We also saw a pine marten in the garden and heard stags bellowing in the hills! All in all a perfect holiday location.
Lovely cottage in a beautiful location. My family and I spent the week here a few years ago and just had to come back. We've been coming to Fort Augustus for the last 23 years and always used to stay at the chalet park so when this no longer became an option we struggled to find somewhere big enough until we found the Old Lock Keepers Cottage. The stair are a bit precarious and not suitable if you struggle up and down stairs at the best of time but its worth it for the beautiful walks along the canal excellent views. We love it.
What a pleasant well equipped cottage with a marvellous situation on the Caledonian canal. We were a party of 7 adults , three of which were from the USA. The cottage was very cosy partly due to the very generous supply of fuel for the log burner, supplemented by central heating. Great views from the windows/ sun room over the canal. The variety of craft using the canal was a surprise and never ceased to entertain. If you were lucky you might catch sight of visiting pine martins to the cottage and deer on the hills opposite. Sadly , we did not have our bikes with us as the tow paths are ideal for this activity but also for those that like to walk. Fort Augustus is only a short distance away, and Skye , Inverness Mallaig etc are a pleasant day out. Overall this cottage is a little gem.
We had a brilliant time at The Old Keepers Cottage
Our stay at the Old Lock Keepers Cottage was wonderful, it's such a lovely peaceful setting. A place you visit, and wish you didn't have to leave. We'll definitely be adding it to our places to revisit, there's still more to see and experience.
We had booked the hotel in the second half of October, after spending a week in the highlands. The weather was unusually beautiful for this season: 14 days without rain and almost always the sun was up to 16 degrees. With the cottage we also had big luck. The bedrooms on the first floor are very comfortable, the kitchen is excellently equipped, the open fireplace in the evening exactly the right, and the winter garden is pure luxury to relax. We were always on the way during the day and were very happy to return to the cottage. The location is very quiet, from the road you get nothing. We should also mention that the lock gate is supernett and has passed on the day before the departure to say goodbye. As a starting point for hiking and exploring the area, the location of the house is also optimal. Inverness and Fort William (we did not like it) are within easy reach, the Isle of Skye is not so far away, especially as the route is beautiful. Particularly attractive is Glen Strathfarrar, even if the access by car to a certain contingent is limited (meaningful). In the immediate vicinity of the house, one can also, for example, prima migrate, e.g. On the Ben tea. Overall a great week in a very excellent holiday home!
We had a lovely relaxing week in beautiful surroundings. The cottage was clean and well equipped with everything we needed. I have already recommended the cottage several times including a couple we met in Fort Augustus during our stay!
A fantastic cottage as a base for exploring the area because of its location, but also a wonderful place to comfortably sit and watch the activities on the canal. Great for all weathers, a cosy sitting room with a roaring fire for the colder days and a light and airy sunroom for lighter brighter days. We all loved our stay at Old Lock Keepers Cottage, it's peaceful location is a tonic.
We absolutely loved our week at the Old lock keepers cottage, it was so peaceful and relaxing.the cottage had everything we needed and more, books games DVDs , and the sun room was fantastic to watch the boats every day, the owner called to find out how we were enjoying ourselves, which was very kind. Our only problem was, that we only booked 1 week, could have stayed for 2 very easily. My husband fished every evening, and caught a few too. Will certainly be back next year .
Loved our stay At the Old Lock Keepers Cottage, it was very tranquil, just what we needed. I wish we had booked for 2 weeks instead of 1. The cottage was very well equipped down to games and books too. The log fire was so cosy at nights, and the sun room was perfect for watching the boats going along the canal daily. Hope to revisit next year.
A fantastic place to get away from it all and a good central base to see most of the Highlands. The cottage is very well equipped with everything you would expect from your own home comforts. It is is very well presented, clean and very warm if you choose to light the log fire. If you are planning to eat in, then the nearest large supermarket is in Fort William so this needs to be taken into consideration. Fort Augustus has a reasonable Londis store and a very good Butchers and chip shop. The surrounding pubs offer a wide range of food and drink to accommodate everyone's taste. I would highly recommend the cottage to anyone who wishes to have a relaxing, get away from it all holiday. A return visit is being planned
Had an excellent holiday at this fabulous cottage. The cottage was well equipped and ideally located with plenty of places to visit locally. Couldn't recommend this cottage highly enough.
Just back from a wonderful week at Cullochy Lock. The cottage was lovely, clean, and had everything we could think of (apart from binoculars - take a pair!). The rooms were clean and all was in good repair. The lock keeper and the locals were friendly, and always happy to have a wee blether. The local area is very interesting and there is lots to do for all ages. My kids spent a lot of time getting wet!
We have just returned from the cottage. Location is idyllic, cottage is lovely has all you need and is very comfortable indeed. The log fire and sun room were especially nice and inviting (My wife says the kitchen was top to, never found the kitchen myself like). The lock keeper is especially friendly and enjoys a good bleether (chat). We have already enquired about returning next year which I think says it all. Highly recommended
Wonderful cottage, a little rough around the edges, which was fine for a group of people and 2 dogs who enjoyed skiing on loch Oich, walking and relaxing.The position was lovely very accessible to Ben Nevis, Skye and Inverness. We all want to return! Brian from wilderness cottages was very helpful, we were a big group and he was very prompt in replying to queries regarding camping and other accommodation. Would book with them again
Despite two weeks of solid rain we had a wonderful stay as a family of four. Setting is tranquil and the most idealic location, also a superb base to explore the Highlands.
We spent two weeks in this lovely and cosy cottage with our friends and three children. Everything was very fine and clean, we found everything we needed. Especially we loved the excellent equipped kitchen and the log fire, which we lit nearly every evening. And of course the sun room, which invites to sit and look over the canal. We enjoyed the silence in this remote property. Upstairs it is a little bit narrow, but if you are under 1,80 m it is okay. We will come back for sure!
We have just returned from the cottage. Location is idilic, cottage is lovely very comfortable, cosy and well equipped. The lock keeper is especially friendly. We have already enquired about returning next year which I think says it all.
What a beautiful cottage in a stunning location on the Caledonian Canal. We had a great week there walking, fishing and relaxing. Plenty of logs and coal for the fire as well as central heating and additional heaters if required in the winter months. The Canal towpath is right on the doorstep providing great, easy going walks along towards Fort Augustus which is only about 4 or 5 miles away. The cottage is well equipped with everything you need including some board games and dvd's for the kids.
An idyllic cottage set in the beautiful scenery and surroundings of the Caledonian canal. A very peaceful and beautifully presented cottage. The cottage was finished to a high standard and everything provided for a relaxing time away. We enjoyed the crisp October mornings and the evening spent around an open fire - enclosed garden for the dog and the children loved being by the water. Friendly neighbours and passers by. Spent time watching boats pass in the lock as well as enjoying time out.
Delightful location on Culochy Lock. Great fun watching boats go through. Lock Keeper and his dog very friendly. Kids (both under 4) had a great time. Cottage pleasant, lovely sun room and open fire in lounge with fuel provided - nice touch. Stairs very narrow, steep and winding and difficult to get bags and suitcases up and down. Kitchen/diner good and well equipped but cooker not user friendly. Had plumbing problem and owners quickly responded - well handled.
Just returned from a great week at Old Lock Keeper's Cottage. Everything you need and more - extremely comfortable, lovely scenery, good location. Would definitely recommend.
We were bowled over by the beautiful Lock Keeper's Cottage. The house has been renovated to a lovely standard and is in such an idyllic location. Derek the Lock Keeper is invaluable with local knowledge - he really made our holiday! The open fire was a huge draw and we got through a few packets of marshmallows during our week there! We can't recommend this property highly enough. Thank you
My family and I had a thoroughly enjoyable stay at the Old Lock Keepers Cottage near Fort Augustus in the Scottish Highlands. The cottage was extremely well presented and offered its guests a delightful and comfortable stay. The owners have obviously thought of every possible need from comfortable and luxurious linen through to logs and coal for the open fire in the living room. The views of the mountains and rugged scenery from the property were beyond belief. A beautiful & wonderful cottage.
We have Two Fantastic weeks in the Old Lock Keepers cottage. The weather was great allowing us to take full advantage of everything the cottage and Scotland had to offer.The cottage has everything you could wish for. We would spend the mornings sitting the the sun room or the garden watching the boats go through the lock and talking the Derek the lock keeper (a lovely man). The children and adults had great fun, didn't want to come home. LOVED every second.
Our 3rd excellent holiday at this cottage. its a lovely, clean cottage in a brilliant location and just perfect with its well equipped kitchen, washing machine and dryer for all the wet towels our family has ! Have already booked again for next year!
We (six adults) have just returned from a fantastic break at the Old Lock-keepers Cottage, Aberchalder. Weather was kind to us for both walking and cycling and the property was superb. A great base for all kinds of activities and a marvellous setting. Derek the lock-keeper was both friendly and informative and it was a pleasure to enjoy his company from time to time. We would certainly go back to this lovely, well equipped property. Highly recommended.
Had a great 2 weeks at The Old Lock Keepers Cottage. The cottage was fantastic with everything you need for a home away from home. Situated in a great spot on the Calendonian Canal, a great time was had by all 5 adults and 2 dogs that just loved to explore the garden. Would definitely come back to this cottage. Derek the lock keeper was very informative and knew a lot of the area (hope he still has the umbrella we bought. His blew in the canal on a wet day lol)
7 adults on motorbikes enjoyed the Beautiful cottage , landscape and location . What looks good in the photographs , does not do the character of the cottage , or its facilities , justice ! A great place to chill out , or explore from . And a friendly helpful lock-keeper across the lock . HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
We spent a lovely week at the Old Lock Keepers cottage. Excellent well equipped cottage - thought of everything. Wouldnt hesitate to go back if the opportunity arises or to recommend the cottage to others.
Absolutely fantastic! We decided to visit the cottage last minute as our other holiday plans were cancelled due to the Icelandic volcano. Beautiful setting, friendly people and fine Scottish weather!
Just returned from our Christmas & New Year holiday at Old lock keepers cottage.
WHAT A FANTASTIC COTTAGE !!
The cottage has a warm homely feeling , the moment we stepped into it we knew we had made a great choice.
Everything about it is just right, fantastic location, clean , warm and every appliance you need.
Would return to this cottage without hesitation.
We all had a brilliant time and so did Susie our Golden retriever, who really enjoyed herself. So on behalf of Dave, Sue, Dennis Joan and last but not least Susie a really big thank you. the cottage was perfect.
We had a glorious week at the Old Lock Keeper’s cottage over our Thanksgiving holiday at the end of November! The cottage was beautiful, clean, well appointed, and just far enough off the beaten path, everything we could ask for and more! It was cozy and welcoming, just perfect! Our days were spent exploring the Highlands and Loch Ness, and evenings were spent in front of the open fire, playing board games and drinking Isle of Skye porter. Our dog loved the fenced garden and the long walks to Ft. Augustus. The weather was great most days with a bit of snow toward the end of the week. Overall a most pleasant visit and we’d love to come back, but sadly, our time in the UK has come to an end. We cannot recommend the Old Lock Keeper’s cottage enough! Thank you for a wonderful holiday!
Kindest regards,
Penny
Peace and tranquility surrounds this cottage. This is the ideal getaway. We have just enjoyed the most enjoyable of holidays here over spring bank. The cottage is very well equipped and has plenty of space to acccomodate either a large family or two smaller ones. The location is central for all the highland attractions. Fishing and cycling right outside the door. We’d only been back home 3 days and booked again already for next year. Its easy to see why this cottage is so popular.
This is the most wonderful immaculate cottage, set right by the Caledonian Canal it is so perfectly peaceful and relaxing. We had to best week here and the surrounding area has many great place to visit.
The Walkers & The Bairstows had a fantastic time at this warm, cosy cottage. Well done to the owners who seem to have thought of just about everything to make families feel welcome. Also many thanks to Wilderness Cottages for providing a very friendly & professional service. This fantastic cottage is in a brilliant location for accessing some of the best Scotland has to offer, the kids loved feeding the many hungry birds every morning. Fantastic weather, lots of sunshine and snow! Would recommend this cottage to anyone.