Ceol na Mara Guest House

We saw a mama with her new offspring when we arrived, as you can see in the photo. Ceol Na Mara was our favourite of the guest houses we stayed in across the Highlands and Isle of Skye. The room, lounges and dining area were thoughtfully decorated, and the owners, Andy and Elly, paid attention to all the details, from the food to their helpfulness. There’s a room book with links to nearly everything on the island. Breakfast was excellent.

Sunset across the bay was magical, and the scenery around Ceol Na Mara is stunning. We knew it would be special when sheep greeted us on the road before we reached the door. Our room was clean, spacious and well appointed, and the bed was comfy. Elly and Andy made everything easy. They’re warm, friendly and welcoming, and clearly know what they’re doing. Their suggestions for hiking, birding, restaurants and other things to do were great. Breakfast was outstanding, as was the scotch selection. If fishing, rafting or kayaking interests you, Andy is knowledgeable and friendly. We just wish we’d had more time there.

We stayed one night and were blown away by the food and service. The owners are really friendly and lovely to chat with. The vegan platter was so good I only stopped because I couldn’t eat any more. We even got a little breakfast to take with us for our early start the next morning. 11/10, absolutely amazing. Can't praise this place enough!

The breakfast was excellent, restaurant quality, and the view from the dining room was stunning. Our twin room felt luxurious, and the hostess and waiter were both welcoming and friendly. We paid £205 for one night, and the BnB mostly met expectations. It did lack a hair dryer, bathrobe and slippers, amenities we’ve found at less expensive places. We were cycling the Hebridean Way and planned to eat at Laura's food truck, but it had closed without notice. With dinner options suddenly uncertain after a long day cycling in the rain, I phoned the BnB to ask about dinner. An older gentleman replied flatly that they didn’t serve it, saying, “This is just a BnB.” When I asked about using a microwave, he gave the same impatient response. Other BnBs we’ve stayed in have offered dinner or at least a microwave, cutlery and somewhere to eat. Given the remote location and limited options, I found the exchange unsympathetic and it affected my impression. The cancellation terms also deserve attention: they require 28 days’ notice and are essentially non-refundable. That feels strict with the area's changeable weather and transport challenges. The BnB is lovely, but I wouldn’t recommend it for cyclists or travellers whose plans could change unexpectedly.