Introduction

The Scottish Highlands are renowned for their breathtaking beauty, but the weather can sometimes be unpredictable. A rainy day doesn’t have to dampen your spirits while staying at Garmoran Square. There are plenty of indoor and sheltered activities to enjoy, ensuring your holiday remains delightful and memorable. Here’s a guide to making the most of a rainy day during your stay.

Cozy Up in Your Cottage

1. Enjoy a Good Book: Rainy days are perfect for curling up with a good book. Bring your favourite novel or pick up a local author’s work to immerse yourself in Scottish literature. There is a selection of novels and Scottish literature for you to enjoy during your stay. The houses all have open fires or log burners so get a good fire going and get nice and cozy.

2. Board Games and Puzzles: Spend quality time with family and friends by playing board games or working on puzzles. Our cottages are stocked with a variety of games and puzzles to keep everyone entertained.

3. Movie Marathon: Take advantage of the entertainment facilities in your cottage. Enjoy a movie marathon with family-friendly films or delve into a Scottish-themed movie to keep the Highland spirit alive. We have DVD players’ and a selection of DVD’s plus the TV’s are all smart TV’s so you can login to your streaming accounts.

Explore Local Culture and History

1. Visit Local Museums: The Scottish Highlands have a rich history. Spend a rainy day exploring nearby museums such as the West Highland Museum in Fort William, which offers fascinating exhibits on the area’s past.

2. Glenfinnan Visitor Centre: Learn about the Jacobite uprising and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct at the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre. The centre provides an engaging indoor experience with historical insights.

3. Castle Tioram: While partially in ruins, Castle Tioram can still be appreciated from within your car or during brief moments when the rain subsides. Its dramatic location and historical significance make it worth the visit.

Indoor Activities and Attractions

1. Crafts and DIY Projects: Get creative with some DIY crafts. Gather natural materials during a break in the weather and create your own Highland-inspired crafts with the family.

2. Local Distilleries: The Highlands are famous for their whisky. Take a tour of a nearby distillery, such as the Ardnamurchan Distillery or Nc’nean distillery in Drimnin, and learn about the whisky-making process while staying dry.

3. **Indoor Sports and Leisure**: Visit a local leisure centre for swimming, indoor sports, or a relaxing spa day. The Lochaber Leisure Centre in Fort William offers various indoor activities for all ages as does The Mallaig swimming Pool in Mallaig

Culinary Delights

1. Cooking Together: Use the fully equipped kitchen in your cottage to cook a hearty Scottish meal together. Try traditional recipes like Scotch broth, haggis, neeps and tatties, or a delicious Cranachan dessert. All the houses have cook books for your flick through for inspiration.

2. Local Food Tasting: Visit local food markets or shops to pick up regional specialties. Sample local cheeses, smoked salmon, and freshly baked goods. Create your own indoor picnic with these delights.

3. Afternoon Tea: Treat yourself to a cozy afternoon tea. Café Tioram in Acharacle always has yummy cakes available. For a more formal afternoon tea both Kilcamb Lodge and Mingarry Castle offer afternoon tea on selected days.

Engage in Creative Indoor Fun

1. Photography and Scrapbooking: Use the day to organize and edit your holiday photos. Create a scrapbook or digital album to capture your memories of the Highlands.

2. Writing and Journaling: Pen down your travel experiences, thoughts, and reflections. A rainy day provides the perfect backdrop for introspection and creativity.

3. Music and Dance: Play some traditional Scottish music and have a fun indoor ceilidh (dance party). It's a great way to keep the energy high and enjoy a taste of local culture.

Plan Your Next Adventure

1. Map Out Hiking Routes: Use the rainy day to plan your next outdoor adventure. Study maps and guides to select the best hiking routes and attractions to visit once the weather clears. We personally love the walkhighlands website for planning out our hikes

2. Wildlife Spotting: Prepare for wildlife spotting by learning about the local fauna. Equip yourself with knowledge about the best times and places to see deer, otters, and birds of prey. The hide at Grabh Eilean on the road to Strontian is undercover and offer protection to wildlife spot on a rainy day.

3. Scenic Drives: Plan scenic drives that you can take when the weather improves. The Highlands offer numerous picturesque routes that are perfect for exploring by car. The drive down to the most westly point at Ardnamurchan Light House can be very atmospheric when done in the rain

Conclusion

A rainy day in the Scottish Highlands offers a unique opportunity to relax, explore local culture, and enjoy indoor activities that you might otherwise overlook. At Garmoran Square, we ensure your stay is comfortable and enjoyable, no matter the weather. Embrace the charm of a rainy day and create wonderful memories with your loved ones.