I’ll never forget the drive up to our little two-bedroom cottage just outside Kiltarlity – it was meant to be a straightforward jaunt from Inverness airport, but no, I managed to take a wrong turn somewhere near the A82 and ended up looping through some narrow lanes with sheep giving me the side-eye. Typical me, always adding a bit of unplanned adventure! But honestly, that mishap built up this lovely anticipation – by the time we spotted the place nestled in its quiet spot, I was buzzing. First impressions? Spot on. It’s a cosy, clean setup with a cracking seating area outside, and we splashed out on the wood-fired hot tub overlooking those panoramic Highland views. Secluded and peaceful, yet only 20 minutes from Loch Ness and 30 from Inverness – perfect base for us two.

We weren’t here for the tourist traps, though. No, our holiday turned into this brilliant scavenger hunt for hidden gems, mostly thanks to me getting us gloriously lost. First afternoon, we fancied a wander and somehow veered off down a single-track road that didn’t even show on Google Maps. Ended up at this tucked-away spot by the Beauly River – a proper secret picnic haven with wildflowers everywhere and the water gurgling like it was chatting to itself. We sat there for hours, dunking our feet in, feeling like we’d stumbled on Narnia. Who needs signposts when serendipity’s this good?

Next day, aiming for a gentle hike, I misread the map (again) and we pitched up at a forgotten wee bothy trail near Kiltarlity’s backroads. It’s one of those off-the-beaten-path loops through ancient woodland, where the trees lean in like gossipy locals. We spotted red squirrels darting about – proper rare treats – and a hidden cascade that’s not on any leaflet. Sat on a mossy rock, sandwiches in hand, laughing about how we’d never have found it without my dodgy navigation. That’s the joy of these spots, isn’t it? No crowds, just you, the mist rolling in, and that Highland hush.

Evenings were for chilling in the hot tub, bubbles going mad as the sun dipped behind the hills, toasting our accidental discoveries with a cheeky malt. One night, we got lost on a dusk stroll and found this ethereal glen clearing – fireflies? Nah, glow worms or something magical like that, flickering away. Made me pause for a proper think: back home, life’s all rush and screens, but out here, getting lost taught me to embrace the detour. It’s the unplanned bits that stick.

By the end of our short break, we’d clocked more secret nooks than any guidebook could dream of – from a wild berry patch by the river to a viewpoint over hidden peat bogs that felt like our own private Scotland. If you’re after a relaxing couples’ escape or family chill with real Highland soul, this is it. Just pack a decent map… or don’t. Getting lost was the best part.