I’ll never forget the drive up to Loch Ness – or rather, the near-disaster that kicked off my holiday. We’d piled into the car in Inverness after a frantic dash from the airport, me navigating on my phone while my mate Dave argued with the sat-nav about the best route. “It’s saying left here!” I yelled, but in the pouring Highland rain, I missed the turn, and we ended up splashing through a massive puddle that soaked the windscreen. Cue panicked wipers and Dave muttering about my “legendary sense of direction.” By the time we pulled up outside our holiday spot beside the River Ness, we were a bit frazzled, coats dripping, and one of the kids declaring he’d lost his favourite toy somewhere on the A82.

But oh, what a turnaround. Stepping inside this charming duplex apartment felt like a warm hug after the chaos. It’s a single-storey gem, all cosy and inviting, with three bedrooms that screamed “relax here.” There’s a double with its own en-suite – walk-in shower, basin, the lot – perfect for sneaking in a quick freshen-up. Another double and a twin room kept everyone happy, all tastefully done in soft colours that made you want to flop down immediately. And that main bathroom? A proper bath for a long soak after traipsing about. We dumped our bags, cracked open a couple of tins, and just gazed out at the tranquil river bubbling away right outside. First impressions? Bloody brilliant – I mean, spot on.

The anticipation had been building all week – visions of misty loch waters and Nessie sightings – but arriving amid that splashy mishap made it all the sweeter. We wandered down to the water’s edge that first evening, the kids skimming stones while the rain cleared to reveal the Highlands in all their moody glory. It’s so peaceful there, with roadside parking that meant no faffing about with permits. A short hop to the loch proper, and we were soon at Drumnadrochit, peering into the depths for that elusive monster (spoiler: just fish, but the thrill was real). Back at the flat, we rustled up fish and chips from a local spot – none of that fancy dining, just proper comfort food – and played cards till late, the river’s gentle murmur lulling us.

There was a moment, sitting there with a cuppa the next morning, watching mist rise off the Ness, when I had a proper think. Life back home’s a whirlwind of deadlines and drudgery, but this place? It stripped it all back. No signal half the time, no distractions – just us, the water, and a bit of Highland magic. I caught myself grinning like an idiot, realising I’d been so wound up I’d forgotten how to breathe easy. We ventured out to the nearby trails, easy walks along the riverbank that wound towards the Cairngorms’ edges without straying too far. Spotted red squirrels darting about, and even a heron fishing – pure joy.

That messy arrival could’ve soured things, but it didn’t. Instead, it made every laugh, every first glimpse of the river, feel earned. If you’re after a scenic bolt-hole for mates or family, this is it – chaos optional, bliss guaranteed. Can’t wait to go back.