Red roof cottage

The red roof catches you first - unmissable against the grey Highland landscape just outside Strathcarron. This is the cottage that stopped thousands of car journeys along the A890, the one where people actually pull over because it looks like it's jumped straight out of a postcard.

It's a working croft cottage, not a museum or visitor attraction with set hours, so you're looking at a drive-by rather than a proper visit inside. The appeal is straightforward: it's photogenic as hell, especially when the light's right and the hills are brooding in the background. Walkers heading into Applecross or exploring the Shieldaig area often make a quick detour here. Kids won't spend long, but they'll understand why you stopped - sometimes a thing just looks good.

There's nowhere to park right at it, which keeps things low-key. You get out, take your photo, admire the setting, and move on. The real value is as a landmark - it helps you place where you are in the Highlands, and it's a natural break point if you're driving the A890 between Lochcarron and Torridon.

If you're based at Shieldaig Camping & Cabins two miles away, this is ten minutes in the car. Worth a stop if you're in the area, but don't build a day around it. It's the kind of thing you'll be glad you saw, but only if you're passing through anyway.