The Assistant Lightkeeper's Cottage provides year round self catering accommodation ideal for 1-2 singles, a couple or small family. Restored and renovated to a very high standard, the Cottage provides the modern facilities and comforts associated with 21st century living yet retains many original Victorian features such as high ceilings, cornice, panelled doors and working shutters.

The lounge diner offers extensive sea views, elegantly decorated and furnished it provides dining table & chairs, a comfortable sofa and chair together with feature electric log burning stove, occasional furniture, TV+digital freeview, video and CD/Radio stereo system. The kitchen also has a sea view, small yet well appointed it provides convection oven & ceramic hob, fridge with ice compartment (freezer space available), microwave, cafetiere, kettle, toaster and quality cookware, china, glass and cutlery. Basic culinary items are provided by way of dried herbs & spices, cling film, cooking foil, kitchen paper, washing up & cleaning products.

The master bedroom boasts a 5' King size bed, storage and sitting area whilst the second bedroom provides a standard single; baby bath, cot and highchair available on request. Second single bed or cot available for single adult/parent family accompanied by 2 children. Quality bed linen, duvets, pillows, hot water bottles, hairdryer, portable TV/Video and Radio/CD are provided. The bathroom is fully modernised and offers walk in shower, low level wc, pedestal basin, shaver point (240/110) and plenty of space for personal toiletry items; quality towels and toilet roll per person are supplied. The Bothy provides laundry facilities with indoor drying and a service wash is available at a nominal charge.

There are a variety of board games, playing cards and reading material in the Cottage together with a selection of CD's and videos. There are several seating areas in the garden and the old Paraffin Store provides many extras to make your holiday more enjoyable such as a barbecue, wind break, cool bags and flasks together with outdoor games for the more energetic.

Sea angling is a common pastime from the cliffs around the Lighthouse and Trout fishing is available at Heldale Water, licenses or permits are not required. Cantick Head's position at the end of a private, unadopted road provides an excellent walking and cycling environment; whether beachcombing for shells and driftwood or just gazing at the sea you will rarely be disturbed. 

Whereas the right of an adult to smoke is acknowledged, smoking in the bedrooms is strictly prohibited; smokers are requested to do so outdoors when possible.

Due to the fragile environment, grazing sheep and consideration for other guests Cantick Head is no longer able to accept pets.

About the lighthouse

Active lighthouse and renovated former Lightkeepers' homes in an unspoilt Island environment providing the opportunity to confront Nature in the raw....... Cantick Head Lighthouse is situated at the tip of the Walls peninsula attached to the Orkney island of Hoy overlooking Cantick Sound and the southern entrance of Scapa Flow in the Pentland Firth. Designed and engineered by the Stevenson brothers David and Thomas, the active Lighthouse and former Lightkeepers' homes are grade B listed of architectural and historic interest.

Recently restored and renovated to a high standard, the Cottages provide the modern facilities and comforts associated with 21st century living whilst retaining many original Victorian features. Dramatic scenery, bird, marine and plant life in abundance and very little traffic serve to make the island of Hoy an ideal base for walking and cycling. Archaeology, Geology and an impressive Naval history from Vikings to World War II are all on the doorstop. Professional guided tours of Hoy, the hills and the 9,700 acre RSPB reserve are available on the island along with diving and fishing trips. Sea angling is a common pastime from the cliffs around the Lighthouse and Trout Fishing is available at Heldale Water, licenses or permits are not required. Porpoises and seals are frequent visitors to Cantick Head's waters, while dolphins and Orcas have been sighted on several occasions. Perhaps your dream is to really get away from it all ......... whether beach-combing for shells and driftwood or just gazing at the sea, you will rarely be disturbed.

About the Island of Hoy

At 57 square miles, Hoy is the second largest of the Orkney archipelago of 70 islands and takes its name from the Old Norse "Haey" meaning high; the island is hilly in the north and west where Upper Old Red Sandstone has been weathered into craggy uplands. Ward Hill, 1570 feet [479m] is the highest hill in the Orkney Islands and together with The Cuilags can be seen for miles.

Hoy is noted for its archaeology, botany, geology, ornithology and wildlife; its rugged sandstone cliffs and coastline include the famous sea stack The Old Man of Hoy rising from the Atlantic to 450 feet (137m) and St John's Head the second highest and most vertical sea cliff in the UK. Overlooked by crags named the Dwarfie Hamars stands a large block of red sandstone known as the Dwarfie Stane; thought to be the UK's only example of a rock-cut chamber tomb of the Neolithic or Early Bronze Age. The RSPB's 9,700 acre North Hoy Nature Reserve is home to many birds including Raptors, colonies of Arctic and Great Skuas as well as the only mountain hares in Orkney. Betty Corrigall's grave is reputed to be the loneliest in the British Isles and yet one of the most visited in Orkney.

The Naval Cemetery at Lyness honours and remembers those who gave their lives during two World Wars. The Scapa Flow Visitor Centre & Naval Museum houses many artefacts from World War 1 & 11 and the massive oil tank is now an interpretation centre capturing the former Royal Navy base in action during both wars. Martello Towers built in the early 19th Century flank the entrance to Longhope, Hackness tower is open to the public. The Longhope Lifeboat Station has a record for daring rescues and has been awarded 16 RNLI medals for gallantry; a museum now stands on the site of the original RNLI boathouse.

A colony of seals have made their home in the bay at Longhope and can be seen basking on the shores at low tide along with a variety of sea and wading birds. Porpoises are frequent visitors to Cantick Head's waters especially when the sea is calm; Dolphins and Orcas have been sighted on several occasions during 2003. Sea angling is a common pastime from the cliffs around the Lighthouse and Trout fishing is available at Heldale Water, licenses or permits are not required.

The Northern Isles are reputed to be the best place in the UK from which to see the wondrous natural phenomenon of Aurora Borealis also known as "The Northern Lights" and locally as "The Merry Dancers", a magical experience of streamers and colourful lights once seen never forgotten. The movements of the Merry Dancers are often used by fishermen to help predict the weather - quick and shooting lights denote bad weather, a slow and graceful display more favourable conditions. Clear skies in Autumn and Winter provide the best opportunities to view Auroral displays but you do have to keep watch as the lights can come and go in a couple of moments or if you are lucky they may dance across the skies all night. York University has an excellent web site, Aurora Watch, with photos and scientific information; subscribe to Aurora Alerts and the team will email or text expected sightings within the UK

Visitors' Comments

October 2005

"Obviously it is impossible to cater for every individual's personal requirements, but this is the best equipped self-catering accommodation we've ever stayed in, home or abroad (and we've stayed in a few!) Excellent location, cottage cosy, comfortable & decorated/renovated to a high standard. Quality of furnishings and equipment second to none for rented accommodation. Appreciated hosts welcome & 'goody' tray, nice to be met each day by the dog! Weather for October been pretty good & we've particularly enjoyed our walks on Hoy and watching the seals. Could have spent longer here and would like to return - perhaps in the summer to see the Puffins! A perfect retreat." ARDROSSAN ~ Recommend 5 stars 

September 2005

"I have had a wonderful week of true relaxation, walking, bird watching, reading - this is an ideal place for a contemplative & restorative holiday. Thank you." EDINBURGH ~ Recommend 5 stars

"Considering that nowhere is perfect (they say) Cantick Head Lighthouse Cottages come pretty close! Wish we'd left more time to laze around here. Overall a very pleasant stay - thanks for the eggs and the Mozart. Thank you" BARNSLEY ~ Recommend 5 stars

August 2005

"A very friendly welcome after a long day on the road, some Orkney goodies to tuck in to with a lovely glass of wine Perfect! and after this things just kept getting better. If the weather is wild outside then relax with a good movie or one of the games. For the fishermen/women - good fishing to be had along the cliffs and a cast in Heldale Loch for the brownies can be very productive. Thanks again." CLACKMANNANSHIRE ~ Recommend 4 stars

"Perfect!" BLACKPOOL ~ Recommend 5 stars

"Scenic, remote location excellent. Family accommodation worked very well, with good facilities for adults (e.g. digital TV + video stocks) and the little boy was most amused by the various livestock in the secure garden area. Fixtures and furnishings were all of a very good standard. Helpful attitude of host appreciated. On first arrival, the initial impression was very pleasant, the combination of comfortable lodgings with the unique character of Hoy has resulted in a very successful holiday. Thank you." OXFORD ~ Recommend 4 stars+  

July 2005

"The welcome tray was most appreciated. This was the best self catering in Orkney we have booked and we have been to the islands on eleven previous visits." ESSEX ~ Recommend 5 stars 

"We thank you for your warm and friendly welcome. We had a nice time although the weather was not as we expected it to be. We wish you lots of luck and hope we'll meet again." NETHERLANDS ~ Recommend 5 stars

"You've thought of everything! Loved this place and the friendly, helpful arrangements." LYTHAM ST ANNES ~ Recommend 4 stars

"This is one of the most well equipped and tastefully decorated cottages we've stayed at. Attention to detail in all ways meant we wanted for nothing and were pleasantly surprised at your thoughtful touches. We spent many happy hours nestled in the grass above the cliff watching the sea - it's very well protected from the wind and breathtakingly lovely." CHISWICK ~ Recommend 5 stars

"Overall an excellent place to stay, fantastic views & wildlife. You have a unique & beautiful place here that is superb to get away from it all. The weather has been lovely and locals very friendly. We would recommend this place to anyone who would like a quiet & peaceful holiday, we would love to visit again if you will have us." CUMBRIA ~ Recommend 5 stars

June 2005

"A very comfortable place to stay. Hoy and South Walls were interesting and friendly. Any 'inconveniences' are a part of what makes this unique place what it is. Highlights were whales (just outside!) and puffins at the Old Man." MILTON KEYNES ~ Recommend 5 stars

"What a fantastic hideout to relax and unwind. We've had a wonderful first visit to Orkney, spending most of our time here just savouring the sea, the hills and the beaches. Many thanks for such a beautiful homey cottage and the fantastic welcome tray for hungry frazzled travellers. Hope to come again." ISLAY ~ Recommend 5 stars

May 2005

"An ideal place to relax, loved the view from lounge window whilst eating. We have loved every second we've been here. 5 days is just not enough, would love to come back one day! Thank you for letting us share your special place, good luck to you both for the future. Thanks again for making stay home from home."  BASINGSTOKE ~ Recommend 5 stars

"A fabulous week - thank you for sharing your very special place. The best yet! I hope to visit again sometime, if you'll have me. I wish you every success" BENTHAM, N.YORKS ~ Recommend 4 stars

April 2005

"Really great - loved every minute! Really enjoyed it - hope to be back some day. Managed to get a bit of writing done!" LEEDS ~ Recommend 4 stars

"We would thoroughly recommend this cottage. A most welcome tray of 'goodies' awaited us on our arrival. Lovely people who care about tourists. Thank you." KILLEARN ~ Recommend 4 stars

March 2005

"Excellent cottages and beautifully 'put together', I have no doubt you will do well" NORTHERN IRELAND ~ Recommend 5 stars

"The weather could have been better - but the cottage comforts more than compensated! Also very impressed with the traditional "feel" of the cottage - very tastefully restored. Would certainly and hope to return again - would have no hesitation in recommending Cantick Head. Found both Royal & Stromabank very friendly & surprisingly low prices for drinks" INVERNESS ~ Recommend 4 stars

"Enjoyed the eggs and oatcakes for breakfast. I liked the pet sheep this was the first time I've patted a sheep. The bed in the master bedroom was very comfortable. Thank you for your hospitality, would love to come back in June to see the Orcas and stay a bit longer" SCOTLAND ~ Recommend 5 stars

December 2004/New Year

"The cottage was beautifully decorated and presented. It felt like home right away and unlike many country cottages felt spacious and luxurious as opposed to small and rickety, just perfect for a 'getaway and unwind break' .... In addition, I must say that the master bed and the oven were just awesome ..... We would definitely consider staying again, almost certainly at the same time of year" LONDON

December/Christmas 2004

"PERFECT I think you've thought of everything. Thank you  for the gift tray - a lovely touch - and the snow for Christmas Day!! .... We don't want to leave and can't wait to come back" SOUTH WALES

October 2004

"We have had a fantastic stay and thought the accommodation was top class, very comfy bed. The weather and walking have been phenomenal, definitely return and recommend the cottage, our stay has truly fulfilled all expectations" CAMBRIDGESHIRE ~ Recommend 4 stars

September 2004

"I have literally been moved to tears by the beauty and restorative quality of the location and I think you have done a wonderful job with renovation and refurbishment. I want to recommend it to everyone but at the same time I want to keep it my secret! Thank you for restoring my sanity - until the next time, wishing you every success but I'd say it is a foregone conclusion!" SUFFOLK ~ Recommend 5 stars

"Overall our experience of Cantick Head is more than we could have hoped for. The small touches & attention to detail make a difference"..."We both had great sleeps - pillows/duvet & bed are extremely comfortable. Within 2 hours of arriving we felt very much at home. There isn't anything that you haven't thought about to make staying at Cantick Head as comfortable as possible. We wish you all the best & look forward to coming back again sometime in the future" GLASGOW ~ Recommend 5 stars

August/September 2004

"You've got a lovely, lovely place here. We could feel in every corner of both cottages that quite a lot of enthusiasm went into renovating and furnishing them. The result is really extraordinary: the cottages, the scenery and of course your warm hospitality made this a holiday to remember. Thank you so much and we hope to come back in the not too far future" BAVARIA ~ Recommend 5 stars

August 2004

"Wonderful place complete with chickens, ducks, sheep and friendly dog. We loved it here many thanks for a wonderful week on Hoy" LONDON ~Recommend 4 stars

"Overwhelming hospitality. Incredible capacity to deal with all requests no matter what or when with great willingness. In general - perfect!" AUSTRALIA ~ Recommend 5 stars

"Everything excellent. Many thanks for helping us out on our first evening. The cottage has been decorated and equipped with great care and thought - much more so than other cottages we have stayed in" LEAMINGTON SPA ~Recommend 4 stars

"Everything was great, the cottage has been beautifully renovated and has great attention to detail. We would certainly recommend the cottage, thanks for a great welcome and booking a meal for us. The kitchens and bathrooms are beautifully equipped. The welcome tray, flowers and bath robes were great touches" SUTHERLAND ~ Recommend 4 stars

July 2004

"Many thanks for a wonderful week. What a successful and exciting venture, the cottage is magnificent" DOVER ~ Recommend 5 stars

"Enjoyed playing Monopoly, Orkney goodies and flowers were a lovely touch. Thank you for all your thought and care in developing this accommodation - we have had a lovely holiday" LANCASHIRE ~ Recommend 4 stars