Travel: Isle of Skye

SKYE is a popular location for a week's getaway, but it can be easy to stick to the main tourist towns and miss out on the rest of the island. Unless you have the budget to stay in one of the more popular luxury hotels, self-catering is a good option – and a newly opened, fantastically equipped self-catering cottage is ideal. Mungo's Den is just that – off the beaten track but a great base for exploring in every direction.

How do I get there?

To get from the mainland to Skye, cross the bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh. From Edinburgh and Glasgow it should take around five hours to reach. In the summer months, a ferry runs from Mallaig to Armadale on the south of the island. Portnalong is on the west of the island, about 40 minutes from Broadford.

What's the food like?

Mungo's Den is self-catering, but each guest is greeted with a hamper of home-grown organic goodies, provided by producers from across the island. We feasted on delicious bread, beetroot, kale, pumpkin and the freshest tatties I've tasted in a long time.

Home comforts

Every little detail has been carefully considered, from the organic towels and fluffy robes to the cosy underfloor heating and wood-burning stove. Mungo's Den manages to look both homely and effortlessly stylish. The fully fitted kitchen and luxurious bathroom are pure five-star hotel. There's satellite TV, books, games and DVDs, so even when the weather is less than perfect outside, there's plenty to keep you occupied indoors.

Bed test

The upper floor is a huge master suite running the length of the cottage. At one end the super king-size bed is dressed in vintage quilts and quirky cushions. Snuggle under the feather-filled duvet, use the remote control to open the motorised blind and enjoy the ever-changing view. The other end of the suite is dressed as a reading room, with Fairtrade coffee and tea facilities so you don't even need to go downstairs.

Out and about

Skye is a haven for walkers, but with a small child in tow we were looking for less energetic pursuits. Talisker, Skye's sole distillery, is only a few miles away, but check opening hours. Portree has a compact town centre, but with lots of gift shops and places to eat it's easy to spend a day just wandering about. We also visited Skyeskyns (www.skyeskyns.co.uk) to pick up some authentic Skye sheepskin.

The bottom line

Lettings range from 395 per week in low season to 475 per week in high season. Shorter breaks are available in low season – contact Andrew and Maddy for a chat.

MUNGO'S DEN Portnalong, Isle of Skye (01470 532601, www.mungosden.co.uk)

• This article was first published in Scotland on Sunday on 07 February 2010