The Nap

Sally Port Cottage St Mawes, Cornwall

The much-indented coastline of Cornwall does not easily lend itself to quick access by public transport, but in summer this gem of a lighthouse cottage is linked to Truro by three ferries. First, catch the service down the long fjord to Falmouth, nip across to St Mawes, then (having done your shop) jump on the Place Ferry across the Porth

The Byre Deepdale, Lake District

If I had to pick a base for some great fell walks, The Byre would be a perfect location. It sits on a working farm right under St Sunday Crag and Kirkstone Pass, two places where on past visits I have also enjoyed rock climbing and cycling challenges, and Helvellyn is also close at hand.

The converted byre - a former cowshed - is on Deepdale Hall Farm, which dates back to the 17th century, and the farm location certainly enlivens most visitors’ stays with its peacocks, Indian runner ducks and – of course – sheep. Inside The

Byre it’s a spacious open-plan conversion with leather sofas, oriental rugs on boards and a logburner. The bathroom has that essential post-long walk item, in my opinion at least: a bath. • Sleeps 4, from £520 a week, sallyscottages.co.uk

Creek, finally stepping off onto the Roseland peninsula. From there, you have a mile to walk on the access lane.

The reward for all this effort is clear when you first spot the lighthouse, perched on rocks above the sea, a white beacon of warmth. Inside, it is well designed and practical, as befits a working lighthouse – there are even ear plugs for when the fog horn blows.

• Sleeps 4, from £928 a week, hostunusual.com

Langabridge, Devon

Sitting in delightful isolation is this handmade cabin with views down to the River Taw, a trout stream, followed by the Tarka trail and the Tarka railway line - two rather large clues that this was the stomping ground of Henry Williamson’s fictional otter. A firepit and hot tub sit a few steps away from this neat Scandinavian-style place complete with logburner, and full-length glass doors looking out on the bucolic surroundings.

It’s on a working farm with a herd of Dexter cows, pigs and chickens that supply guests with some food, otherwise there’s a 20-minute walk to a community shop. There’s camping in the field, too, for a party too large for the cabin. • Sleeps 4 (space for 2 more on an air mattress), from £135 a night, canopyandstars.co.uk