Something a bit special in Scotland?

Something a bit special in Scotland?

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Chris71

Original Poster:

21,536 posts

243 months

Wednesday 27th February 2013
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Can anyone recommend somewhere a bit special to stay in rural Scotland?

We're probably looking more for small and characterful than big and grand, but open to any suggestions. The only thing is it has to be memorable. Good food at the hotel or within walking distance would be an advantage too.

TaRD

778 posts

188 months

Wednesday 27th February 2013
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This place is fantastic on Skye

http://www.threechimneys.co.uk/

Chris71

Original Poster:

21,536 posts

243 months

Wednesday 27th February 2013
quotequote all
TaRD said:
This place is fantastic on Skye

http://www.threechimneys.co.uk/
Definitely worth a look, thanks.

We're coming from London, so it's quite a schlep. Debating whether to drive up or fly (or even get the train). The latter sounds very romantic until you take a look at the photos and realise it's more like the 7.15 to Romford than the Orient Express.

Either way we'd probably look at touring to some extent, which would mean a hire car if we flew or got the train. Maybe speak to these guys: http://www.caledonianclassics.co.uk/

320touring

1,428 posts

200 months

Wednesday 27th February 2013
quotequote all
www.abbotsbrae.co.uk

a cracking wee hotel less than an hr from Glasgow- good starting point for exploring the west coast.

I've used them several times for myself and car driving mates (all in old bmw e30's)- never a problem. Bottled good real ale available too!


also worth checking the Oyster Inn at Connel- good food, nice rooms and another great base for exploring some fine roads.

also ideally situated to get the ferry to Mull

enjoy!

soprano

1,594 posts

201 months

Wednesday 27th February 2013
quotequote all
TaRD said:
This place is fantastic on Skye

http://www.threechimneys.co.uk/
Definitely gets my vote. Even if you don't stay, try to get there for a meal.

schmalex

13,616 posts

207 months

Thursday 28th February 2013
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Have a look at Inverlochy Castle just outside of Fort William - it's absolutely stunning there.

http://www.inverlochycastlehotel.com/

Chris71

Original Poster:

21,536 posts

243 months

Thursday 28th February 2013
quotequote all
schmalex said:
Have a look at Inverlochy Castle just outside of Fort William - it's absolutely stunning there.

http://www.inverlochycastlehotel.com/
Definitely has the wow factor. But we'd start to struggle on price a bit there, I think. Even on honeymoon £550 a night room only would be a bit of a stretch.

GetCarter

29,397 posts

280 months

Thursday 28th February 2013
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Www.torridon.com - it might look a bit grand but it's quite homely and friendly, with no posh dress code. From London I'd fly to Inverness (85 mins) and hire (85 mins drive toTorridon). It just won 13th best hotel in the world in the Sunday Times.

Chris71

Original Poster:

21,536 posts

243 months

Thursday 28th February 2013
quotequote all
GetCarter said:
Www.torridon.com - it might look a bit grand but it's quite homely and friendly, with no posh dress code. From London I'd fly to Inverness (85 mins) and hire (85 mins drive toTorridon). It just won 13th best hotel in the world in the Sunday Times.
That does look rather good.

Sure you could recommend some decent driving roads if we found a respectable hire car. wink

GetCarter

29,397 posts

280 months

Thursday 28th February 2013
quotequote all
Chris71 said:
That does look rather good.

Sure you could recommend some decent driving roads if we found a respectable hire car. wink
The roads are IMHO the best in the UK and almost empty (It's one of the reasons why I moved here). There are proper car hire places if you want something special.

My Torridon site: www.Torridon.org ... just in case wink




Edited by GetCarter on Thursday 28th February 16:20

XplusYplusZ

241 posts

142 months

Thursday 28th February 2013
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dalhousie castle just outside edinburgh was lovely - go for one of the pricier rooms if its a honeymoon. also, see if you can hold an owl at the falconry, that was a hit with my mrs.

Inverlochy does a good lunch.. but is a touch pricey to stay. anywhere that has directions for landing a helicopter and a RR outside is pretty much ruled out of my budget!

Our favourite place was the lovat at the bottom of loch ness. Small, intimate, very cosey with open fires. go for the bridal sweet, it's lovely.

But for ultimate wow - the witchery in edinburgh steals the show..

extraT

1,764 posts

151 months

Thursday 28th February 2013
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schmalex

13,616 posts

207 months

Thursday 28th February 2013
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My wife and son stayed in the Lovat in Fort Augustus last year and absolutely loved it

GetCarter

29,397 posts

280 months

Thursday 28th February 2013
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schmalex said:
My wife and son stayed in the Lovat in Fort Augustus last year and absolutely loved it
FYI - Lovat owned by the dad of the owner of the Torridon.

schmalex

13,616 posts

207 months

Thursday 28th February 2013
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I grew up in Cannich Bridge (15 or so miles north of Drumnadrochit) and just love it around there.

GetCarter

29,397 posts

280 months

Thursday 28th February 2013
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Lovely part of the country. smile

g3org3y

20,639 posts

192 months

Friday 1st March 2013
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Cameron House at Loch Lomond is worth a look. Very very pleasant.

Chris71

Original Poster:

21,536 posts

243 months

Friday 1st March 2013
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GetCarter said:
There are proper car hire places if you want something special.
Anywhere in particular you'd recommend? Our budget is going to be relatively modest by honeymoon standards, but it would be nice to delay the inevitable squeaky Hyundai i10 or Fiat Panda for a couple of days.

GetCarter

29,397 posts

280 months

Friday 1st March 2013
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'Thrifty' will go up to a 335 BM or Audi drop top... Or if you're keen there is Highland Caterham hire! There are more posh sports cars you can hire, but it's pretty costly.

Chris71

Original Poster:

21,536 posts

243 months

Friday 1st March 2013
quotequote all
GetCarter said:
'Thrifty' will go up to a 335 BM or Audi drop top... Or if you're keen there is Highland Caterham hire! There are more posh sports cars you can hire, but it's pretty costly.
I'd love to hire a Caterham, but my bride to be refused to get in the Roadsport A I used to own. Sadly I can't see her reversing that decision on her honeymoon!

I did think maybe a day or two in a classic or something more upmarket and then drop down to a cheaper eurobox for the remainder of the trip.