Hotel Review: The Glenelg Inn, Lochalsh

One of my favourite places to stay in Scotland - The Glenelg Inn has the most amazing view over the Isle of Skye. And the most delicious food!

We aren’t supposed to be anywhere near this very remote corner of Scotland, and we certainly hadn’t planned to check into the Glenelg Inn. We should, in fact, be skipping over the Atlantic right now on our way to the Outer Hebrides. However, no amount of meticulous planning (or begging CalMac staff) can entice a broken-down ferry to run, and there’s nothing else for it - we need to find a new route.

Sitting in the Oban ferry terminal with a map of Scotland, the possibilities are, it turns out, endless. Panic quickly turns to adventurous excitement, and we decide to take a journey somewhere completely new -thanks to Google we stumble across the Glenelg Peninsula and it’s cosy Inn.

Although perhaps a little different to the traditional Scotland road trip, the west coast itinerary we eventually decide on brings together a wholly amazing experience - blending formidable mountains with jaw dropping scenery and sleepy villages far away from mass tourism.

Driving from Oban to Glenelg is unforgettable, and leads us to a place that might be, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful in Scotland.

How to get to the Glenelg Inn

The journey from Oban takes us around three hours; from Edinburgh it would’ve been closer to five - a fairly long slog if you’re only heading north for a short break. I’d recommend making Glenelg a stop on a west coast trip road. You’ll need a car, and a Sat Nav is beneficial in this remote place - take the A87 road to Kyle of Lochalsh; where it reaches the foot of Glen Shiel and the head of Loch Duich you’ll notice a road sign on the left for Glenelg. From there it’s a short drive to Glenelg village, via the Mam Ratagan mountain pass.

Why Visit Glenelg

Glenelg is often overlooked in favour of its larger, more popular neighbour – the Isle of Skye. Whilst this might be tempting, travellers should stay a while in Glenelg; you’ll quickly understand why. This unique peninsula rewards those curious enough to venture here with spectacular views, wild coastlines and the most amazing sunsets.

Glenelg feels like a timelessly charming outpost - there’s only one road in, and this limited access gives the peninsula a wild and untouched atmosphere. Like a secret Highland hideaway.

We are incredibly lucky and book the last room in the Glenelg Inn; a traditional Highland hotel known for its exceptional food and lively bar.

The Glenelg Inn bedrooms

There are only seven rooms at the Inn, so booking early is essential. We were beyond lucky to get our room at such short notice; or maybe it was a sign we were meant to come here!

Now I cannot lie - we’ve been camping for the last few nights and this Inn is sheer luxury. Designed to be simple but stylish, the rooms are spacious and comfortable.

Before we go downstairs for dinner, I take a soak in the free standing tub; camping a long forgotten memory. And I have to be pulled away from the window, and the unbelievable views over to nearby Isle of Skye.

Dinner at the Glenelg Inn

Our evening at the Glenelg Inn is a distinctly delicious affair.

Heading downstairs to the Glenelg Inn’s beautiful restaurant, we are met with flickering candles, glowing lamps and sparkling glasses of wine. It’s impossible to miss the smell of the enticing fire, as comforting as it is relaxing in this homely pub-come-restaurant.

The first thing we notice is the daily menu, written up on a chalkboard. Meals of seafood and game are served using fresh, local produce and wonderfully delicious homemade bread. Expect to pay a little extra for such delicious dining; two courses and a glass of wine each is around £80.

For dinner I recommend the hand dived scallops with Stornoway black pudding - so very delicious. Be sure to leave room for dessert; we had a yummy sticky toffee pudding, but the real star of the show was the salted caramel chocolate and vanilla cream pot with homemade hazelnut hob-nob biscuits.

Above all, prepare to be very, very full!

And afterwards? Relax in front of the roaring fire if you can handle the heat. Or spend a lazy evening in the garden, which boasts incredible views across to the Isle of Skye.

After dinner we plan to take a wander along the beach, but we’re so sleepy that only the king-size bed and a seriously good night’s sleep will do.

Bliss!

Breakfast at the Glenelg Inn

I had a fear that breakfast wouldn’t live up to the standard of dinner, but how wrong I was. Served in the airy dining room, breakfast at the Glenelg Inn is an absolute treat. In fact, its a contender for the best breakfast I’ve ever had.

Choose from a selection of yoghurts, homemade granolas and various preserves, all laid out in a buffet. And there’s the option of a cooked breakfast. On this occasion I devoured a full Scottish brekkie whilst Trev chose kippers with perfectly poached eggs. Yum!

We rarely dawdle in the morning but this time we did, definitely reluctant to leave this wonderful place. For people who love to explore, we don’t always like to return to the same spot. But coming back to Glenelg is an easy decision.

I just hope it’s sooner rather than later.

A slow explore around Glenelg

As you know, we love the outdoors. So, before we head onto the next stage of our newly planned road trip (it’s Skye next on the fantastic Glenelg Ferry), we take the opportunity to explore the area. Although situated in one of the remotest corners of Scotland, there’s plenty to do and see around Glenelg. We visit the iron age brochs before a wander on Bernera wild beach which offers stunning views of Skye and provides a healthy dose of fresh sea air. Our final stop is the Wagon Café – a beautiful old gypsy caravan serving excellent coffee and home baked cakes.

We’ll be back to test ourselves with a walk up the nearby Munro, and to visit the wildlife haven of Sandaig with its otters, sea eagles and occasional porpoise.

Book your Glenelg Inn stay

The Glenelg has seven rooms, one with garden access and a number of family suits and dog-friendly rooms in the newer annex or above the bar.

Double rooms (B&B) at the Glenelg Inn start at £120 per night.

Book your stay at the Glenelg Inn here: glenelg-inn.com

 

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