Loch Lomond Arms Hotel

You could just rattle up the busy road artery on the western flanks of Loch Lomond bashing from Glasgow to the Highlands without stopping. Don’t; not when this remarkable old coaching inn tempts in the village of Luss, a village so picturesque that it starred in the TV series ‘Take the High Road’. Once you’re off the fast road north you are welcomed by a striking whitewashed façade - a rather grand one at that. The Loch Lomond Arms boasts a heritage dating back to the 17th century when Jacobite clans and cattle raiders roamed these wild environs. A sleek 2012 makeover has brought in all the home comforts and created a polished feel that looks like something from the pages of a glossy magazine; it has been in plenty of those.

You can choose to stay in the smoothly luxurious bedrooms and trio of suites (some come with four poster beds), or in one of the spacious half dozen cottages that dot the village nearer the loch. The décor tone throughout is muted Scottish, more calm tartan throws and mood lighting than garish Highland cow bedspreads. Dine in the Bar, Library or Dining Room on such delights as venison culled from the estate who own the inn, Loch Etive sea trout or Ayrshire pork chop. They make their own haggis too. By day staff can arrange myriad activities, from watersports on the loch through to 4X4 wildlife safaris in the glens.