Cluanie Inn

One of the most remote inns in Scotland, the Cluanie sits proudly defiant beneath a monstrously mountainous backdrop of soaring peaks, vaulting ridges and plunging glens. If you love walking – or just being in amongst the mountains, feeling the rejuvenating power that so inspired that pioneering conservationist Scot John Muir – then you’ll instantly feel at home here. Even more so now thanks to the creative, energetic Indian team who have rejuvenated this whitewashed historic inn. It had become a little faded, but they’ve given it a new lease of life.

The new owners have refurbished the bar and restaurant to add comfort and class (think vintage furniture and tasteful tartan) without losing the traditional mountain inn feel. The designers didn’t need to do too much with windows opening out to all that grandeur and red deer meandering around outside. The eclectic menu sways from pizzas and burgers, through to local seafood and the influence of the new owners with a superb dal makhani. Look out too for their new stand-alone bakery. There are myriad room types – the Highland Suites are my favourite; I stayed in the one with a sauna. After a 25km three-Munro mountain bash its in-room sauna was the ideal tonic, before a real dram tonic in the bar and a hearty meal gazing back at the mountains planning more adventures. As John Muir famously said, ‘ The mountains are calling and I must go.’ You must. Read More