Portsonachan Log Cabins

Situated in the grounds of Portsonachan Hotel, on the east bank of Loch Awe, these wooden lodges offer the chance to get back to nature but in as much comfort as you desire. Not only are they superbly well equipped, they give you the opportunity to occupy your own log cabin in the woods on the shores of one of western Scotland's most beautiful lochs, but to also make the most of the hotel's facilities whenever it takes your fancy. As such, they are the ideal choice if you're looking for a taste of Scotland's Great Outdoors but aren't quite ready to give up all your creature comforts.

The hotel has nine wooden cabins in all, each with 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms. They're well spaced out, so you're never overly aware of your neighbours,  and they come with all the facilities you would expect in an ordinary self-catering cottage, from a fully fitted kitchen with microwave and dishwasher, bathrooms with baths and showers and local Hebridean toiletries, and a mix of double and twin bedrooms. Bed linen and towels are supplied, there's heating throughout, and the lodges have wifi and flatscreen TVs with Freeview. The 3-bedroom premium lodges are furnished with gorgeous freestanding baths, built-in saunas and a hot tub on the terrace – perfect for soaking away your aches with a glass of win after a day out walking.

Dogs are welcome in the lodges (and in parts of the hotel), and you can whet your whistle in the hotel's cosy bar or traditional restaurant – or, if you're feeling lazy, order dinner to eat in your lodge. There are bikes and even a boat for guests' use, and Portsonachan is a terrific place to go walking. The grounds are also home to a fabulous 'Forest Drive',  which takes you from the shores of Loch Awe to the tips of the nearby hills; halfway up there's a wildlife -viewing hide, stocked with binoculars and note pads, from which you can observe all sorts of local wildlife, from otters to ospreys to golden eagles, and you may also see herds of red deer and Highland cattle grazing in other parts of the hotel grounds. There are waterfalls nearby and the loch itself is the third largest freshwater loch in Scotland and famous for its trout fishing – indeed many visitors come here just for that. For those looking for life beyond the loch and the hotel grounds, Invererary is the nearest town, a pleasant old fishing port with an ancient castle, and Oban is not a great deal further away – the gateway to the Scottish Isles and worth a visit just for the fabulously fresh fish and seafood you can enjoy in some of its harbourside restaurants.