There are hundreds of different types and styles of accommodation to choose from in the #OutdoorCapitalUK. I can’t claim to know about them all but these are some that I have stayed in and enjoyed, or received good reports from others. Here is my pick of the best of the visitor accommodation in the region.
Great hotels in the Outdoor Capital UK
The Moorings Hotel at Bonaive, Fort William, is located next to Neptune’s Staircase, a series of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal, and with superb views over to Ben Nevis. A recent extension has created some beautiful new guest rooms and a restaurant/café. There’s also a welcoming bar and the staff at super friendly. It’s a lovely place to stay with your partner or a small group of friends. See The Moorings Hotel
Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, overlooking Arisaig Bay and out towards the Isles of Eigg and Muck, Arisaig Hotel is a former coaching inn that now offers a wealth of mod-cons. Most of the en suite rooms have sea views and there’s a welcoming Crofter’s Bar and comfortable lounge bar.
The Clachaig.
The Clachaig at Glencoe is famous among walkers and has a must-visit bar and restaurant. It is always very busy and there is often live music. Many people also choose to stay in a range of rooms, including VisitScotland “Three-star Inn” status guest rooms and self-catering lodges.
The Lime Tree Hotel offers good quality accommodation in Fort William in the heart of North West Highlands of Scotland. There’s a lovely restaurant and an art gallery located I the hotel, too.
Great B&Bs in the Outdoor Capital UK
I have not stayed in many B&Bs in the region but one that sticks in my memory because it is possibly the best-for-price guesthouse I have stayed in is Allt-na-Leven at Kinlochleven. It caters for numerous West Highland Way walkers and also offers a great base for exploring the fabulous landscape in the area. Pauline and Wullie offer a truly warm welcome.
Billed as an eco-chic boutique bed & breakfast in Fort William, Huntingtower Lodge is contemporary place to stay overlooking Loch Linnhe. As you might expect the lodge has wonderful views over the loch and towards the Ardgour peninsula.
Self catering in Outdoor Capital UK
Glen Nevis Youth Hostel.
Basic but well equipped and clean, Glen Nevis Youth Hostel is a good choice for budget friendly accommodation, especially if you’re part of a large group. The hostel is brilliantly located, close to Ben Nevis and Fort William, and also within easy access of stunning Glen Nevis.
Glen Nevis Camping and Caravan Park, also close to Fort William, is the ideal place for pitching a tent or arriving with a caravan or campervan. There are some great – and clean – on-site facilities too including showers, washing up and laundry areas, a restaurant and bar and a café. Some of these are seasonal so it’s worth checking ahead. The wider estate offers self-catering cottages, too.
Micro lodges at Glencoe Mountain.
Glencoe Mountain is home to a number of Hobbit houses (micro lodges) that offer basic but warm and clean self-catering accommodation next door to the skiing, cycling and walking resort. See Glencoe Mountain accommodation
Linnhe Lochside Holiday chalets look more like homes than chalets. They have fitted kitchens, lovely bedrooms, central heating and double glazing, and offer wonderful views of the local scenery. There are chalets for four, five or six people. If you love this kind of cosy retreat, you might also be interested in exploring lodges for sale in Lincolnshire, where similar peaceful getaways can be enjoyed year-round.
Ceithir Raithean is a spacious wooden house located on the coastal Road to the Isles in Morar, between Arisaig and Mallaig. It has been designed using natural materials that maximise light and space. It can cater for up to seven people and boasts a log stove and a Jacuzzi. The sea views are stunning and it’s only a short walk to fabulous Camusdarach Beach.
Fingal of Caledonia
In the winter months, the large barge called the Fingal of Caledonia offers basic but different self-catering accommodation for up to 12 people. The boat remains berthed at the top of Neptune’s Staircase, Banavie, Fort William, during this season. Find out more at Caledonian Discovery
Knoydart House.
Knoydart House, in the village of Inverie on the Knoydart peninsula, is a luxurious self-catering accommodation for up to 10 people. It is accessed via a boat from Mallaig and offers a fabulous get-away-from-it-all experience but with a host of luxuries. There’s even a hot tub overlooking Loch Nevis. And for couples only, a two-person luxury hide Knoydart Hide is also available. You’ll need to plan ahead for both properties, as they are usually booked for many, many months in advance.
Also see Outdoor Capital UK accommodation.