Part of Scotland’s spectacular Cowal Peninsula on the west coast of Argyll and Bute, Loch Fyne is a sea loch, Scotland’s longest, and one of the most beautiful. The waters of Loch Fyne are home to dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks and the occasional orca. It has become famous as one of the most beautiful scenic lochs in Scotland and for the reputation of the seafood it produces; the likes of its famous oysters are supplied around the globe to renowned Michelin starred restaurants and prestigious retailers such as London’s Selfridges.
Hotel
The Loch Fyne Hotel and Spa is a stunning drive of an hour and a half from the city of Glasgow, the most populous city in Scotland, the 1990 European Capital of Culture and the host city of the 2014 Commonwealth Games. For visiting Loch Fyne and the surrounding area, Glasgow’s international airport is the best arrival location into Scotland if you are arriving from another part of the UK or from overseas.
The journey from Glasgow takes you along the western side of the ‘bonnie bonnie banks’ of Loch Lomond, before going around the tip of Loch Long and then meeting Loch Fyne itself. The final stretch of road along Loch Lomond provides spectacular views of Ben Lomond, one of the highest mountains in the Scottish Highlands, before you join the A83. This is a stretch of road otherwise known as ‘Rest and Be Thankful’, a pass 245 metres above sea level which divides Glen Kinglas from Glen Crow and is regarded as one of the most scenic roads in all of Scotland.
A single track bridge at the side of the loch takes you into the town of Inveraray, established in 1745 by the Third Duke of Argyll, the head of the powerful Clan Campbell. Inveraray showcases the Georgian architecture of the era. The family home of the Dukes of Argyll remains Inveraray Castle, visible on the right hand side as you cross over the bridge into the town. The Loch Fyne Hotel and Spa sits at the edge of the town, facing directly out across Loch Fyne.
The Loch Fyne Hotel and Spa is a delightful retreat, one of a collection of individual hotels run by the Crerar Hotels Group, which all have the aim of sharing the spirit of Scotland with warm, authentic hospitality. The collection includes the likes of the Balmoral Arms in Royal Deeside, Thainstone House in Inverurie and the Golf View Hotel and Spa in Nairn.
Room
The hotel has a variety of rooms from petite doubles to classic and deluxe rooms. For an extra special experience, stay in one of the hotel’s bespoke named suites – Craws Nest, Hens Coup, Lagavulin or Glen Ord. We had the pleasure of staying in the Glen Ord suite, which provides magnificent views directly across Loch Fyne to the Cowall Hills on the opposite shore.
This spacious and homely suite features an entrance vestibule, walk-in closet and a huge bathroom with a deep roll top bath. The bay windowed main bedroom features a four poster bed and a sitting area. The rooms are classically styled, with traditional nods to Scotland with the likes of the tartan carpet, but these touches are not overbearing, and rather add to the sense of place.
Food and drink
Referred to as the ‘the beating heart’ of the hotel is its AA-Rosette-awarded Cladach Mòr Bistro and Loch View Bar, providing views of Loch Fyne and beyond over the hills.
We started our trip relaxing in the bar area in comfy chairs whilst enjoying the hotel’s magnificent afternoon tea. A tiered ‘bird cage’ of sandwiches, scones and cakes arrived. There was a delightful small cup of beautifully smooth and rich leek and potato soup, accompanied by a delicious hot sausage and black pudding roll. After sandwiches, we moved onto warm soft scones with cream and jam and then finally indulged in macarons, delicate lemon tarts and chocolate delights.
In the evening, we started with whisky and citrus cured salmon and a goats’ cheese mousse. With Loch Fyne famous for its seafood, for our main course, we dined on fresh mussels and Loch Fyne whole langoustines. All accompanied by scrumptious warm fresh bread. Dessert was a moreish sticky toffee pudding with tablet ice cream.
Spa
The magnificent Shore Spa at the hotel features treatment rooms, an indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, sauna, steam room and salt room, all designed to refresh your mind, body and soul. The spa treatments, from body wraps to facials to hot stone massages, all use Scottish ‘ishga’ natural and organic seaweed based skincare products from the Hebridean Isles.
The 15-metre pool features aqua jets and views over Loch Fyne, as does the bubbling outdoor hot tub. After the sauna and steam room, you can also relax poolside on heated loungers where the curves and warmth of the stone are specifically designed to relax the muscles. The hotel provides a range of spa break packages.
To do
The hotel is also a great base to explore the surrounding countryside. Enjoy the Scottish outdoors with forest trails and loch-side walks, before retreating back to the hotel to relax. In the charming town of Inveraray, visit the historic Inveraray Castle and its beautiful gardens, climb to the top of the Inverary Bell Tower for outstanding views of the lochs or visit Inverary Jail, a perfectly preserved 19th century jail and courthouse.
In a nutshell
A charming hotel and spa in magnificent surroundings at the edge of one of Scotland’s most admired lochs.
Factbox
Double rooms at the Loch Fyne Hotel and Spa start from £170 for bed and breakfast.
Address: Inveraray, Argyll, Scotland, PA32 8XT
Phone: (+44) 1499 302 980
Website: crerarhotels.com
Photography courtesy of Loch Fyne Hotel and Spa.
