Inverlochy Castle Hotel

Inverlochy Castle is a 19th-century baronial mansion standing between mountain and loch near Fort William. It was built in 1863 by William Scarlett, 3rd Baron Abinger, and Queen Victoria spent a week here during an 1873 visit to Balmoral. It is named after the much older 13th-century Inverlochy Castle, which lies a couple of miles away. Today it is a five-star hotel.

Where you sleep

The rooms are spread across the main castle building and the gardens, and there are three distinct choices:

• Castle rooms and suites are individually designed with antique pieces and offer views over the grounds and the loch.
• Walled Garden Rooms are eight rooms in a converted stable block overlooking the peaceful walled garden, each with a balcony or terrace.
• The Gate Lodge is an intimate lodge house in the grounds, a short walk from the castle at the front entrance, with one double and one single bedroom.

Eating and exploring

Dining runs from the ritual of afternoon tea to the seasonal menus of Seasgair, and the hotel hosts events with Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr., from demonstrations to dinners. In the grounds there is a magnificent walled garden and a network of secret woodland paths.

Setting and access

The castle sits in the foothills of Ben Nevis. Glen Nevis and its falls, the Glenfinnan monument and the scenery of Glencoe are all within reach. Despite the remote feel, Fort William is only about three miles away, so arriving is straightforward.

If a private corner appeals, the Gate Lodge is the option to ask about.