During our recent family road trip through the UK (starting in London, heading to Wales, and ending in Scotland), we spent some time in the stunning Scottish highlands of Glencoe. When it came to finding lodging, we stayed at the beautiful Isles of Glencoe Hotel. Just a short drive away to all of the main natural sights and nearby hikes, it is the perfect base for highland adventure, or even a relaxing retreat!

After spending ten days in Scotland last year, my husband and I knew we had to go back. This summer however, we brought our 2 year old along with us (travel with children is not for the faint of heart!!). With a toddler, we traveled slower than usual. We decided to spend more days in places rather than moving around. One of the spots we spent 3 full days enjoying is the natural beauty of Glencoe. Basing ourselves at Isles of Glencoe Hotel worked out perfectly!

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Situated at the foot of Glencoe with a loch right on your doorstep, this hotel has idyllic views of that dramatic Scottish scenery. It is within driving distance to all of the main sights and hikes we wanted to do, and the front desk staff are attentive and helpful with suggestions for you.

The rooms are spacious with comfortable beds, and many rooms have views of the loch. We stayed in a “feature double” room, but other options include “feature twin”, “guest double” and “family room”. Another bonus is that all of the rooms come with breakfast in the hotel, which is a buffet on the main floor with plenty of options. We were also happy that they were able to set up a crib for us before our arrival!

The hotel also has an on-site restaurant, Water’s Edge. With dishes “inspired by land and sea”, they use local ingredients and it provides beautiful views of the loch! There are picnic tables outside you can eat at during nice weather too. Their all-day menu can be enjoyed al fresco in the summer sunshine, or even inside next to the wood-burning fire during the colder months. They also offer a traditional afternoon tea option, complete with delicious scones and sandwiches!

We loved spending time in the restaurant area- sitting near the loch was so soothing and the views of the mountains were perfect. Our son also loved the gaming nook area near the bar where he was able to play with blocks and other games they have set out.

The Isles of Glencoe Hotel is also home to leisure facilities, so if you decide to spend your day relaxing instead of being out and about, there is plenty to do and enjoy on site. On the main floor there is a heated pool, sauna, and jacuzzi- perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring! The pool is free for guests to use, or £5.00 for adult visitors who aren’t staying (and £3.00 for kids who aren’t staying).It is open from 7:00am until 10:00pm every day (8:00pm to 10:00pm is adults only). There are changing facilities and lockers, and towels are provided for guests free of charge and collectable at reception.

Depending on when you visit, there are loads of activity options! The hotel can help connect you with local companies for things such as paddle-boarding (SUP), ice climbing, biking, kayaking, or even skiing nearby!

Other things to do in the Glencoe area:

Scenic Drives– Possibly our favorite thing to do in the area was simply hop in our car, and take in the otherworldly landscapes that the area offers. It is a great way to soak in the views, and there are plenty of scenic pullovers to stop at and take photos, such as “The Three Sisters” or Glen Etive.

Wild Swimming– If you are feeling adventurous and don’t mind chilly waters, there are several very scenic spots to enjoy the fresh mountain streams and take a swim! Check this link for some specific open water swimming suggestions!

Glencoe Lochan– The winding trails surrounding this area can make for a peaceful and calming day out in the wilderness. The three-mile track can take about an hour and a half to explore, but there are a variety of trails to choose from

Ft. William or Oban– Both towns are charming and have plenty to do, and are easy day-trips from the area. We actually headed to Oban one day to take the ferry to Isle of Mull. It was a lot of traveling for one day, but we definitely saw some beautiful places!

To book a stay at Isles of Glencoe Hotel, visit: www.islesofglencoe.co.uk

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As always, all reviews and opinions are my own. However, please note that our stay here was hosted by the Crieff Hydro hotel family in exchange for this post.