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GLENELG INN

Lochside inn with splendid views of Skye

NOT QUITE over the sea to Skye but facing it just across the water, Glenelg Inn is beautifully located amid hills and glens on the water’s edge, its gardens stretching down to the shore. Its name is said to derive from the Gaelic "Gleann Seilg" (Glen of Hunting), and walls are not surprisingly hung with antlers.

The inn's sitting room is home-from-home, with leather chesterfields and comfy sofas, family portraits on the walls and assorted knick-knacks. Locals and visitors mingle in the oak-beamed bar, where live pipe and fiddle music is a regular feature. There's a nicely hospitable vibe, and your hosts are happy to suggest places nearby for wildlife-spotting, pony trekking, fishing and hill walking.

Comfortable, uncluttered bedrooms are simply decorated and all offer unrestricted views of Skye. We’re told there’s an impressive record of conception here – apparently due to the ley (that’s right) lines running through the village. Those not out to procreate swear by the recuperative powers of the soft, peaty bath water.

Hit the Spot
Just the place for a wee dram with Skye in your sights

Pillow Talk
Room Seven is ultra private, while others score best on views

Be Savvy
Not for townies – you're way up in the glens

Be Smitten
Right-at-home charm and views you could bottle

West coast red mullet

Expect good-value Scottish fare, with fish and seafood a speciality: we tucked into west coast red mullet with a sweet red pepper dressing on roasted greens. Bill Bryson famously dubbed the Inn “an outpost of comfort and graciousness," and we certainly wouldn't argue.

Glenelg Inn was reviewed for Room for Romance by Mark MacGee

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Dining in
Local lamb and venison are sourced from the Glenelg hills. Menus feature local organic produce and free-range eggs, and dinner menus include a fresh and smoked seafood platter, and char-grilled local Moyle's lamb chops. Don't expect fancy surrounds – it's simple and rustic here.

Breakfast
Full Highland breakfast is served until 930am. Try the Charles MacLeod Stornoway black pudding.

Room service
Available morning and evening

Where?
Glenelg Inn

What’s cooking?
Try local oven-roasted venison, fresh Loch Hourn lobster and fresh Isle of Skye mussels.

Dress the part
The atmosphere is relaxed and pubby

Top table?
You’ll want to dine by the fire or looking out over the gardens and Isle of Skye

See & Do
This is the place for boat trips and walking trails. Visit the Glenelg Pictish Brochs (ancient stone towers) and Sandaig beach, inspiration for Gavin Maxwell’s book Ring of Bright Water. See seals and sea otters at Kylerhea and explore the lochs and glorious coastline of this scenic part of Scotland. The Isle of Skye just across the water is a must for a day trip.

Diary Dates
September
Pack your fiddle for Glenelg’s traditional music festival.

GETTING THERE

Location
Glenelg, Kyle of Lochalsh IV40 8JR

Parking
There is free guest parking.

Trains
Kyle of Lochalsh station – 15 miles via the Skye ferry (during summer).
Eilean Donan Castle station – 25 miles

Taxis
GBP 30 from Kyle of Lochalsh

Airport
Inverness – 83 miles

Rooms and suites
Six rooms, one suite.

Special features
Room seven has a seven-foot bed and terrific sea views

Also…
There are flat screen TVs and DVD players, plus wi-fi connections. Two rooms have balconies and huge bathrooms, and the inn also has a helipad.

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
From GBP 75

Open/closed
Open all year

Check-in
2pm

Check-out
10.30am

Minimum night stay?
No – but it’s a long way just for a night.

Children
Not allowed in the bar after 9pm.

Pets
Dogs are welcome.

Air conditioning
No.

Wedding license?
Yes – accommodating up to 40 guests. A marquee can be erected in the private garden overlooking the Isle of Skye, and bagpipers are on call.