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Scotland hotels: the best places to stay on Scottish lochs

Eriska is poised between land and loch, a few miles north of Oban at the mouth of Loch Creran.
Eriska is poised between land and loch, a few miles north of Oban at the mouth of Loch Creran.

An insider's guide to Scotland's best loch-side hotels, in locations such as Loch Fyne and Loch Linnhe.

Isle of Eriska, Argyll, Scotland
Isle of Eriska, Argyll, Scotland

Isle of Eriska Hotel

Scotland

8Telegraph expert rating

Eriska is poised between land and loch, a few miles north of Oban at the mouth of Loch Creran, looking across to the green hills of Appin and the mountains of Morvern. Calm and solitude are assured in a haven of herons and badgers, where the loudest sound is likely to be a fishing boat puttering over tranquil water. The trappings of Victorian wealth and privilege pervade drawing rooms filled with deep sofas, fireplaces and books in the imposing granite and red sandstone Big House. Elegant and comfortable without being stuffy, the ambiance is warm and welcoming, with soft, bright furnishings and piles of wellingtons by the front door of the oak-panelled hall. Carry on, Jeeves. Read expert review From £248 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com

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Stonefield Castle, Scotland
Stonefield Castle, Scotland

Stonefield Castle

Loch Fyne, Scotland

8Telegraph expert rating

A proper high-Victorian Baronial folly, as castellated, crenellated and pepper-potted as any romantic could wish for. This recently refurbished hotel’s public rooms are largely unspoilt, while updated bedrooms are comfortable. A quietly unassuming surprise, with a loch view to die for, extensive grounds and good food. Come in the spring, when the notable collection of rhodedendrons and azaleas are at their staggeringly lovely best. The private island that forms part of the grounds is a great place for wildlife spotting: seals, otters and recently, a humpbacked whale (there’s a high-power telescope in the library if it’s too wet to go out). Read expert review From £94 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com

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The Three Chimneys, Isle of Skye, Scotland
The Three Chimneys, Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Three Chimneys and The House Over-By

Dunvegan, Isle of Skye, Scotland

9Telegraph expert rating

A road (albeit single-track and quiet) runs between the House Over-By and the shore of Loch Dunvegan, slightly eroding what would otherwise be a feeling of privacy, but not unduly distracting from the peaceful views over the loch, with its scatter of small islets –platforms for sunbathing seals. It's remote, but Dunvegan Castle is across the loch, and the spectacular Neist Point just 20 minutes' drive away. After a bumpy start, new chef Scott Davies has settled in impressively, using local ingredients with increasing confidence. Read expert review From £345 per night

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Kinloch Lodge Hotel and Restaurant
Kinloch Lodge Hotel and Restaurant

Kinloch Lodge Hotel & Restaurant

Kinloch, Isle of Skye, Scotland

9Telegraph expert rating

The hotel stands at the southern end of the island, tucked under Kinloch Hill on the peaceful shores of Loch na Dal in the Sound of Sleat. There are loch views from many of the rooms. Devotees of food writer and cook Claire Macdonald (no longer chef here, but she holds cookery courses) will love the Kinloch Lodge; so too will Michelin-star aficionados, who come here to eat the food of Marcello Tully (one of two star holders on Skye). Families will enjoy the hotel's ghillie and walking expert. Read expert review From £420 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com

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The Airds Hotel, Port Appin, Scotland
The Airds Hotel, Port Appin, Scotland

The Airds Hotel & Restaurant

Port Appin, Scotland

8Telegraph expert rating

The hotel is stunningly located, albeit by the (very quiet) roadside on the shores of Loch Linnhe. Walking and cycling are the principal reasons for staying at the Airds, although there would be little wrong with spending the day curled up with a book by the fire and indulging in a sumptuous afternoon tea. This would make an extremely comfortable base for older, but still active visitors to the West Coast. Read expert review From £320 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com