AllWays Traveller Features
No better place for your wild time on Skye
Kinloch Lodge is an historic country house hotel with tremendous character on the Scottish Isle of Skye.
It sits in splendid isolation on the shores of the serene Loch na Dal with dramatic views of the Cuillin mountain range in the distance.
The Isle of Skye itself is found just off the west coast of Scotland and is the largest of the islands known as the Inner Hebrides'.
Kinloch Lodge, a member of the Luxury Scotland, offers all one could wish for in a luxury break on one of Scotland's iconic islands.
A family home with an unmatched heritage
Kinloch Lodge comes with a heritage and a location that few other historic country house hotels can match.
By Ashley Gibbins
It was built in 1676 as a farmhouse, before being converted into a shooting lodge for the Macdonalds of Skye in the 18th century and, in more recent times as Godfrey and Claire's family home.
It was opened as a hotel in1972 by Godfrey Macdonald, the 8th Lord Macdonald and the 35th High Chief of his clan, and his wife Claire, a chef of international repute.
Godfrey and Claire wanted offer a hotel that offered 'comfy beds, endless hot water, warm and attentive service and, above all, delicious food'.
Fifty years later, Kinloch Lodge is now run by their daughter Isabella but the same warm welcome and rewarding stay is as assured as it ever was.
It is one of the finest country hotels you will find, and in no small measure because it retains the feel of a family home.
The furnishings have obviously been gathered over time, and for personal comfort.
And family paintings, photographs and memorabilia are displayed and found throughout the dining and reception rooms.
The warmth and friendship, which every guest receives serves only to enhance the family feel of Kinloch Lodge.
One is immediately at home and, as such, Kinloch Lodge provides just the base for touring Skye.
And before going out or on return, there is nothing more enjoyable than plonking oneself in an oh-so comfortable armchair or sofa by the fire.
Especially with a warming glass of fine single malt whisky.
Exceeding expectations
Having taken a look at Kinloch Lodge online before we came, I was sure we were going to have a memorable stay.
That Kinloch Lodge is indeed a place steeped in Skye's history is evident or arrival.
I spot Isabella Claire's name along the bottom line of a framed Lineage of the MacDonald's of Sleat showing it stretching back to the 15th Century.
It was then that Hugh, of whom Isabella is a descendant, was granted lands on the Sleat peninsula of the Isle of Skye.
His descendants have lived here these five hundred plus years.
Flora's place in history
Among them was Flora MacDonald who, in 1746, helped Charles Edward Stuart, or Bonnie Prince Charlie flee from the mainland to Skye.
Charles had been defeated by the English at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, ending the Jacobite Rebellion.
Her bravery and indeed loyalty to Charlie are immortalised in The Skye Boat Song, and there are few who, as children, have not sung :
Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing,
Onward, the sailors cry!
Carry the lad that's born to be King
Over the sea to Skye.
Kinloch Lodge comes into its own on Skye
The historic and enduring Kinloch Lodge sits on the shore of Loch na Dal, in a landscape that is bleak and beautiful.
By Ann Mealor
Set amid the island's wild and untamed scenery, the white walled mansion, is a beacon of light to the weary traveller.
A beacon eluding the promise of comfort, hospitality, good food, wine, whisky and the warmest of welcomes on even the coldest of days.
As many will tell you, you don't go to Skye for the weather, so having a snug and cosy bolthole to run to when the elements are against you can make even the rainiest of days a pleasure.
Lived in comfort
And this is where Kinloch Lodge comes into its own.
Grand yet lived-in with log fires, soft sofas, aged wood panelling, framed family photos, colourful rugs scattered across creaky, dark oak floors and plenty of places to hunker down with a good book and/or a glass of single malt and watch the sky clouding over and a storm rolling in.
Don't let the weather put you off walking and exploring.
Bring waterproofs, sturdy shoes and get out there.
Rain or shine, the island is exhilarating so make the most of nature's best.
There are plenty of scenic treks of varying length and difficulty that can be taken from Kinloch.
The helpful team will give you maps and point you in the right direction of wherever you want to go.
Our room
Our room on the first floor was very spacious with stunning views across the Loch.
We sat in our armchairs, relaxing with a coffee each morning watching the sky change colour and planning the day ahead.
The bathroom was large with a deep, freestanding tub (I took the opportunity to have a few long soaks) and a powerful shower.
Robes and slippers were provided along with full size bottles of wonderfully fragranced Scottish toiletries by Laura Thomas Co.
Dining at Kinloch
Dining at Kinloch is a real treat and an occasion in itself writes Ann Mealor.
The dining room is full of character and atmosphere.
Huge, gilt framed, ancestral portraits hang on olive green, wood panelled walls and starched, white cloths cover tables laid with gleaming cutlery and sparkling wine glasses.
There is the gentle hum of chatter and music playing gently in the background as we walk in and take our seats.
The service is friendly and efficient as it is throughout the Lodge, and we soon have homemade sour dough rolls in front of us.
Before we start, we have a pre-dinner treat of savoury parmesan biscuits topped with goats cheese mousse and a mussel fritti with aioli nicely presented in a teaspoon.
Our starter of monkfish, kimchi, spring onion and Panang Thai Curry was very tasty and the fish so soft and tender.
It was a winning combination of flavours and the sauces so light we scraped up every drop as quietly as we could.
The chef enjoys Asian cuisine.
The main course of pan-fried hake with a crispy skin, lobster and risotto Milanese was a colourful picture of deliciousness that tasted as good as it looked.
The desserts, a white chocolate cheesecake and an avocado and lime parfait were such delicately assembled, pretty pieces of confection.
It was almost a shame to eat them, but we did and enjoyed every sweet mouthful.
Our wine, an elegant, dry and fruity organic Spanish muscat complemented our meal perfectly and was expertly chosen for us by Daniel, Kinloch's excellent general manager.
His previous, illustrious, career in the wine trade comes in so very handy when advising guests on their choice.
We enjoyed coffee and chocs in the comfy lounge before heading to bed.
The menu changes each day at Kinloch Lodge, and we were lucky enough to dine here twice.
A changing menu
The second evening, we had little cornets filled with beetroot and pomegranate as our pre-dinner treat and a dainty Ord mackerel and west coast crab sandwich to start.
For mains, I chose the barbecued highland beef fillet creatively paired with a sweet Torabhaig parkin topped with crunchy hazelnuts.
Ashley went for the poached Shetland halibut with foraged chanterelle mushrooms and clams.
Once again, the sauces on both dishes were light and flavoursome and we gave both a big thumbs up.
The portions were just the right size, allowing you to enjoy all three courses without feeling too full.
I finished with a hot white chocolate and macadamia nut fondant with a passionfruit sorbet.
Ashley had a tarte tatin, bramble and apple trifle with toasted almond crumble and vanilla ice cream.
We shared the two desserts which were both as tasty as each other.
Wine parings
Our meal was perfectly paired with an organic and very crisp Muscadet Sevre et Maine sur lie, again chosen for us by Daniel.
The Lodge uses local suppliers as much as possible for its meat, fish, cheese etc and they are all listed in the menu.
Kinloch also grows its own herbs and a selection of veg and fruit in poly tunnels which the chef incorporates into his daily dishes.
Breakfast
Breakfast was a leisurely affair with two stand out dishes on the menu being the creamy porridge, the best I have tasted, made with pinhead oatmeal, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar.
And Kinloch's own hot-smoked succulent salmon and silky scrambled egg.
Both dishes were so tasty, I had them each morning. I couldn't have started the day a better way.
Providing fabulous food and the warmest of welcomes in an historic home setting, Kinloch Lodge offers the most luxurious of bases for exploring the dramatic Isle of Skye.
The Isle of Skye
Wild landscapes captivate on Skye
The Isle of Skye, found just off the west coast of Scotland, is the largest of the islands known as the Inner Hebrides'.
By Ashley Gibbins
It remains a bastion of Scottish Gaelic culture, with its inhabitants proud of their Gaelic roots and many speaking the Gaelic language.
Getting across to Skye, by road bridge or ferry, one finds dramatic landscapes, with rugged mountain terrain, cliffs and rolling hills.
This is a place to get out and about, whatever the weather.
For those driving the island, there are many places to stop and be awed by the stunning landscapes of steep hillsides with cascading waterfalls, lochs and cliff top sea views.
For the more energetic, there is the chance to take to Skye's network of paths for a leisurely walk or more challenging hike.
Of these, the Cuillin Hills mountain range with 12 Munros (peaks above 3000ft) dominates the island and has some of Scotland's most challenging hiking.
There is also the Old Man of Storr, a large pinnacle of rock on the Trotternish Peninsula, and Neist Point lighthouse found on the most westerly tip of Skye.
The island also provides excellent wildlife watching with white tailed sea eagle, otters and red deer thriving here as do seals, whales and dolphins in its waters.
Portree, the largest town on Skye, has a picturesque harbour lined with colourful houses and where one finds most of the island's accommodations, shops, bars and restaurants.
A one-time castle seat for the Macdonald's of Sleat.
When planning what to do during our short break on Skye, a visit to Armadale Castle was one of the 'musts'.
By Ashley Gibbins
It was built from 1815 overlooking the Sound of Sleat in a romanticised, baronial style and linked to an 18th-century mansion house where, in 1750, Flora Macdonald was married.
This was the grand seat of the Macdonald's of Sleat, so Isabella's ancestors, and conceived, no doubt, to reminisce on and reinforce the MacDonald Clan's historic importance on Skye.
The new castle had lavish interiors with arcaded public halls and a great marble staircase, which survived until fire in 1855 destroyed the Castle's central section.
Badly built however, Armadale Castle proved to be a huge folly and increasingly expensive to keep dry, warm or maintained.
It was vacated by the MacDonald's in 1929, with a housekeeper left alone in the castle to do what she could.
When she died, Armadale Castle was left to fall into disrepair and eventual ruin.
The Castle and its 40 acres of woodland gardens were bought by the Clan Donald Lands Trust in the 1970s and are now open to the public along with a fascinating newer built museum on the lives and times of the Clan
Luxury Scotland
Luxury Scotland comprises a collection of 23 properties that offer the best in Scottish hospitality.
Belmond Royal Scotsman
The Belmond Royal Scotsman is one of the world's most luxurious train journeys.
It offers the elegance of a by-gone era with first-class accommodation and mahogany-panelled dining cars.
Departing from Edinburgh Waverley Station, the train has capacity for 24 passengers in 12 twin or double cabins.
https://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/hotels-experiences/belmond-royal-scotsman/
Crinan Hotel
The Crinan Hotel is a family-run hotel with views of Argyll's rugged coastline.
Each of the 20 bedrooms has been designed by renowned Scottish artist, Frances Macdonald (Ryan), who is also resident artist and proprietor of the hotel.
Freshly-caught seafood is a speciality in the Michelin Recommended restaurant.
https://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/hotels-experiences/crinan-hotel/
Cringletie
Cringletie is a historic 28 acre estate dating back to the 1660's.
It is located in a rural setting three miles from the Royal Burgh of Peebles and a 35 minute drive from Edinburgh.
Cringletie comprises a Baronial Castle hotel of 13 rooms, a two bedroom guest cottage, a fine dining restaurant and landscaped grounds,with the original Walled Garden as its centrepiece.
https://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/hotels-experiences/cringletie/
Crossbasket Castle
Crossbasket Castle is a 17th-century castle that is now a five-star hotel some 20 minutes from Glasgow.
It has nine bedrooms, one of which is a four-storey tower suite dating back to the 16th-century, and a two-bedroom Gate Lodge.
The restaurant is overseen by Albert and Michel Roux Jr.
https://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/hotels-experiences/crossbasket-castle/
Douneside House
Douneside House is a country house and estate set in 17 acres of grounds in Aberdeenshire.
Once owned by the MacRobert family, today it offers a luxury stay in its 11 bedrooms, apartments and holiday cottages.
https://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/hotels-experiences/douneside-house/
Fingal
Fingal, by The Royal Yacht Britannia, is Scotland's first luxury floating hotel.
Formerly a lighthouse tender, she has been transformed into a 22 cabin boutique hotel and exclusive use venue.
Permanently berthed on Edinburgh's waterfront, Fingal is located a short distance from the city centre.
https://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/hotels-experiences/fingal/
Fonab Castle
Fonab is a Scots Baronial castle that has been lovingly restored into Pitlochry's only five-star hotel and spa.
Nestled in woodland above Loch Faskally, it offers comfort, style and fine views.
https://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/hotels-experiences/fonab-castle-hotel-spa/
Glenapp Castle
Glenapp Castle is a five-red-star hotel in Ayrshire, surrounded by sea views.
A Scottish baronial style property dating back to 1870, Glenapp has 21 bedrooms including a rooftop penthouse suite and an award-winning restaurant that boasts views across the Ayrshire coastline.
https://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/hotels-experiences/glenapp-castle/
Glencoe House
Glencoe House is a five-star mansion in the heart of Scotland's most famous Glen.
It offers suite-only accommodation with panoramic sea and mountain views.
The property is located in 10 acres of private gardens.
https://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/hotels-experiences/glencoe-house/
Glenmorangie House
This boutique Highland hotel is located close to Glenmorangie Distillery in Tain.
Located on the Moray Firth coast, this nine bedroom hotel also offers AA Rosette awarded dining.
https://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/hotels-experiences/glenmorangie-house/
Greywalls Hotel
Greywalls Hotel is a five-star Edwardian country house located on the edge of Muirfield Golf Championship Course, some 20 miles from Edinburgh.
Built in 1901 as a luxury holiday home, it combines the ambience of a private house with the style and grandeur of a first class hotel.
There are 23 bedrooms with views of the rolling East Lothian countryside and Firth of Forth and fine dining at its Chez Roux restaurant.
https://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/hotels-experiences/greywalls-hotel/
Hebridean Island Cruises
The Hebridean Princess is a luxury cruise ship touring some of Scotland's most remote lochs and bays.
Offering the comfort and service of a floating country house, every cruise is all-inclusive.
A maximum of 50 guests ensures there is a distinctly personal touch to every trip.
https://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/hotels-experiences/hebridean-island-cruises/
Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Inverlochy Castle Hotel is a 19th-century castle in Fort William located in the foothills of the Ben Nevis.
Each of its 17 rooms and suites and the Gate Lodge offer views of the surrounding countryside or private loch.
The restaurant 'Seasgair', which Gaelic for cosy, warm and comfortable, is is headed up by chef Michael Roux Jr.
https://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/hotels-experiences/inverlochy-castle-hotel/
The Isle of Eriska Hotel
The Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Island is a five-star destination on a private island a few miles north of Oban.
A Scottish baronial hotel in 365 acres of private land, it has 34 bedrooms and suites and an award-winning spa and restaurant.
https://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/hotels-experiences/the-isle-of-eriska-hotel-spa-and-island/
Kinloch Lodge
Kinloch Lodge is a historic hotel on the shore of Loch-Na-Dal at the foot of Kinloch Hill on the Isle of Skye.
This family-run hotel is surrounded by still lochs and mountains and a base for Skye's outstanding natural landscape.
https://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/hotels-experiences/kinloch-lodge/
Knockinaam Lodge
Knockinaam Lodge is a five-star former shooting lodge in Dumfries and Galloway with a private cove and views over the Irish Sea.
It once hosted Churchill and Eisenhower as they planned the D-Day landings.
The property is now a luxury hotel with 10 bedrooms and an AA 3 Rosette restaurant.
https://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/hotels-experiences/knockinaam-lodge/
Murrayshall Country Estate
Located in rural Perthshire, the historic Murrayshall dates back over 400 years.
Once the grand home of war hero Lord Lynedoch, it has 40 rooms and suites and fine food at its brasserie and bar.
Guests can explore the extensive grounds, enjoy 27-holes of parkland golf and a range of activities
https://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/hotels-experiences/murrayshall-country-estate/
Rocpool Reserve Hotel
Rocpool Reserve Hotel is a five-star Georgian mansion house hotel offeringInverness with 11 bedrooms.
https://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/hotels-experiences/rocpool-reserve-hotel/
Sheraton Grand Hotel
The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Edinburgh is a five-star resort in the heart of the city.
It has 269 bedrooms, award-winning dining and the One Spa urban thermal experience.
https://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/hotels-experiences/sheraton-grand-hotel-spa-edinburgh/
The Torridon Resort
The five-star Torridon Resort is located in the Northwest Highlands on the shore of Loch Torridon.
It comprises The Torridon Hotel, The Stables and a self-catering boathouse.
A former shooting lodge, the hotel has 18 individually designed bedrooms and an AA 3 Rosette restaurant and is surrounded by 58 acres of parkland.
https://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/hotels-experiences/the-torridon/
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