The Bridge of Orchy Hotel is situated between Glencoe and Rannoch Moor. Surrounded by dramatic peaks, the scenery here leaves you in no doubt that you are in the Highlands.
But at just two hours drive from Edinburgh, an hour from Glasgow, or a short train ride from either, it is almost hard to believe.
We checked into the historic former drover’s inn and were directed to The Orchy Cottage just behind the main hotel building. The Cottage was spacious, with a large hall area, perfect for soggy boots, which also housed a wee fridge and lots of luggage and wardrobe space. The main living and sleeping area was more than large enough for two adults and one teenager, as was the comfy sofa.
From the comfort of both our beds and the aforementioned sofa, the full sized patio doors afforded a lovely view of the historic bridge over the River Orchy and a steady stream of soggy souls trudging over it as they walked the West Highland Way, which passes right by the hotel. A spacious wet-room with huge rain shower and lovely White Company toiletries rounded off this luxurious and accessible accommodation that allowed us plenty of privacy and direct access to a terrace and the great outdoors.
A quick drink in the cosy bar before dinner saw us surrounded by walking poles and exhausted bodies relaying tales of hikes and hills. Our table in the bistro provided yet more incredible views and on a sunny day the outdoor terrace overlooking the River Orchy and the Munros beyond is no doubt popular with diners making the most of this very special spot. This evening we’re blessed with the kind of atmospheric views that this part of Scotland does better than anywhere else. Mist and rain parting to allow tempting glimpses of some of the impressive mountains that surround the Bridge of Orchy Hotel.
The dinner menu is packed with Scottish influence and plenty of local produce to match. Mr B channels summer with a fresh and classic combination of goat’s cheese with yellow pickled beetroot, orange and candied walnuts. My generous portion of rich Glasgow gin and beetroot-cured salmon is served with a teepee of crisp sourdough crostini and an earthy celeriac remoulade.
I can’t look beyond the pan-seared loin of Great Glen venison, which is tender, perfectly pink and comes with a fondant potato, kale and generous dollops of carrot and ginger puree, dark cherries and a rich red wine jus. Mr B demolishes his veggie burger in double quick time, repeatedly asking nobody in particular why he doesn’t choose to eat them more often.
A shared sticky toffee pudding was well worth the calories and without further ado we retired to our cosy wee cottage to sleep off the feast.
With plans for a walk, we rose and headed back to the hotel for a breakfast that would sustain us on our adventures. We were not disappointed. A range of cereals, yogurt and pastries awaited and fresh toast was delivered to our table while we perused the hot offerings. The teen plumped for pillowy American-style pancakes, while I wended my way through a huge plate of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. Mr B couldn’t go past the Eggs Benedict and was suitably impressed.
Heading out into the surrounding hills after a good night’s sleep and an impressive breakfast, we couldn’t help feeling bad for the walkers who had pitched a tent and slept on the hard, cold ground before waking to damp gear and another day on the rainswept hill. And the guilt did not stop there, because the Bridge of Orchy Hotel is dog-friendly, but we’d decided to leave our pooch at home. I’m certain she’d have been unperturbed by the rain and more than happy with the squirrel count. As we got wetter and wetter, the knowledge that we’d be returning to the comfort of The Orchy Cottage, a hot shower with white fluffy towels, a great cup of coffee and yet another hearty feed spurred us on.
And a long hot shower was certainly a godsend ahead of dinner in the hotel’s elegant dining room. Huge plates of steaming hot fish and chips were delivered by the friendly waiting staff, who were always very accommodating. Nothing was too much trouble, despite all of the reception and dining areas being busy and bustling with guests.
There’s a real sense of history here. The Bridge of Orchy, from which the village and hotel take their names, was built in 1751 as part of the network of military roads built by General Wade and laterally Major Caulfeild across the Highlands in the middle of the 18th century. And while the hotel holds on to plenty of traditional charm, it has moved with the times, creating a range of modern annexe rooms and converting the charming little cottage in the grounds which was our home for the weekend.
If you’re in need of some great Highland hospitality and a fix of dramatic wild landscapes but don’t have time to spend a day on the road, Bridge of Orchy Hotel delivers the perfect balance of adventure and convenience.
Bridge of Orchy Hotel, Bridge of Orchy, Argyll PA36 4AD. Tel:
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