Hotel of the week

Dunalastair Hotel Suites is located in the village of Kinloch Rannoch and is a luxury five-star Victorian hotel.

Sitting to the west of Loch Rannoch in Perthshire, the landscape encapsulates the Highland setting, from the eerie stillness to the vast skies and silvery mountains.

Inside, it’s an exercise in modern, clean design, yet has retained many original features, such as the stag

antler chandelier and stained-glass windows. Its 32 elegant suites have a silver-grey theme and large padded bedheads for a cosy, modern vibe.

After a long bracing walk, you can’t beat an indulgent afternoon tea in the Oasis lounge.

Dinner is a real highlight too. In a refined setting with starched white tablecloths and leather chairs, Edina’s serves up the best of local produce.

The dishes have been created by Michelin and Rosette-trained chefs, and include scrumpy scallops and chimichurri sirloin steak. Starters from £7.95; mains from £14.95.

The hotel’s receptionist assured us there were walking routes suitable for all. The Black Wood of Rannoch provides a majestic backdrop.

We chose the Carie trail, which begins like a page from a children’s storybook, with a gushing waterfall flowing under a rickety wooden footbridge. In just a few steps you are into a wilderness surrounded by ancient oak, birch and Scots pine.

We walked on pathways swathed in fluorescent green moss, spotting red squirrel, deer and capercaillie along the way. You can also cycle the 22 miles round the loch, stopping at Queen’s View, at the eastern edge of Loch Tummel. Victoria presumed it was named after her, following a visit in 1866 – but it is said to have been so named 500 years earlier for Robert the Bruce’s wife, Queen Isabella.

There are also frequent photo ops to be had in Grandtully, where you can taste the delights of award-winning chocolatier Iain Burnett.

Enjoy the Velvet Truffle Tasting before heading to the gift shop. Good luck choosing which ones not to buy.

Doubles from £120,