Glencanisp Lodge, Lochinver

Reviewed by Alister and Fiona Bennett from Oban

The last leg of the drive to Glencanisp was, for me, the best part. I thoroughly enjoyed the unfamiliar Scottish landscape and realised just how little I’ve seen of Scotland. Arriving at Glancanisp did not disappoint! We were greeted with an extremely warm welcome from the staff and shown around the stunning house. Warm homemade baking and a bottle of whisky awaited us in the kitchen and the beautiful open fire had even been lit for our arrival. We were in heaven. We had the first night to ourselves and our friends all arrived the following day to fill the house.

A complimentary three course evening meal was provided on one of our evenings and this was so good we asked Christine to come back and cater for us again. She provided a separate meal for our children and packed lunches for all. Information on caterers was sent out to us prior to our stay with no obligation to use them. We enjoyed breakfast in the enormous, beautifully decorated and well-equipped kitchen and dinner in the grand dining room. Drinks and music in front of the fire while the kids watched TV in their own room across the hall made a perfect end to each evening. For any musicians there is also a baby grand piano in the impressive entrance hall.

Activities are also suggested and provided on request; kayaks, fishing, walking, climbing and stalking are all on offer. The house itself is beautiful, we had a lot of children of varying ages and felt that the house was very child friendly. Sleeping up to 30, the lodge offers perfect group accommodation for families and friends. The front of the house looks straight out on to Suilven. With stunning scenery and beaches to visit you will not be bored. This luxurious former shooting lodge has 12 bedrooms on the first floor, most with ensuites and all recently decorated. Fresh and crisp linen is provided and the whole house is impeccably clean. It is now owned by the local community following the estate buyout through the Assynt Trust and information about this can be provided on request.

We and our friends could not have been made to feel more welcome and we are already trying to arrange another stay at Glencanisp.

Prices from £1,750 to rent the whole lodge for a weekend break