Nick and Nikki Horne run their ‘top-class hotel’ in a ‘fantastic location’ on the shores of Loch Linnhe, where the ‘spectacular vista’ stretches across the water to the islands and beyond. Turn your view inside, if you can bear to: ‘Nick and Nikki are superb hosts’; their staff are ‘exceptionally friendly and professional’. Steps from the beach, the ‘cosy’ 19th-century piermaster’s house has a wood stove–warmed bar popular for its seafood platters, Scottish gins and malt whiskies. In the restaurant – come in time for a sunset supper – chef Laura Milne’s ‘very nice, reasonably priced’ menu specialises in ‘delicious’ local fish and shellfish. (Look out for lobsters and crabs in creels at the end of the pier.) ‘Well-appointed’ bedrooms are supplied with Scottish toiletries, shortbread, still and sparkling water; some rooms suit a family. ‘Try to get a sea-view room’ (for ‘peace, quiet and the gentle lap of waves’), but even cliff-facing bedrooms have outdoor entertainment in the form of the chaffinches, siskins and wrens who visit the bird tables nearby. Breakfast has freshly baked croissants and home-made jams. Afterwards, the ferry to Lismore awaits. (Brian Irving, Chris Elliott)