Moor of Rannoch Hotel

Life slows down at this ‘beautifully remote’ hotel, which stands amid the ‘captivating wild scenery’ of uninhabited moorland. Scott Meikle and Stephanie Graham are the ‘professional but refreshingly laid-back’ owners; expect a ‘relaxed’ warmth and genuine hospitality. ‘We took the sleeper train from London. Scott met us on the platform and took our bags; a lovely breakfast was waiting at the hotel.’ The absence of ‘modern-day essentials’ (like Wi-Fi and a mobile phone signal) encourages a ‘convivial’ atmosphere, devotees say. ‘There are always such interesting people to chat with.’ Nonetheless, ‘despite the intimacy of the place, we felt we had space to relax’. Straightforward bedrooms are ‘well equipped’, ‘quiet’, ‘just big enough’; each has ‘stunning’ views. ‘While Scott is the consummate host, Steph is the talented chef.’ Her ‘good-value’ ‘slow-food’ dinners have ‘sensible flavour combinations – scallops with cauliflower, venison with juniper, etc’. In the morning, as the mist hangs over the moor, sit down to a ‘hearty, freshly cooked’ breakfast served with home-made tattie scones or warm toast. (KD, Joel Mumford, Mark Slaney, DS)