Lake of Menteith Hotel

Port of Menteith Perthshire Scotland

A lake in Scotland? No it’s not a typo. Locals will tell you many a yarn about why Menteith is a lake not a loch, but ian Fleming, the affable owner of the hotel, tells us it was more likely a silly mistake by a confused Victorian surveyor from England. The story may be mundane but the setting is anything but. The whitewashed building, part of which was once the manse of the neighbouring ancient church, sits smack bang on the edge of Scotland’s only lake, with the Menteith Hills looming behind. On a good day the views are exceptional and you can hop on a ferry over to the lake’s largest isle to see the atmospheric ruins of inchmahome Priory, an augustinian monastery where Mary Queen of Scots was hidden as a young girl. it’s a hive of activity, with fishing boats bobbing around as anglers fly-fish for trout. Watch the action from the terrace or retreat to the cosy bar – a hub for the tiny community as well as guests – and tuck into a steaming bowl of mussels by the fire. You can soak up the views from your bedroom too, many of which look out onto the water. Binoculars are thoughtfully provided for bird watching. it’s a calm, soothing place – all light and airy with lots of glass, high ceilings and a New England coastal feel to the interior design. The malt vault in the lounge area is pure Scots, however, with an impressive range of whiskies available by the glass – some a mere snifter, others seriously pricey. ian’s son manages the busy restaurant with aplomb ensuring smooth service meets good, honest Scottish cooking. The menu makes the best of the area’s many edible assets: brown trout, wood pigeon and venison.

Foodie diversion Continue your food-fuelled stay with a class at the brilliant Nick Nairn Cook School (nicknairncookschool.com) down the road. Master the likes of New Scottish Cookery with the energetic and knowledgeable resident chefs or book a class with the man himself. The tuition, ingredients and equipment at the purpose-built school are all top notch. Food, wine and laughs flow, leaving you unlikely to have an appetite to tuck into dinner back at the hotel… all the more reason to stay another day.

Come here for dramatic lake views and to refresh your cooking skills in the heart of the Trossachs.

Details Double from £180 with breakfast. Port of Menteith, Perthshire FK8 3RA, lakehotelkillarney.ie