Our unique twin centre includes two special four star hotels in stunning lochside locations.

Day One

Your first hotel, is in a peaceful village, in a hidden corner of Argyll, in the West Highlands, is reached by a scenic drive of just over 2 hours from Glasgow, or by short ferry across the Clyde.

Your Hotel

Enjoying spectacular views of the Isle of Bute, your hotel is an imposing Victorian establishment dominating the rocky shore. Look out for the exquisite mosaic floor in the entrance – laid by Italian prisoners of war. Attention is paid to the tiniest of details here, from the complimentary whisky liqueur from a secret family recipe in your room to the dramatic display of local art in the public areas. During your stay you will learn all about the local lady who dives for the scallops, the seasoned stalker who sources the venison and the rugged fisherman who lands the langoustine – you may even chance to meet them. For more casual dining, the popular Shinty Bar offers simpler snacks and is crammed with memorabilia, aptly enough, from the local shinty team – if you’re lucky you might even catch a game during your stay!

Day Two 

The hotel offers beauty treatments and cookery demonstrations, which we can pre-book for you. The village is perfectly placed to explore the many treasures of the Cowal peninsula, from the nearby white sands of Kilbride Bay to the tranquil shores of Loch Fyne and the myriad rhododendron species of the Benmore Botanic Garden. Or take a ferry to Bute and soak up the Victorian splendour of Rothesay and Mount Stuart’s Gothic masterpiece (venue for the celebrity wedding of Stella McCartney!).

Day Three

Your route will take you past Loch Fyne, Inveraray and Loch Awe, past Oban, then by short ferry over Loch Linnhe.

Your Hotel 

Set picture perfectly by the side of a peaceful loch, your hotel is a real hidden gem. Surrounded by trees and mountains flawlessly reflected in the still waters, you may be forgiven for thinking you have stepped straight into an oil painting. Stunning views across the loch are just one of the highlights of this charming country house hotel. Elegant yet informal, its comfortable opulence exudes Scottish hospitality.
Period furniture rubs shoulders with comfortable modern sofas and local paintings adorn the walls. Quirky touches (your ‘do not disturb’ sign is a soft toy reindeer outside your bedroom door) give the house real character, and log fires and well-stocked book cases are a temptation if the weather is wet. In the evenings white linen tablecloths and candlelight set the scene for a fine dining experience. Outside the grounds lead down to the loch past an old upturned rowing boat rumoured to belong to Arthur Ransome (author of Swallows and Amazons) who spent many of his childhood summers here.  

Day Four 

Despite its remote location there are plenty of options to explore today. From the peaceful Ardnamurchan peninsula, the most westerly part of mainland Britain, to Castle Tioram, the white sand beach at Ardtoe and the nearby ancient woodland of Ariundle. The Isle of Mull can even be reached by short ferry. After a day's exertions, try a gentle walk from the hotel along the lochshore, watching for otters.

Day Five - Return home

From £359, for holidays in February & March 2008, £369 for April & October, £389 for May to September. All prices per person, based on 2 people sharing a room, for 4 nights on a bed & breakfast basis.
The ferry across Loch Linnhe is not pre-bookable and must be paid direct.

All our touring holidays include a map of Scotland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £7 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.

We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.