The Lovat, Fort Augustus, Scotland

It's just a five-minute walk down to the south shore of Loch Ness from here, making this one of the best-placed hotels in the region. Right in the centre of Fort Augustus, a pleasant little town on the Caledonian Canal, there's plenty to see and do nearby, and it's just a short drive to some of the loch's main sights. Invermoriston Falls is a picturesque spot with a network of rocky waterfalls and stone bridges well worth a wander.

By car: around 3 hours 30 minutes from Edinburgh, 7 hours from Manchester and 8 hours from Birmingham. Free parking on-site.

By plane: direct flights from London, Manchester or Birmingham to Inverness. It's an hour's drive to the hotel. Book flights to Inverness.

There's a pleasing combination of regal and rustic at The Lovat, with polished wood panelling in the lobby and lounge, complemented by a contemporary bar and restaurant with raw railway sleepers and bare lightbulbs. It's a casual, homely hotel with simple classic décor, letting the views of the surrounding hills and loch speak for themselves.

The hotel doesn't have a huge amount in the way of facilities, but you don't need it here as the emphasis is on getting outdoors to enjoy the local scenery. The front desk staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and service in the restaurant was impeccable.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Garden
• Board games
• Dog-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Bedrooms are simple with muted colours and quirky design features like unusual lamps or printed wallpaper. Many rooms come with a bathtub for post-walk soaks, and a well-stocked mini-bar packed with local beers and snacks will keep you going until dinner. Bedrooms on the upper floors enjoy glorious views of the surrounding hills.

Room types: Deluxe Room, Garden Room, The Lovat Loft, Master Room, Grand Master, The Lovat Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, Nespresso machine, TV, free Wi-Fi

The afternoon tea here is sublime, with trout and black pudding or bacon waffles served alongside Ecclefechan tarts and chocolate and pine Battenburg. The double AA rosette-awarded Station Road restaurant serves utterly brilliant tasting menus.

Station Road: fine dining restaurant, modern Scottish cuisine. Open daily for dinner. Tasting menu from £70.

Waypoint Bar: bar and terrace, serving rare gins and whiskies. Open daily.