Where to Eat and Stay: Highlands and Islands

Where to Eat

Clachaig Inn (Glencoe)

A legendary pub with a lively atmosphere, offering real ales and hearty pub grub. The Haggis, Neeps & Tatties for a true taste of Scotland. This establishment is renowned for its pub food, scottish offerings, providing a true taste of the region. Drivers will appreciate the ample free parking available in the inn's car park. and the booking not usually required, but it's wise to call ahead, especially on weekends..

Loch Leven Seafood Cafe (Onich)

Fresh, locally sourced seafood in a stunning lochside setting near Glencoe. The Hot Roast Shellfish Platter with langoustines, mussels, and crab — freshly landed from the loch outside the window. This establishment is renowned for its seafood offerings, providing a true taste of the region. Drivers will appreciate the free parking is available on-site. and the booking is highly recommended, especially for dinner. book online or call ahead..

Scorrybreac Restaurant (Portree)

A highly-regarded fine dining restaurant with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients overlooking Portree harbour. The tasting menu, which showcases the best of Skye's seasonal and foraged ingredients. This establishment is renowned for its scottish fine dining offerings, providing a true taste of the region. Drivers will appreciate the limited street parking. there is a large public car park in portree, a 5-minute walk away. and the essential to book well in advance, especially during peak season. bookings can be made online..

Applecross Inn (Applecross)

A legendary pub and restaurant, famous for its fresh, locally caught seafood and stunning views over the Inner Sound. The daily seafood special, which is always fresh and locally sourced. This establishment is renowned for its seafood, pub food offerings, providing a true taste of the region. Drivers will appreciate the the inn has two car parks for patrons across the road. and the booking is strongly advised, particularly for dinner, as it's a very popular spot..

Where to Stay

Glencoe House (Glencoe)

A 5-star hotel in a historic mansion offering luxurious suites with private sitting rooms and open fires. Ample private parking. This hotel offers a perfect sanctuary for drivers exploring the Highlands and Islands. With its luxury amenities and complimentary self-parking in a private on-site car park., it caters specifically to the needs of those on a driving tour. The Glencoe House is an ideal base for your stay on 1 — glencoe.

Cuillin Hills Hotel (Portree)

Set in a 19th-century hunting lodge with stunning views over Portree Bay to the Cuillin mountains. Fine-dining restaurant and ample parking. This hotel offers a perfect sanctuary for drivers exploring the Highlands and Islands. With its luxury amenities and ample complimentary guest parking available on-site., it caters specifically to the needs of those on a driving tour. The Cuillin Hills Hotel is an ideal base for your stay ons 2-3 — portree.

Applecross Inn (Applecross)

A world-renowned inn with a lively pub and restaurant, famous for its seafood. Simple, comfortable rooms with stunning views. This inn offers a perfect sanctuary for drivers exploring the Highlands and Islands. With its mid-range amenities and two free car parks are available for patrons opposite the inn., it caters specifically to the needs of those on a driving tour. The Applecross Inn is an ideal base for your stay on 4 — applecross.

The Stable's Take

For a truly indulgent 2-3 night exploration of the Highlands and Islands, we recommend a strategic blend of culinary delights and luxurious comfort. Begin your gastronomic journey with the fresh, exquisite seafood at Loch Leven Seafood Cafe, followed by the unparalleled fine dining experience at Scorrybreac Restaurant in Portree. For your overnight stays, the opulent Glencoe House offers a magnificent start, while the Cuillin Hills Hotel in Portree provides a stunning base for exploring Skye, ensuring every moment off the road is as memorable as the drive itself.

Practical Notes

Booking in advance is paramount, especially during the peak season (May-September) for both accommodation and fine dining establishments. Many of the more exclusive venues, such as Scorrybreac, require reservations weeks, if not months, ahead. Always confirm opening hours, as these can vary seasonally in the Highlands. For drivers, secure parking is often available at recommended accommodations, but it's always wise to verify. While EV charging infrastructure is improving, planning your charging stops is crucial for electric vehicle owners traversing these more remote routes.