Monachyle Mhor or Ardeonaig Hotel, Scotland
 

Hi,

It's a toss up between these two hotels for one night. We are looking for a romantic place with great food, location and outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing.

This will be our first stop after Edinburgh and they both look nice. Any thoughts ?

Thanks

Ok - I don't know which itinerary you finally decided on. Both of these are very nice but also 6 or 7 miles up single track roads from "civilization" Monachyle Mohr is up at the end of Loch Voil - about a 6 or 7 mile drive on a single track road from the main A84. You would drive through Balquhidder where Rob Roy and his wife are buried. But it wil be about a 15 or 20 minute drive each way in and out of the hotel.

The Ardeonaig is also on a single track - up the south side of Loch Tay from Killen w/ the amazing Falls of Dochart.

I haven't stayed at either one but actually have seen both. I've been to Balquhidder several times and Killen many times. I have a photo of my car stuck on the single track rd to the Ardeonaig by a VERY large public works trruck doing some repairs to the rd - and the truck was exactly as wide as the road. they were in the middle of something they couldn't break. So my friend and I just got out of the car and sat w/ some snacks/drinks on the side of the road for about 15 mins. until the workmen could move the lorry.

If you have the time for either one of these - you really can't go wrong. Both are very nice. But don't expect to pull out your car in the morning and be on your way quickly.

Oh - meant to add - both are in very scenic locations.

Janis,
Thank you. We are still debating on an in-town hotel or one of these out of the way destinations.
The appeal of Ardeonaig or Monachhyle Mhor is the chance to unwind and soak in Scotland rather than drive from one tourist attraction to the next in a rapid fire fashion.
Would rather enjoy Scotland in a relaxed fashion. Besides salmon fishing in Scotland seems pretty cool.
We did settle on Edinburgh three nights - one night ( Ardeonaig like place ) - one night Cameron House -
two nights - Ayshire ( Turnberry ).

Cannot wait to get to Scotland and already thinking about things we'll on our next trip there !!

Carolyn

I haven't stayed at the Monachyle Mhor-they wouldn't take my dog- but I have stayed at the Ardeonaig which I think is lovely. The food is a bit meaty- the owners are South Africa- but it's a lovely place, in a lovely location, and it's well done. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

OK - since you aren't traipsing all over the country you could stay in either one - neither is a daunting drive from Edinburgh.

Sheila has stayed at the one and I know of both - and you honestly could not go wrong w/ either one. You will only kick yourselves that you can't stay longer :)

On such a short visit I'd might go w/ Ardeonaig. Strictly subjective - but you would be about 6 miles from a village. Monachyle Mohr is at least 10-12 miles from the nearest village at Lochearnhead.

We're spending two nights at Ardeonaig this coming September. Can't resist that South Afican wine. I also am intent on visiting the Crannog Centre and doing the drive along the A827.

OK - it's settled then - Ardeonaig it is :)
Thanks for your advice.

Janis - funny visual on the single track road and what appeared to be a spontaneous picnic. I will make sure to pack some snacks just in case.

Sheila - if we could take our beautiful dog we would. He is such a ham that he'd be the hit of Scotland !

History traveler - I am right with on the on the wine. Thanks for your feedback.

Gee I am not even in Scotland and I cannot wait to go back....

Carolyn