A FOODIE’S DREAM, A WEEK ON SCOTLAND’S WEST COAST

The western highlands of Scotland are home to many of Scotland’s best hospitality and foodie destinations, and although some are fairly remote, it is well worth the extra few miles through stunning landscapes and scenery to experience the very best the west has to offer.

At Nc’nean, we are lucky to have a team of eco-conscious food and drink fanatics, so when it comes to the west highland’s food and drink scene, between us we are rather clued up! We thought we would make the most of this handy resource by picking their brains to pull together our idea of a perfect seven day road trip with stops and stays at our favourite bars, hotels and restaurants, in, around and just beyond our neck of the woods. As this route involves a bit of a journey across remote parts of Scotland, you will need a car for this trip which starts and stops in Glasgow!

DAY ONE: GLASGOW TO GLENCOE

The journey from Glasgow to Glencoe takes just over two hours and becomes increasingly beautiful throughout the drive. A significant part of the journey takes you along the west side of the vast Loch Lomond, before becoming completely immersed in the highlands. When you get to Glencoe, we recommend checking into the Kingshouse Hotel which is the perfect base from which to head out on a walk through the Hidden Valley, or tackle the Devil’s staircase which has breathtaking views of Buachaille, Etive Mor and the Mamores mountain range. The hotel has a brilliant range of locally sourced food (including especially good Loch Leaven rope-grown mussels!), beers and single malts to choose from (including Nc’nean and a dedicated Nc’nean whisky corner).

Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe, credit: VisitScotland

DAY TWO: GLENCOE TO THE MORVERN PENINSULA

On day two, we recommend heading from Glencoe to Lochaline on the Morvern peninsula. When you arrive, check into Achnacriche B&B which has beautiful views over Ardnamurchan and Tobermory. If you prefer Air BnBs there are also spectacular views at the Captains Cabin, Airship or Pilot House. Then come for a full guided tour of our distillery in Drimnin to find out how and why we make our Nc’nean the way we do, followed by a tasting before heading for dinner at The Whitehouse in Lochaline which has delicious food and a lovely view of Lochaline harbour. (Please note that all visits to the distillery must be pre-booked on our website).  

Nc’nean distillery, credit: Nc’nean

DAY THREE: MORVERN PENINSULA TO MULL

Lochaline is conveniently located right beside the ferry terminal which has regular sailings across to the isle of Mull. The crossing takes just 15 minutes, which will give you plenty of time to spend the day exploring Mull which is known for its great beaches and delicious shellfish. Stay at Linndhu House in Tobermory which has amazing views of the sea and mountains. Annabel particularly loves the restaurant Café Fish which serves the freshest of seafood, and definitely pay a visit to the famous sailor's pub called The Mishnish which was founded in 1869. Checkout The Misty Bottle shop which is a renovated old post office turned drinks and spirits shop with an amazing selection of independent whiskies, gin and craft beer. We also recommend the Isle of Mull cheese shop as a must, - they operate on a sustainable ethos using a traditional dairy with 130 grass-fed cows.

Isle of Mull cheese shop, credit: Mull cheese and spirit

DAY FOUR: MULL TO MINGARY

Ferrys from Tobermory to Kilchoan take just over half an hour and run every two hours or so. From there it is just a five minute drive over to Mingary castle, a 13^th century restaurant with rooms on the Ardnamurchan estate where we recommend staying for the night. Also pop into our friends over at Ardnamurchan distillery to have a taste of their whisky and learn about how their spirits are produced. The castle has seen Vikings, sieges and royalty in its 700 plus years, but fast forward to today, the restaurant has earned three AA Rosettes and the menu changes daily. Chef Colin Nicholson serves a signature tasting menu which showcases the best produce the west coast has to offer. There are plenty stunning beaches and mountains to explore around Ardnamurchan which juts out into the sea as the most westerly point of the UK. 

Mingarry Castle, credit:  Mingarry Castle

DAY FIVE: MINGARY TO SKYE 

After a night at Mingary head over to the Isle of Skye via Mallaig which is about a two and a half hour drive. Once you are on Skye there is so much to see including the Fairy Pools, Dunvegan Castle and the Quairaing. But the highlight of your trip to the island might be a stay at Kinloch Lodge, a hotel and restaurant with warm fires in a comfortable relaxed setting which has been family run for over five decades. The menu has been created by chef Jordan Webb who grew up in Bristol and has cooked in kitchens from Canada to Australia before moving to Skye to make the most of the Island’s fresh and high quality ingredients.

Kinloch lodge, credit: Bildagntur/Alamy

DAY SIX: SKYE TO GLENELG

On day six we recommend heading over to Glenelg by taking the crossing over from Kylerhea on Skye on the world’s last remaining turntable ferry. The crossing over to the breathtaking peninsula only takes five minutes. When you arrive, check in to the fairly well kept secret, the Glenelg Inn, which is the local favourite spot for eating and drinking. The food is delicious and you can often spot dolphins out in the sea from the beer garden at the front. While here, head over to Dun Brewing, a small batch brewery which is hidden up in the glen.

Dun Brewing, credit: Dun Brewing

DAY SEVEN: GLENELG TO GLASGOW

After a good breakfast and morning spent in Glenelg, head on down the road to go back towards Glasgow. This drive takes just over four hours. A great pitstop for this road trip is in Dunkeld in highland Perthshire which is home to the infamously good Aran bakery set up by former Great British Bake Off contestant Flora Shedden. From Dunkeld it is about a one hour and fifteen minute drive down to Glasgow.