The Clachaig Inn, a stunning restaurant and hotel in the heart of the Scottish countryside.
Located at the foot of the Aonach Eagach ridge, and across from the Pass of Glencoe’s Hidden Valley and Bidean nam Bian, one of the highest Munro’s in Scotland, is the delightful Clachaig Inn, a whitewashed stonebuilt tavern that offers some of the best Scottish hospitality that I’ve ever enjoyed.
The Clachaig Inn is legendary in these parts, and further afield as well. It offers a wonderful mix of bars that cater for sunday drivers and muddy hillwalkers alike, live music, cask conditioned ales and a Whiskey counter to die for.
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The Clachaig Inn, the best little Scottish restaurant and hotel in Glencoe
When I last visited, just a week ago, the place had changed since I had first sat in their ‘boot bar’ (the section that the weather-worn walkers tend to migrate to) and feasted on a spicy chilli that I still haven’t quite forgotten. On this occasion I was considerably drier and had swapped my cumbersome rucksack for a husband, two kids, and a scarily large German Shepherd. Concerned that the policy might have changed, I asked the girl on reception whether dogs were still allowed, and if so, which bar they could get into. She looked at me as if I was an underager trying to get in without ID, before smiling…
‘Anywhere you like!’
‘Really?’ I asked, ‘He’s a big dog?’
‘Really!’ She said.
Even so, I found myself trying to disguise him as he loped through the door, just in case I’d misheard. I needn’t have worried. Inside were more dogs than you’d find in a kennel, and once we’d chosen the biggest table we could find, he was stretched out underneath and out of the way in no time.
The food in the Clachaig Inn is fabulous. The fish and chips I ordered was perfect, and my husband’s haggis tasted great as well – well worth the cheeky slap I got for stealing a second forkfull! The kids had fish too, and what wasn’t good enough for them was certainly good enough for the dog.
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Pass of Glencoe, the view from the Clachaig Inn
During the winter this place has a lovely feel to it - I remember warm log fires and wood burners blazing throughout – but even though the heat wasn’t needed on this perfectly sunny day, it was still a comfortable, relaxed setting and it’s easy to see why mountaineers, hillwalkers and Munro baggers like to wind up their days here. The Clachaig Inn also caters well for motorcyclists, caravanners and campers, and with accommodation available from bedrooms and a campsite, to self catering properties as well, you could truly immerse yourself in the stunning Scottish countryside with this as the perfect base.
And I have to add that one of the improvements is the fabulous little kids playarea outside, so if you’re passing here on a long journey it’s a great place to stop for some lunch and to allow the kids to let off some steam.
The Clachaig Inn comes highly recommended by the candidtraveller Team!
