In a 'beautiful location on the shore' of Loch Sunart, where otters swim in the waters and red squirrels scamper around the land, this 18th-century lodge offers country-house comforts and plenty of Scottish flair, ranging from tartan fabrics to homemade shortbread. It once served as a garrison for troops hunting down Jacobite rebels, and was dubbed 'The Barracks', but it is anything but barrack-like now. Just fresh from a major refurbishment of its public areas and bedrooms, it is the perfect bolthole from which to explore Scotland's remote Ardnamurchan Peninsula. A reader was delighted with his 'spacious bedroom with wonderful views over Loch Sunart'. Bathrooms, some with bath and walk-in shower, have underfloor heating. You can eat casually in the brasserie, while, in the restaurant, a tasting menu includes dishes such as grilled lemon sole with prawn and chorizo butter and roast loin of Highland venison. Service is 'excellent and pro-active'. Breakfast on a kipper or a full Scottish before a day's mountain-biking, kayaking, boating or wild swimming. Or just set off on a walk with your dog from the hotel door. (RG, and others)