I challenge you to find a cosier and more secluded spot than Inverlonan. Inverlonan is a collection of three bothies, each perfectly secluded in its own little spot near the loch and an ideal place for a long weekend of wild swimming, reading, card playing and pizza making (yes – you read that right!)
Inverlonan is part of the wonderful Kip Hideaways, a collection of beautiful, off the beaten track and less well known places dotted all around the UK. They pride themselves on finding small places with soul, and that is the perfect way to describe Inverlonan.
When you arrive at Inverlonan, you’re driven from the car park (I’m afraid a car is a must for this one) through the beautiful, remote Scottish countryside and down the the banks of the loch. Just as you’re approaching the top of a little hill, you can see your lovely little bothy peeking out over the loch.
Checking-in, you’ve got everything you might need for a few nights of undisturbed peace and quiet. As you might expect, Inverlonan is self-catering, and as it’s also completely off-grid, so you have your own eco-toilet and outdoor shower. If that doesn’t phase you – then you’ve found a little haven in Inverlonan.
We were staying in Uisge (Oosh-Ka), one of the huts that is just above the water, and we absolutely loved it.
With a little kitchen, dining and seating area, as well as a wood burning stove on the ground floor, and a cosy double bed tucked up in the eaves, it’s a cosy little bothy – but so creatively designed to make sure you still have enough space to enjoy your surroundings.
But there is one thing I haven’t quite mentioned about Inverlonan… And it’s the view you have straight over the loch. It’s a truly special view to wake up to.
Cooking at Inverlonan is a very fun affair – think BBQ/open fire cooking and a wood burning pizza oven! Save yourself the trouble of having to sort out food and order meal boxes from the lovely team, who will happily leave a pizza kit (complete with homemade dough!) and a seafood box in your cooler.
My tip would be not to miss either – the pizza kit is so much fun to put together, and the seafood is the best of fresh Scottish seafood! Think langoustines, scallops and dressed crab…
Though if you want a night off cooking, Inverlonan now has a chef who prepares 8 course meals in a fairytale setting – how magical does that sound?!
As with Settle, packing a pack of cards and a good book are a must! If you fancy being a little more active, take one of the paddle boards or kayaks out onto the loch, or indulge in a little wild swimming. Or, if you’re like me, sit with your feet in the water and read your book for hours and hours on end, before retreating to your bothy for a glass of wine by the open fire.
There’s no wifi, and the phone signal isn’t great, and honestly? For 48 hours it was absolutely bliss. Slow mornings with endless cups of coffee, breakfast cooked outdoors, followed by a dip in the water and a chance to really spend time together, without being distracted by devices.
I’m not sure that I’d do more than two or three nights here (as for longer stays I prefer a little more to do and some additional amenities) but you won’t find a stay like it. And, it’s in Scotland, so I’ll admit my bias – but that makes it even better!
But promise me – you won’t forget to pack the cards and your book! Oh – and some cosy slippers for inside and some flip flops for cooking/getting to the toilet!
Sound like your thing but don’t have the time to get to Scotland? I’ve also got my eye on another Kip Hideaways cabin, Rolling Hill Cabins. (Ok fine, it’s only one of the places on my Kip Hideaways wishlist!)
Inverlonan
Ballygowan Farm
Oban PA34 4QE
Scotland
