The Torridon

Built in 1887 as a sporting retreat and set in 58 acres at the head of Loch Torridon, this is one of the few places in Britain where the scenery outside genuinely overshadows the interiors — and the interiors are considerable. Eighteen rooms and suites occupy the main lodge, with further space in the converted Stables and a waterside Boathouse. The three peaks of Liathach, Beinn Eighe and Beinn Alligin rise almost vertically behind.

Dining runs from the ambitious 1887 Restaurant to the more relaxed Bo & Muc Brasserie, named for the estate's Highland cattle and pigs. Two bars pour from a whisky collection numbering in the hundreds, and much of what reaches the plate comes from the kitchen garden a few steps away.

Torridon Outdoors, the hotel's own activity operation, takes guests sea kayaking, gorge scrambling, stalking or up onto the ridges with a guide. It is the rare country house where arriving in walking boots is the expected thing rather than an apology.