Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Fort William, Scottish Highlands

Peaceful Inverlochy is three miles from Fort William, a popular jumping-off point for this part of the world. Tucked at the foot of Ben Nevis, looking out over Loch Eil and the surrounding hills, it's a perfect spot for walking and climbing. Glencoe and Glenfinnan an easy drive away.

By car: around 3 hours 30 minutes from Edinburgh, 7 hours from Sheffield and 10 hours from London. There is free parking on site.

By train: Direct trains run to Spean Bridge station from Glasgow Queen Street (3 hours 30 minutes) and London Euston (12 hours 30 minutes). Spean Bridge station is a 15-minute taxi ride from the hotel. Book trains to Spean Bridge.

Inverlochy does not age so much as discretely adapt. It's all plush carpets, swags, fringes and chintz inside - no bare floorboards or beige walls here. Modern conveniences are there but hidden away. This is the sort of place where you dress for dinner.

Arrive by steam train into Fort William, and you'll get picked up in the hotel's Rolls Royce. Staff can sort you out with anything - a picnic, skis, white-water rafting, stalking, mountain biking or a photography tour. If it's wet, play a game of billiards or sip a quiet dram by the fire.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Lounge
• Archery
• Tennis court
• Billiards
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are resplendent with quilted bedspreads - each one is different, with plenty of space, a half-tester or four-poster bed, comfortable seating and antiques galore. The high thread count sheets are especially comfortable after a day of exploring. Housekeeping is exceptional.

Room types: Main hotel rooms and suites, Gate Lodge private accommodation

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with bespoke toiletries, TV, bathrobes and slippers, free Wi-Fi

The menus here have been devised by Michel Roux Jr, and are served up in any of the three dining rooms. Dishes include wild rabbit cannelloni with girolles and spiced monkfish tail - and can be preceded by a drink and canapés in the Great Hall. Light meals are available in the lounge.

Albert and Michel Roux Jr at Inverlochy Castle: 3 AA Rosettes, formal fine dining, French-inspired, modern British cuisine. Open daily for dinner. Five-course menu from £95 per person.

The lounge: serving lunch and afternoon tea. Open daily. Lunch plates from £10, afternoon tea £31.50 per person, £43 with champagne.