Kylesku Hotel, Kylestrome, Scottish Highlands

Ullapool is a lively fishing village just up the road with galleries, a book festival in May and good food - start at The Seafood Shack, finish at Ullapool Gelato.

The hotel lies on the North Coast 500 route, making it a perfect stopping post for walkers.
By car: around 5 hours from Edinburgh, 9 hours from Sheffield and 12 hours from London. There is free parking on site.

The hotel is fantastic for hill walkers of all abilities; photographers, geologists (Assynt is part of a UNESCO geopark) or anyone who simply wants to sit on a secluded beach and stare. The sight of the fishing boats landing their catch on the quay, with the seals and seabirds checking out their lunch, is rather beautiful.

Take a fabulous picnic from the hotel for the four-mile walk to secluded, beautiful Sandalwood Bay. Dogs are allowed everywhere in the hotel, including the public rooms (spots by the wood-burning stove are in particular demand). There's even a special doggie welcome pack.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi
• Pet friendly

If it's a sea view you're looking for, ask for a room in Willie's Hoose - never has an annexe been more desirable. We love sitting on the balcony with a cup of tea, watching the sun rise over the loch.

Rooms 1-11
Facilities include: double bed, ensuite bathroom with complimentary toiletries, TV, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities

The airy open-plan space of the bar/restaurant makes the most of the gorgeous sea views and the happy hum of people enjoying themselves. Our favourite dish is the freshly caught squat lobster - imagine a lobster-sweet prawn on steroids.

Restaurant: relaxed, contemporary styling, emphasis on local ingredients. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mains from £9.35
Bar: welcoming and friendly, wide range of single-malt whiskies, local craft beer and locally-distilled gins.