Our personal favourite
PLACES TO EAT
Ben Cruachan Inn
An award-winning Highland gastro pub overlooking Loch Awe, Ben Cruachan Inn has become one of Argyll’s standout dining destinations, known for exceptional Scottish produce, relaxed hospitality and spectacular lochside surroundings.
Situated at the foot of Ben Cruachan — one of Argyll’s highest mountains — the inn combines cosy Highland charm with modern Scottish dining and an impressive whisky and craft beer selection.
Recent awards include:
Gastro Pub of the Year Scotland
Contemporary Inn of the Year
Pub Restaurant with Rooms of the Year
Inn & Restaurant of the Year
Best for:
Scenic drives
Cosy winter dinners
Sunday lunches
Couples & food lovers
Guests exploring Loch Awe
The Kilchrenan Inn
One of Argyll’s hidden gems, The Kilchrenan Inn offers elevated Scottish dining in an intimate lochside setting between Taynuilt and Oban.
Known for exceptional local produce, roaring fires and beautifully crafted seasonal menus, it delivers the perfect balance of relaxed luxury and Highland charm.
Best for:
Romantic dinners
Scenic drives
Long lunches
Luxury guests seeking authentic Highland dining
Isle of Eriska
One of Scotland’s most exclusive luxury retreats, Isle of Eriska is a privately owned island hotel offering exceptional fine dining, elegant interiors and a truly unique west coast setting.
Reached via its own private bridge, the island combines a relaxed Highland atmosphere with five-star service, spa facilities and award-winning cuisine overlooking Loch Linnhe.
The restaurant is renowned for refined seasonal menus showcasing some of the very best Scottish produce, seafood and game available on the west coast.
Best for:
Special occasions
Romantic dinners
Luxury guests
Memorable west coast experiences
The Taynuilt Inn
A beautifully restored Highland inn in the heart of Taynuilt offering relaxed dining, stylish interiors and a warm west coast atmosphere just minutes from The Etive Estate.
Blending traditional Scottish hospitality with a more contemporary feel, The Taynuilt Inn has quickly become a popular choice for both locals and visitors exploring Argyll.
Best for:
Relaxed evening meals
Couples
Sunday lunches
Guests staying locally
Nories
A true Oban institution and one of the town’s best-loved traditional fish & chip shops. Family-run for generations, Nories is known for fresh locally sourced seafood, huge portions and classic west coast fish suppers wrapped in old-fashioned paper.
Nories gained international attention after appearing on Gordon, Gino & Fred’s Road Trip, where Gordon Ramsay, Gino D’Acampo and Fred Sirieix visited during their trip through Scotland.
Best for:
Casual takeaway dinners
Harbour walks
Authentic Scottish fish & chips
Quick lunches before ferry trips
The Pokey Hat
A much-loved Oban favourite, perfectly positioned on the harbour front and known for exceptional ice cream and sweet treats served just moments from the sea.
Using locally sourced ingredients and generous portions, The Pokey Hat has become a must-visit stop for both visitors and locals exploring Oban.
Best for:
Harbour walks
Family treats
Sunny afternoons
Desserts by the waterfront
THINGS TO DO
Etive Estate is perfectly placed to experience the best of the west coast. From lochside walks and forest trails to mountain landscapes and coastal adventures, there is no shortage of things to do just moments from the estate.
A short drive opens up some of Scotland’s most iconic scenery, including Glencoe and the surrounding Highlands, while nearby Oban offers boat trips, island hopping, and access to the coastline. Wildlife, dramatic views and hidden spots are part of everyday life here.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or a slower pace, Etive offers the ideal base—with everything within easy reach, and the privacy of the estate to return to.
WHY STAY AT ETIVE
After a day exploring the Highlands, where you stay matters. Etive Estate offers something few places can, space, privacy, and a setting that feels entirely your own.
Set across 350 acres above Loch Etive, the estate combines scale with seclusion. You’re not returning to a hotel or a busy town, you’re returning to calm, to uninterrupted views, and to a place where the landscape is part of the experience.
Each property is positioned to make the most of its surroundings, with expansive views, generous living spaces, and a level of comfort designed for both relaxation and entertaining. Whether it’s a quiet morning overlooking the glen, evenings in the hot tub as the light fades, or time spent together with no distractions, everything here is built around slowing down and switching off.
Etive is also exceptionally well placed, close enough to Oban, Glencoe and the west coast’s key destinations, yet far enough removed to feel completely private.
This is not just a place to stay. It’s where the Highlands begin and where the day ends exactly as it should.