8 Luxurious Hotels You Can’t Miss on Your Walking Holiday
Aren’t holidays supposed to be relaxing?
Maybe the idea of walking for miles each day on your holidays doesn’t sound relaxing to some, but what if you could experience just as much luxury, fine-dining and blissful relaxation on a walking holiday as you can on any other holiday?
At Absolute Escapes, we know that after a long day out on the trail, the promise of good food and a comfortable bed makes all the difference to your holiday, and we pride ourselves in offering a range of accommodation on our walking holidays.
Whether you want to celebrate the end of a trail in style, take a well-earned rest day, or just need award-winning chefs’ cooking to fuel each day, we have a wide range of premium accommodation available across a number of our trails. You might even find yourself with a pep-in-your-step once you find out what awaits you at the end of the day.
To help inspire you, discover some of our favourite premium accommodation on walking trails around the UK.
Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe – West Highland Way
It takes something special to stand out in the Glencoe Valley, and the Kingshouse Hotel somehow manages to hold its own amongst some of Scotland’s most inspiring mountain faces and ridgelines.
Situated on the world-famous West Highland Way, the recently-renovated hotel has been offering a warm bed to those travelling north since the 18th century.
These days, the Kingshouse is perfectly set up for walkers and provides a warm Scottish welcome to its guests in any one of the 57 hotel rooms. Whether you are warming yourself with a whisky in front of the crackling fire or enjoying some hearty Highland food overlooking the legendary Glencoe Valley, it’s not hard to appreciate why people have been stopping at this exact spot since 1745.
You are sure to leave the Kingshouse well-rested and refuelled, which is important, as the hotel is situated just before the West Highland Way’s infamous Devil’s Staircase – the single biggest climb of the entire trail.
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Fonab Castle Hotel, Pitlochry – Rob Roy Way
Nestled in woodland on the banks of Loch Fallasky in Pitlochry, Fonab Castle provides the perfect setting to finish the Rob Roy Way in true class and style.
This unique five-star hotel has everything you need to celebrate the end of your walk. Originally built as a family home in 1892, the castle and its grounds have a long and interesting history from serving as a WWI auxiliary hospital to operating as business headquarters. It has been back to serving its intended purpose of providing truly first-class accommodation since 2002.
With an excellent spa and a 3 AA Rosette-winning restaurant on-site, why not extend your stay for a night or two after finishing your walk?
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The Devonshire Fell Hotel, Burnsall – Dales Way
Taken over in 1999 by the Bolton Abbey Estate and restored by the Duchess of Devonshire, this boutique hotel is an idyllic retreat for any walker. Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, the Devonshire Fell offers views of the rolling hills as far as the eye can see, and is the perfect location to recharge along the Dales Way.
With 16 rooms, the hotel provides ultimate comfort to those returning from a day’s walking. Attention to detail is everything, with every element of the room design and décor playing its role in achieving traditional, yet supremely refined comfort.
Of course, that attention to detail doesn’t stop with the rooms. If you arrive early enough, why not treat yourself to a delightful afternoon tea in the conservatory? Alternatively, wait for dinner at the renowned 2 AA Rosette The Fell restaurant which offers a contemporary menu grounded in fresh local Yorkshire produce.
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St Michael’s Restaurant & B&B, Painswick – Cotswold Way
A luxurious hotel usually requires a few things, and what St Michael’s may lack in size, it certainly makes up for in everything else. With just three double rooms and two suites, this listed building ticks all the boxes for exceptional boutique accommodation.
With underfloor heating, a handmade mattress and a choice of duvet, you are sure to find blissful comfort in any one of the five individual rooms each of which has its own unique character.
Situated on the Cotswold Way, the region’s charm is evident throughout the property and nowhere more so than in the Bistro restaurant, where locally-sourced food is prepared with passion and served with love.
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L’Horizon Beach Hotel, St Brelade’s Bay – Jersey Coastal Path
If I asked you to close your eyes and dream up a luxurious beachfront hotel, I imagine you would land somewhere close to the four-star L’Horizon Beach Hotel and Spa.
Built in 1850, the hotel has been carefully designed to engage with its beautiful surroundings, and the entirety of the elegant room’s interior works with St Brelades Bay to provide an immersive sea-side experience. The hotel sits directly on the Jersey Coastal Path, which features a fine selection of luxurious hotels across the entire coastal path.
Of course, a luxurious stay isn’t all about the bedrooms, which is why L’Horizon boasts an award-winning spa with an extensive list of treatments available. Guests also have the choice of restaurants and lounges, however, it is hard to look past the 2 AA Rosette The Grill, serving a daily menu based on fresh, locally-caught seafood.
You would be forgiven for thinking that L’Horizon Beach Hotel and Spa was a holiday within a holiday.
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Hotel Du Vin, St Andrews – Fife Coastal Path
It won’t come as a surprise that in St Andrews, the home of golf, you’ll be spoiled for choice of places to stay. Luckily, the beautifully appointed Hotel Du Vin makes this choice a little more straightforward.
Situated in the heart of the town, this traditional stone-terrace building overlooks the stunning West Sands. With hand-sprung mattresses and beautiful Egyptian cotton bedding, the modern and stylish interior is the perfect blend of exclusive elegance and comfort.
The focal point of the hotel is the French-style Bistro du Vin, where there is as much emphasis on style and luxury as there is comfort and relaxation. You won’t want to lay too long in your bed though, as breakfast at the bistro is just as impressive as dinner.
When walking the Fife Coastal Path, you will depart St Andrews and head onwards to Newport-on-Tay, where you can also enjoy The Newport’s stunning views across the River Tay and Jamie Scott’s sensational tasting menu – an honourable mention in this blog.
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The Highfield Hotel, Keswick – Cumbria Way
The town of Keswick in the Lake District is an outdoor lover’s paradise, but that is not to say that you can’t enjoy the finer things there. The award-winning Highfield Hotel is only a few minutes’ walk from the bustling town centre but feels worlds apart.
Built in the grand Victorian style of the late 1800’s, the hotel’s quaint architectural features along with the individual and stylish décor give each room its unique character.
Whether it be from a balcony, a big bay window or a high turret, the view from Highfield Hotel allows you to really appreciate this section of the Cumbria Way, and its breathtaking scenery.
The spectacular view can also be taken in from one of two guest lounges, the gardens, or indeed the award-winning restaurant.
Brockley Hall Hotel, Saltburn-by-the-Sea – Cleveland Way
Indulge at the four-star Brockley Hall Hotel, situated along the Cleveland Way’s coastal section, where everything is tailored towards providing an unforgettable stay.
Choose between the stylish lounge or quirky bar, before experiencing true fine dining from the A La Carte 2 AA Rosette-awarded menu.
With plans for a new spa on the horizon, if you haven’t been fortunate enough to experience the Cleveland Way or the Brockley Hall Hotel yet, it is definitely one for the wish list.
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Ready for Adventure with Luxury?
All of the accommodation on our walking holidays is hand-selected using our own experience and first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay, so if you like the idea of an adventure with luxury then please get in touch.
Jack McKenna
P.S. If you’d prefer more sightseeing and less walking, why not check out our self-drive holidays or get inspired with our blog 10 Incredible Hotels in the Scottish Highlands.
