An overnight at the luxurious Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness

One thing that I’m taking away from this year is just how beautiful a country Scotland is. I know it’s world-renowned for it but rather ashamedly until 2019, I had seen very little of it with my own eyes.

With the end of the year fast approaching I decided to squeeze in one more trip north and one more drive through my favourite corner of Scotland, Glencoe.

Earlier this year Ness Walk Hotel opened its doors by the banks of the River Ness in Inverness, and they had invited me and my mate Peter up for an overnight. This seemed like the perfect excuse for that last-minute road trip that I’d been thinking about.

At first glance, Ness Walk Hotel is a rather unassuming property at the bottom of a quiet lane. In all honesty, it felt like I’d arrived at a friend’s house rather than a 5-star hotel.

It’s only once you get inside the beautifully restored 19th-century house, the rest of the property and the modern extension which houses the rooms and function suite becomes visible behind the canopy of trees and gardens.

Ness Walk has just 47 bedrooms, so it has that boutique feel to it and definitely offers that personal service to match.

Each of the bedrooms is styled in a traditional yet modern way. I checked into a ‘Cedar’ room and the natural light and the view down across the gardens to the river from the huge floor to ceiling window was a highlight for me.

My room was well appointed too with a flatscreen TV offering a Sky TV package, huge kingsize bed and a lovely modern bathroom complete with Arran Aromatics products.

The hotel serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in their Torrish Restaurant which specialises in the best local ingredients and the freshest produce. We tried the dinner menu and enjoyed a decadent meal consisting of west coast scallops to start (which were huge), beef fillet and seasonal veg for the main and winterberry dessert. To say that it was delicious would be a huge understatement!

The thing that I enjoyed most about Ness Walk was the tranquil vibe though. The mood was major chill and there are plenty of corners and lounges where you can grab a comfy seat and simply relax. I really liked that.

The only thing that I’d have liked in addition is maybe some spa facilities as if I’m planning a chilled weekend it’s something, I generally look for, but I understand that in a boutique property like this space is an issue.

Ness Walk is the ideal base whether you’re simply visiting the city of Inverness itself or planning on exploring further. Loch Ness is just a 10-minute drive away and the breath-taking Inverness Castle just a short walk.

Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart and Nairn golf courses are all just a short drive away, making it a haven for golfers, and, for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, fishing, off-road driving and horse riding are all within easy reach.   You’re spoilt for choice, to be honest!

Book your stay at nesswalk.com.