The Onich Hotel

Did you know that Nessie isn’t Scotland’s only loch monster? Loch Linnhe is said to have one too, although their creature is a tad shyer and has been in hiding since 1944.

Today’s Big Deal gives you the chance to spot the mystery beast for yourself on a one or two night stay for two at the Onich Hotel on Loch Linnhe. A full Scottish breakfast is included and you’ll have the option of dinner too and a bottle of wine too.

The trip is available until March, meaning you can experience the loch in twinkling winter or vivid spring. Take your pick.

Just keep your camera ready in case a fabled loch monster pops out of the water.

Lovely Loch Linnhe

The three-star Onich Hotel is a short drive away from Fort William. You’ll be totally spoilt for scenery, as Loch Linnhe is known for being one of Scotland’s most stunning stretches of water.

The hotel offers panoramic views across the loch to the Glencoe mountains in the east and the Isle of Mull in the west.

The hotel restaurant and lounge bar both have waterside views, plus the Onich is the only hotel in the area that offers garden access to its own lochside bay. Other facilities include a children’s playground, spa tub and free WiFi.

This deal has three options, depending on how long you want your highland escape to be.

Option one is for an overnight stay including full Scottish breakfast. Option two is for an overnight stay with full Scottish breakfast, dinner and a bottle of wine. Option three is for a two night stay with breakfast each morning, dinner on the first night and a bottle of wine.

The deal is based on two people sharing a twin or double room.

Cosy rooms

All 26 bedrooms at the Onich Hotel have ensuite bathrooms, TVs, tea and coffee making facilities, free WiFi and room service. The decor is cosy and cheerful.

There are also loch view rooms, depending on availability.

Contemporary Scottish dining

The Loch View restaurant serves traditional Scottish dishes with a cheffy edge, meaning that imaginative flavours are never far from your plate. A three course dinner from the set menu is included with options two and three (first evening of your stay if staying for two nights).

Menus may change, but starters might include traditional Cullen skink soup with toasted Balmoral bread, duo of home hot and cold smoked salmon, and warm chicken, haggis & black pudding terrine on pumpkin clapshot.

Mains could feature chicken hot pot marengo, pan-fried lamb’s liver and traditional fish & chips. A vegetarian choice might be pappardelle pasta with pumpkin ratatouille. Steak dishes can be ordered for a supplement.

Desserts could include warm pecan pie, rich dark Belgian chocolate brownie and Scottish cheese of the week with onion jam, frozen grapes & oatcakes.

There is also an extensive range of wines and whiskies to sample.

See & do

Loch Linnhe is known for being a photographer’s dream due to its amazing scenery and sunsets. But the 31-mile long loch is also a hit with anyone who enjoys kayaking, fishing, sailing and walking.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love spotting golden eagles, sea birds, seals, porpoises and dolphins. There are also various pretty pebble beaches to visit.

You can make the most of the scenery by taking a loch cruise from Fort William, which will give you a chance to spot highlights like Seal Island and Ben Nevis. You also shouldn’t miss Scotland’s most romantic valley, Glencoe, just a ten minute drive from the hotel.

Fort William is a 19 minute drive away, and highlights of the town and surrounding area include the West Highland Museum, the Commando Memorial and the Steall Waterfall.

For a jaw-dropping cable car journey over the mountains, head for the Nevis Range Mountain Experience. Or enjoy one of the greatest railway journeys in the world on the Jacobite Steam Train, an 84-mile round trip from Ben Nevis to Loch Nevis (this attraction is seasonal).

Happy guests

The Onich has a 3.5 out of 5 rating on Trip Advisor. Here are some recent reviews, edited for length:

‘Came across this hotel and said food all day and it’s loch side and in a beautiful setting…food was pretty quick after ordering. Both had the pork belly. Absolutely delicious. The mash was probably the best I’ve ever had. Garlic, spring onion, herbs, mustard, it was truly lovely. The pork just fell apart like it should and the fat had rendered beautifully. The gravy was to die for (would have liked a bit more) all served with fresh vegetables. I’m a greedy beggar but it filled me up and sadly I couldn’t manage a pudding.’ 5/5 rating

‘We really enjoyed our stay here. Very helpful and friendly staff, great service. The evening meal was delicious and portions generous, satisfying all our young adults well. Clean rooms, views of the lake, and the best showers of our trip.’ 4/5 rating

‘Stayed for one night. Nice bar area. Ate in the restaurant and the food was very good. I had the salmon penne and my wife the salmon. She rated it very high and she cooks salmon to perfection. The room was small but clean. The breakfast was a full spread and had everything. Nice views.’ 4/5 rating

Escape to the loch

Whether you’re visiting for a scenic autumn getaway, pre-Christmas treat, January pick-me-up or spring break, Loch Linnhe will charm you in any season.

This Big Deal would make for a great romantic getaway for two in one of Scotland’s most scenic spots.