Staycation

By David Lord

WITH THE global economic downturn biting and some miserly exchange rates on offer the popularity of the "staycation" has rocketed in recent months.

Traditional sun-kissed sojourns to Spain have been shunned in favour of wet weekends in Weymouth as Britons cut back their holiday budgets.

As someone only too keen to head for the continent to soak up some rays whenever possible I decided to make inroads into my shameful elephantine carbon footprint by joining the growing band of Scots who holiday in the UK.

My destination was Taychreggan near Oban, a 300 year-old drovers inn which has been named one of the most romantic retreats in Britain.

Situated on the shores of Loch Awe, the hotel is situated on its own bay and enjoys some truly breathtaking views.

It may have started life as a humble inn, but Taychreggan has recently undergone a major £1 million refurbishment and modernisation programme leaving it the envy of many an illustrious rival.

There remains, however, a strong sense of tradition and history at the hotel - befitting of a site that has been a tranquil yet inspirational resting place for the likes of Samuel Johnson and James Boswell.

Set in 40 acres of garden and natural woodland, great care has been taken to reveal and preserve the 300 year old inn’s roots meaning the visitor is rewarded with a a real sense of tradition as exposed original walls and generous fireplaces tastefully blend with modern additions such as a sumptuous orangery.

Reaching Taychreggan is an adventure in itself and, as you turn off the main road to travel down a long, narrow and winding road along the banks of Loch Awe, it is one of those moments when you cast a distrustful glance toward the sat nav and simply hope for the best.

As you snake your way toward the hotel it is hard not to experience an ever-increasing sense of expectation - and it is easy to imagine just what a welcome sight the whitewashed stone walls of the inn must have been for the ancient drovers.

However, the modern-day Taychreggan offers the weary traveller much more than the humble hospitality of the past.

Among the attractions offered by the welcoming and courteous staff are wild foraging. Visitors are invited to hunt and gather in the surrounding countryside, before bringing their food back for dinner, with chef promising to cook it up exactly as requested.

Whether you are dining on the fruits of your own labour or not, meal times at Taychreggan are a true pleasure.

The dinner menu changes daily, and during my stay the best end of lamb, served with an aubergine puree, fondant potato and olive jus, was among the best I have ever been served.

A special mention should also go to the deserts - with a quite exquisite pineapple tart tatin the undoubted highlight.

The menu is complemented by a meticulously constructed wine list which offers the perfect accompaniment to almost any meal one can imagine.

With such fine dining assured, the breakfast which awaits guests in the morning has much to live up to and certainly does not disappoint.

For those intent on a day full of activity - deer tracking and clay pigeon shooting are among the attractions on offer - there is excuse enough to tuck into a full Scottish breakfast which includes such perennial favourites as bacon, eggs and black pudding.

However, the more discerning guests can be seen enjoying anything from kippers or smoked salmon with gently scrambled eggs to the majestic fillet of haddock, carefully poached in milk so that it achieves a rare melt-in-the-mouth consistency.

During my stay I was lucky enough to enjoy the facilities offered in the master suite, with the double-sized jacuzzi bath among the luxurious features.

Although not all the 18 rooms are as grand - or pricey - they are all well equipped with en suites, plasma screen televisions, and tea and coffee making facilities.

Meanwhile, high speed "wi-fi" access is available in the common areas - one can only imagine what the ancient cattle drovers would have made of it all.

During my stay I noted that mobile phone coverage was, at best, patchy, although in practice that only served to reinforce the very welcome feeling of tranquility.

While Taychreggan feels isolated, for those who do not wish to simply sink into one of the marvelously overstuffed armchairs or enjoy a leisurely frame of snooker there is much in the area to enjoy.

Oban, with its many quality restaurants and shops is around half an hour away by car.

Meanwhile, no fewer than 13 Munros are within easy reach. Staff at the hotel are happy to provide packed lunches or flasks of warming soup for those dedicated to a day enjoying the great outdoors.

It is to easy to see why Taychreggan has snapped up awards from Les Routiers, Michelin and a whole clutch of accolades from the AA, including two rosettes.

The service on offer is second to none and the setting is, quite simply, breathtaking.

Although I will never completely shun my foreign breaks to sunnier climes, one pair of globe-trotters from south of the border gave me something to think about.

Recently returned from New Zealand's south island - widely regarded as one of the most beautiful regions of the world - they insisted the scenery around Argyll was second to none.

With so much beauty right on our doorstep I came home feeling I may just have discovered a very worthwhile and satisfying silver lining to the credit crunch cloud.

FACTFILE - Taychreggan can be contacted on 01866 833211. A dedicated website can be found at www.taychregganhotel.co.uk and staff can be contacted on email via info@taychregganhotel.co.uk.

The postal address is Taychreggan, Kilchrenan, Taynuilt, Argyll, PA35 1HQ.