I was buzzing to go back to Glencoe last month, it’s such a stunning part of our bonnie land. The last time I was there, I was being shot in a film which involved running all over Scotland. We had a full, cram packed itinerary and I was blown away by some of the locations we got to visit.
Our recent trip was very different as it wasn’t for work and I went with Hubs and the kids, who are currently 9 and 6 years old. The weather was pretty wet so they weren’t up for too much walking. It had been a busy few weeks before we left, so I hadn’t had a chance to look into the hotel that Hubs had managed to book fairly last minute. We stayed at the Isles of Glencoe Hotel which is right on the lovely Loch Leven. I was pleasantly surprised on arrival to see that we had a lovely, modern loch view room and gin welcome drinks complete with dried pink grapefruit garnishes. I like the little surprises like that.
There are lots of lovely walks nearby such as the hidden valley, which is only a 13 minute drive from the hotel. As the weather was pretty wet, we didn’t attempt this with the kids. I caught up with a couple of hotel guests in the sauna and they explained that they got drenched the day previous whilst walking the hidden valley. I am keen to go back and do this, hopefully with slightly nicer weather. I had romanticised about lovely blue sky and orange leave walks, yet in Scotland we just have to take what we get. It’s beautiful in all the shades but good weather helps when you have young kids.
The hotel had a swimming pool, sauna and bubbly pool so we used that lots, the kids were delighted to be back swimming again, definitely their happy place and they are little water babies. They said they were up for joining me in the loch for a swim, but in the end the rain put them off and they went back to the pool, leaving me in my cold water happy place.
I am a big believer in embracing the wild and free and whenever there is a chance to go skinny dipping, I grab it. Glen Etive wasn’t too busy so I found my spot and dived in. It was super liberating and invigorating. I would love to return and see it on a warmer day.
We had a lovely meal at Loch Leven seafood cafe, which is a 15 minute drive from the hotel.
We also enjoyed a meal in the hotel, which has a lovely bar and restaurant area to sit in. There are games for the kids to play too which is always a God send when you want to chill and enjoy your meal. I loved the family friendly, relaxed vibes in the hotel. It was also amazing to be a stones throw from a lovely wild swimming spot.
Hubs loved the fact that there are shops super nearby and there is also a pizza takeaway place a 5 minute walk and a chippy.
The drive to Glencoe from Edinburgh is stunning. We often stop at Mhor bread in Calender which we did for lunch on the way there and back. I was keen to stop at the Falls of Dochart Inn for lunch on the way back which is always lovely. I got outvoted though by the other 3. If the weather had have been nicer I probably would have got my way, I love those waterfalls in Killin and that lovely wee inn with the roaring fire.
The drive also takes you past the stunning Loch Lubnaig which looks beautiful whatever the weather. This is a great spot to go wild swimming.
If you go, give me a tag @jojofrasermojo on social or #mojoinjection – I would love to see your pictures and love to reshare images on my channels. Have fun, you got this!
Jojo Fraser is an award-winning author, podcaster and keynote speaker, dubbed as ‘the Queen of positivity and a kindness advocate. She is a Tedx speaker and a regular speaker on BBC Radio. Jojo is known for normalising discussions around our mental health, making it accessible and relatable to all. She has quickly grown a reputation for having a huge impact even on the most sceptical of people. She has a huge passion for helping people to get their mojo back.
Contact her at – mummyjojoblog@gmail.com or across social @jojofrasermojo
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