The Hopetoun Arms
This former private hunting lodge is now the highest residential hotel in Scotland
The Hopetoun Arms Hotel is in an 18th century building which was originally built as a hunting lodge for the Hope family who owned most of the mines in the area. By 1804 it had been converted to a hotel and was mentioned by Dorothy Wordsworth (sister of William Wordsworth) in her book ” The Grand Tour of Scotland “.
It may seem strange that the highest hotel in Scotland should be sited on what is considered to be the Scottish Lowlands rather than the Highlands. In fact even in the Highlands settlements tend to be at the valley bottom rather than at or near the summit but both Leadhills and nearby Wanlockhead ( the highest village in Scotland) are former mining communities which developed close to the mines which supported them. Thus at an altitude of 1297 ft AOD the Hopetoun Arms Hotel is the highest residential hotel in Scotland. The pub in the nearby village of Wanlockhead is slightly higher and is the highest pub in Scotland but it does not offer accommodation.
Walking into the lounge bar of the Hopetoun Arms is like walking back into the 1960s (or earlier). Even in August there was a solid fuel fire burning in the grate and the, very comfortable, furniture could have come from a nostalgic film set.
The menu can best be described as typical British pub grub with pies, burgers and fried fish in evidence but there is a nod or two to the location too. The deep fried haggis balls starter came with either cranberry or peppercorn sauce and for main course you could get a “Burns Burger” where the beef pattie is topped with local haggis.
A great place to warm up on an unseasonably cold day and a great welcome in August 2024. With lots going on it seems to play an important role in the local community.
Know Before You Go
The menu presented on the official website is quite out of date.
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