Loch Fyne

Have you heard the term ‘babymoon’? It’s like a honeymoon, but for couples about to descend on the joys and tribulations of parenthood – that one last relaxing holiday before life turns upside down forever.

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The babymoon is becoming more and more popular with young parents-to-be and what with ash clouds and airport delays, somewhere a little closer to home may be just the ticket to a pre-birth break you need.

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Scottish beauty

Blessed with a mix of natural beauty, history, cultural cities and fabulous food, Scotland has it all, except of course the weather! But if you can skip past this minor detail you’ll be sure find an ideal escape to suits all.

A perfect place to relax, enjoy Scottish hospitality and simply take in some fresh air are the scenic Lochs of the West. Overlooking the shores of Loch Fyne sits a romantic bolthole, well know for it's delicious seafood and family owned charm. Babyexpert.com takes a look at this hidden Argyll gem.

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Creggans Inn

Not long after passing Glasgow, heading towards Loch Lomond, Scotland’s landscape becomes truly breathtaking. You’re not alone if you compare the dense green forest and steep mountain drops to scenes from movie, 'Lord of The Rings', filmed in New Zealand. Bearing west we take the remote winding roads and arrive at the picturesque village of Strachur.

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Nestled on a peaceful edge of Scotland's biggest sea Loch, Creggans Inn is our home for two nights.The family-run hotel complete with pet terrier Hector, is owned by Archie and Gill MacLellan and offers traditional Scottish hospitality with a modern twist. The hotel's isolated location is no reflection on it's cosmopolitan owners, which is echoed in the hotels style. The cosy Inn boasts spacious lounge rooms with beautiful views of the Loch (you might even spot a resident seal or porpoise). The traditional bar hosts a number of local ales and the inviting country-style bedrooms are so romantic, you’ll find it hard to leave, except for the lure of the delicious traditional Scottish breakfast that awaits you every morning.

Creggans is famous amongst Scots for it’s celebrity connections back in the sixties (it's rumoured Ian Flemming wrote a James Bond novel here). These days it is better known for delicious seafood and fine dining of which they're especially proud of. The hotel has recently been awarded a second AA Rosette for it's food offerings and the menu doesn’t disappoint.

Rooms start from £100 per night. Visit Creggans-inn.co.uk for more information and special offers.

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Loch Fyne Area

There are many places of interest around Loch Fyne, which include of course the original Loch Fyne Oyster Bar. But our preference for dinner, tucked away by Lachlan Bay, Inver Cottage Restaurant is a must visit. You can also enjoy a pleasant walk along the constructed path to the ruins of Castle Lachlan directly opposite. We were even joined by an inquisitive eagle while we were there.

The Benmore Botanic Gardens and the famous Crarae Gardens owned by the National Trust are great for walking off a meal. For an enchanting ramble adventure, take a stroll up to Puck's Glen. The green paths and tumbling waterfalls are an example for Scottish nature at it’s best.

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Stirling

Depending on your trimester, you may want to go further a field. By combining a multiple-location break you can experience more of what Scotland has to offer.

For those who like to take in some history, take a stop-over in Stirling. The town itself is not much to write home about but from historical point of view it's definitely worth a visit.

As Scotland’s gateway, the city has played an integral part of Scotlands heritage. Travelling from the west you are greeted from a distance by towering Stirling Castle. You can spend half a day exploring the grounds and learning about its role in the struggle against the English.

Just outside the city, climb the National Wallace Monument to hear the real story of William Wallace (not the Hollywood version). Once at the top you are rewarded with breathtaking views.

We stayed at the Admamo on Stirling’s edge. The boutique-style hotel, formerly a bank, has a dark and decadent style with just seven spacious rooms. The staffs eager-to-please temperament warms the place up. Rooms start from £140 per night, visit adamohotels.com for more information.

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Edinburgh

Scotland’s grand capital is a fantastic cultural hub with so much to see and do in this historical, gothic city. Mostly known for it's summer festival and Hogmanay, Edinburgh actually boasts 12 festivals in total, throughout the year.

For a whistle-stop tour of the city an open-top tourist bus ride is a great way to get your bearings and learn the basic history.

If shopping is high on your list of things to do, head for famous Princes Street - it’s a mecca for the latest fashions and major high street stores.

Being one of the most haunted cities in the UK, Edinburgh’s old town is a perfect backdrop for a night-time ghost tour. Some even take you down to the famous under-ground vaults, if you dare.

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To finish with a bang, we stayed in the elegant George Hotel situated on fashionable George Street. Rooms start from £109 per night. Visit edinburghgeorgehotel.co.uk for more information.

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