Grounds and facilities

The name Polmaily derives from the Scots Gaelic "Polla Mhailidh", meaning "the pool of St Maile". Records show that Polmaily House was built in about 1700 and was home to noble families on the side of Prince Charles (Bonnie Prince Charlie) in the Jacobite uprisings.

The Hotel sits amid 18 acres of beautiful surroundings designated the Lady McAlpine Gardens steeped in history that hold an array of secrets such as the oldest Diador tree in Scotland - called the “old man of Glen Urquhart”. The tree is over 400 years old! Other delights include a unique range of original Bee Boles that are set within our stone-walled top garden. The honey and honey comb was used, among other things, to make mead and wax for candles.

The gardens contain, unique Chinese trees, rhododendron bushes, a huge population of blue bells, which bloom in March together with thousands of daffodils and crocuses that explode like a Vivaldi classical concert.

The gardens are a delight for family picnics, open air concerts, and for those wishing to enjoy bird watching for eagles, red kites, and all sorts of species of bird. Other rare creatures include Pine Martins, heron birds and otters in our pond to name but a few. For those with patience rare mountain and sea eagles can also sometimes be spotted. At night time the resident bats come out to play and present a memorable display. The sounds of foxes, deer barking are nearby.

The beautiful Glen Affric, which is close to Glen Urquhart, is a National Nature Reserve and contains one of the largest surviving native Caledonian pinewoods in the United Kingdom. This Glen and its surrounding “sister” glens are home to an abundance of natural heritage and rich wildlife, including red deer, eagles, buzzards and osprey, pine martens, blue hare and red squirrel amongst others.

Forests, waterfalls and lochs provide a stunning backdrop for a host of outdoor activities, from walking and cycling, to fishing and canoeing, as well as excellent local attractions, gardens, whisky distilleries and the nearby Urquhart Castle and cruises on Loch Ness. In winter months skiers have a choice of Aviemore (Cairngorms) or Aonoch Mor (Nevis Range), both only a fifty-minute drive from the hotel. The area around Strathglass offers 13 Munros, 17 if including those in West Affric.

Facilities

Guests can enjoy an indoor heated swimming pool and sauna — a perfect way to relax after a walk in the area. Fishing, horse-riding and bike touring can be arranged from the hotel providing the ideal adventure. Packed lunches can be organised if guests wish to spend a day exploring the area.

The Polmaily offers a “home from home” environment, allowing guests to switch off and enjoy the tranquillity. Relax in our small library or in front of a roaring fire in the lounge and enjoy our afternoon tea and homemade bread, cakes and scones.

In the evening before dinner adult guests can enjoy the challenge of a game of pool, table tennis or some outdoor activities on the adult swing before settling in the lounge for an aperitif prior to dinner and children can loose themselves in the children’s soft play.