Autumn in Argyll: Mushrooms and mountain air

Hidden ten miles down a single track road, Ardanaiseig is one of Scotland's most exclusive and relaxing retreats. Autumn is a spectacular time to visit as the hotel boasts its own historic Victorian gardens, overflowing with colourful, unusual and valuable trees and in the autumn, bursting with over 27 varieties of wild mushrooms.

For the first time ever, Ardanaiseig is offering guests the chance to forage in the woods for wild mushrooms, and then enjoy their loot as award winning Chef de Cuisine, Gary Goldie, incorporates the fresh mushrooms into his renowned five-course evening meal.

The restaurant, which serves a different five-course gourmet menu every evening, is a lavish affair worth travelling for, with creative French-influenced dishes featuring local fish for which the West Coast is so famous, as well as local game, meat and hand-picked wild herbs. Appetisers and pre-desserts are part of the very special culinary experience, and even the chocolates are homemade.

Surrounded by hills, including a number of Munros, water and quiet country roads, energetic guests are spoilt for choice with excellent walking, fishing, boating and cycling all available on the doorstep. There is also an abundance of wildlife and the garden itself has over 100 different species of trees, producing spectacular colour in autumn months.

During October, Ardanaiseig is offering three nights for the price of two. Packages range from £320 - £447 for three nights dinner, bed and breakfast, Sunday through to Thursday. This offer is based on two adults sharing a double or twin bedded room when dinner is booked for three nights.

For more information, log on to Ardanaiseig.com.