The Hopetoun Arms Hotel

The Hopetoun Arms Hotel is a Grade II listed historic property nestled in the heart of the Lowther Hills in Leadhills, South Lanarkshire. Originally constructed around 1760 as a hunting lodge for the Hopetoun Estate, this family-run inn famously stands as the highest residential hotel in Scotland, sitting at an impressive 1,297 feet above sea level. The hotel provides a peaceful, remote country getaway and serves as an ideal rest stop for travellers journeying along the A74(M) corridor.

Motorhome and Campervan Stopovers

The hotel operates as a highly regarded "pub stopover" catering directly to road travellers: 

• Capacity & Pitches: The rear car park accommodates roughly 6 to 7 campervans or motorhomes. Be aware that the entrance driveway has a steep incline. 

• Pricing & Booking: Staying overnight is free for customers who purchase drinks or a meal inside the pub. Booking or calling ahead via The Hopetoun Arms Hotel is highly recommended to secure space. 

• Electric Hook-Ups (EHU): There are 5 available electric hook-up points offered for a small charge of £10 per night. 

• Facilities: The hotel provides free Wi-Fi access that reaches common areas, an outdoor BBQ/picnic space, and an on-site EV fast charger. 

Pub Atmosphere

The pub functions as a welcoming community hub where tourists and friendly locals mingle. 

• The Vibe: The interior features a traditional, snug aesthetic with a roaring coal and log fire in the lounge area, retaining many classic 18th-century details.

• Dog Friendly: The establishment is exceptionally pet-friendly. Dogs are permitted via a dedicated side entrance into the bar, where they are catered to with pet bowls and treats from the staff.

• Drinks & Entertainment: The bar stays well-stocked with draft lagers, cider, Guinness, and a wide variety of gins. Regular entertainment includes live acoustic sessions from local musicians, pub quizzes, and karaoke nights. 

Dining Experience

The on-site restaurant and bar areas emphasise fresh, hearty home-cooked Scottish cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.

• The Menu: Expect classic, comforting pub food such as hand-battered haddock and chips, lasagne, and traditional Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties.

• Dietary Options: The menu is designed to be inclusive, offering clearly marked vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free variations for dinner, alongside a dedicated vegan breakfast option.

• Breakfast: For guests staying overnight, a traditional cooked Scottish breakfast is served in the dining room with excellent coffee.

Local Information & Historical Context

The surrounding village of Leadhills is deeply rooted in Scotland's industrial heritage: 

• Historical Mentions: The hotel has historic prestige, notably recorded by Dorothy Wordsworth in her 1804 book "The Grand Tour of Scotland".

• Leadhills Heritage Trail: Walking through the village reveals the old Curfew Bell, used historically to alert lead miners of shift shifts, and the grave of John Taylor, who allegedly lived to the age of 137.

• The Miners' Library: Located just 140 metres from the hotel, the Leadhills Miners Library was founded in 1741 and stands as the oldest subscription library in the UK.

• High-Altitude Activities: Golf enthusiasts can try out the Leadhills Golf Club, which features the highest golf course in Scotland. Additionally, the nearby Leadhills and Wanlockhead Railway operates as Britain’s highest narrow-gauge passenger railway.