The Kirkmichael Hotel

Very tasty burger and chips but rundown. We understand that this hotel has changed hands and is in the process of transition, but basic cleanliness is needed here. On arrival, the external peeling and crumbling windows were a warning of what was inside. The bar area unappealing with carpet that needs to be thrown. Our room - twin - was a big disappointment. In the bathroom the tiles were black on parts of the bath, there were dead flies and cobwebs in the window (internally), there was no heating - we were given two portable heaters to help but they did not work. In the bedroom above both single beds were draping spider webs. The breakfast was disappointing - no cooked breakfast just a plate of cheese pieces and pickles. Not a good start for a days walking. To be fair, we got £10 off out B&B but I would never return.

Stayed 6 nights in June to walk the the Cateran Trail. Upon checking in and inquiring about the drop off/pick up service, we were told that they do not provide that service. Here is what their web page currently states regarding that service: "We are a Cateran Trail Hotel. We offer FREE drop off and pick up to and from any of the Cateran trail-heads for walkers who stay a minimum of two nights with us." At the very least the web page should be updated to remove that language. Regarding the room, it was dated but o.k. as each day we were out of the premises walking on the bits of the Cateran Trail that we could reasonably reach from the hotel plus other nearby trails. I do say that the current owner appears to be working on fixing/updating the hotel from what appears to be some neglect. But there seems to be a ways to go - for example, our window was propped open with a rock! The one bright spot, in our opinion, was what few staff they had. All were cheery and helpful without exception. Their dispositions were much appreciated. Overall, as we wanted to walk ALL of the Cateran Trail, and booked here because of the advertised drop off/pick up service, we would not book again.