Guestbook and Visitor Reviews
Although Gruinyards has only been available for holiday lets since April (2009) it has been a busy year with a lot of guests staying and enjoying the comforts, tranquility and, of course, views, that the apartment has to offer.
We have had a Visitor's book since June 09 and are delighted that all the comments have been very complimentary.
The pictures to the left show some of these (click on one and it will open as a slide show) but they are typed out below (much easier to read) so please see what our previous guests have to say about Gruinyards:
At the start there are also a number of reviews that were posted on TripAdvisor/Flipkey.
"Escape to paradise"
5 of 5 stars - Jul 28, 2009
We stayed for 4 nights and wished we had booked more. The setting is tranquil and the views from the apartment are just breath-taking.
The accommodation was superb, the rooms were bright and clean and very spacious with modern furniture and a very well equipped kitchen. What made the apartment so special for us was, the most amzing views from all rooms. Especially the lounge where you could just sit for hours on end on the window seat looking out over the loch.
The aprtment was well equipped with everything we needed, even a huge roll top bath with views over the hills!
A truly peaceful and restful experience. We had a great time exploring the local area and driving around the lake, we will definitely be returning.A FlipKey verified reviewer - Sunbury, Middx
"Stunning views from a fabulous apartment"
5 of 5 stars - Oct 8, 2009
The apartment was beautifully kitted out and cleaned for our stay, with all equipment, linen etc one could want.
The town itself is really pleasant with plenty of interesting sights, shops and eateries, and within good stiking distance of much more in the wider area.
The views along Loch Ness were stunning as we had fine weather for most of he week, but the stairs up to the top floor apartment were the only downside.A FlipKey verified reviewer - Surrey
Wow! What an amazing apartment with the most beautiful views ever! So much to see, breathtaking landscapes and views everywhere you look! We will definitely be returning as so much to do and see and so little time. Climbing Ben Nevis again is a definite no! The boat trip around the loch and a swim in the loch are a must! We can recommend the Lovat Arms for dinner and a picnic on the beach at Dores.
8/6/09 – Sunbury, Middx.
Lovely apartment with wonderful views - very relaxing location. Excellent spot for travelling in all directions without too much trouble. Excellent apartment to return to and chill out after an exhausting day climbing Ben Nevis. Hope to return some time in the future.
4/7/09 – Exmouth, Devon
Very nice apartment with spectacular views and lovely grounds. Would definitely come back when the building work has been completed.
11/7/09 – Coatbridge, Scotland
Lovely views and a spectacular apartment. Will definitely be coming back in the future. Remove the gulls though!
18/7/09 – Wakefield, W. Yorkshire
"A spectacular setting"
5 of 5 stars - Aug 4, 2009
We spent the best part of a week at Fort Augustus. It is a unique place and the views down Loch Ness are unrivalled. The flat was well furnished and comfortable. Everything you need is provided. All essentials can be bought in the shops in Fort Augustus. Those unsteady on their feet should note there are three flights of stairs to climb to get to the flat (no lift). The Boathouse restaurant in the grounds was very good. When we were there, building works were still going on on the site.
Overall a very enjoyable experience.
A FlipKey verified reviewer - Exeter
"Beautiful apartment overlooking wonderful scenery"
5 of 5 stars - Aug 13, 2009
We had a wonderfull week in this exclusive apartment at Easter. The whole monastery offers a unique holiday experience.
A FlipKey verified reviewer - Huntly
A lovely apartment, tastefully decorated - simple and elegant. Fab views and a great location. We loved the large master bedroom and leather furniture (comfy!) in the living room. Dinner at the Boathouse was excellent. Had a gas problem for a few hours yesterday, but the caretaker fixed it straight away! Thanks for a great holiday!
25/7/09 – McMinnville, Oregon, USA
Fantastic apartment, fantastic location, fantastic views, fantastic time had by all and boys did not want to leave. Will definitely be coming back even after the upset/excitement of seeing an old lady falling into the lower part of the Caledonian Canal and having to be rescued by one of the loch keepers and members of the public. A sure warning to stay away from the edges. Boys recommend Urquhart Castle as a must visit place to explore and film. We had no problem with gulls though the jets startled us a few times! Can't wait to come back and see completed development.
1/8/09 – Formby, Merseyside
Very comfortable apartment with stunning views. Have enjoyed watching the ever-changing faces of the loch. The weather has been superb. Well-stocked apartment. Would recommend a boat trip from Fort Augustus, rail trip from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh and the lovely beach at Nairn. Restaurants - Café One in Inverness, The Boathouse and would highly recommend the Lovat Arms.. Improvements - a more plentiful supply of hot water and doors that don't close themselves. We've loved it.
8/8/09 – Norwich, Norfolk
Tastefully decorated apartment, comfortable, very well furnished and very convenient! Wonderful view from the living room. Too bad this historical site should be accompanied by inadequate modern buildings... and please no closing doors... The ‘Scots kitchen' next to the bridge is wonderful.
August 09 – Dijon, France
We have spent a lovely honeymoon here. The apartment was beautiful and the views stunning; just what we wanted. We had lovely meals at both the Lovat Arms and the Boathouse restaurant, which were extra special but the Bothy and the Loch Inn were lovely ‘pub grub'. We look forward to returning and bringing our sons.
29/8/09 - Birmingham
Perfect location for spending a restful and enjoyable week. Cycling, walking, touring Scottish Highlands. Weather mixture of sun, rain and wind but did not spoil week. On best day of weather managed to climb Ben Nevis. Apartment lovely and well equipped. Views of Loch Ness are spectacular.
12/9/09 – Newcastle upon Tyne
I was a pupil here in the early 70's so I was able to work out that this would be the best apartment and I wasn't disappointed. Great attention to detail - books, maps, guides and DVDs - makes a difference. Thanks. The pubs in the village must think they are Michelin rated going by their prices - go to the Lovat Arms. Discovered on arrival that the Boathouse was closed which was a pity. Wonderful Apartment with breathtaking views of the loch. Truly magical! Great attention to detail, all in all a beautiful place. Would recommend! Especially loved the giant chess.
15/9/09 – Newton Mearns, Glasgow
It has been a pleasure to stay in such a beautiful apartment, with stunning views, and great character. We didn't have the legs for Ben Nevis, but enjoyed the walk around Loch Affric very much indeed ~ awesome scenery. Apparently it's teeming with wildlife... all in the wrong direction to us sadly! The dragonflies were fab though. At Loch Ruthven the Flamboyant Slavonian Grebes managed to evade us too... However it's worth a look for them in spring/summer. Nice to see lots of bats and rabbits in the grounds and listen to the owls.
19/9/09 – Newcastle upon Tyne
Many thanks for a lovely stay and beautiful views of Loch Ness.
3/10/09 - Bolton
Fabulous week, apartment lived up to all our expectations. Views stunning and apartment very well equipped. Happy to recommend to others. Can't wait until our next visit.
11/10/09 - Paisley, Renfrewshire
Fantastic apartment with great views, rainy days were a good excuse for another soak in the bath!
31/10/09 – Sheffield, S. Yorkshire.
What a brilliant place to relax for a few days! Our favourite part - the window seat looking out on the loch and the snowy gardens - we spent hours and endless cups of tea there! Thanks for such a gorgeous and well thought out holiday apartment - just what we'd been looking for. Mrs Canning was a wonderful host and is an invaluable source of information about the apartment and the surrounds. Maybe a list of a few local shops (grocery, chemist etc.) would've been useful? Thanks again for a gorgeous holiday!
21/12/09 – Cirque du Soleil, Varekai
Our ten days at this beautiful place have been sensational. We chose a special place far away from home for Christmas and New Year as our first without Andrew and it couldn't have been more perfect and healing. Gruinyards gave us everything we hoped for - a homely comfortable base to return to each evening with everything we needed from the cracked pepper and coffee plunger to the great maps, books, games and DVDs. The only thing us greenies were missing was a clothes horse. Highlights included the white Christmas wonderland, which lasted all ten days, the ever-changing scene from the lounge room window and the proximity to so many lovely parts of Bonnie Scotland. We can recommend the Lovat Arms for Christmas lunch, the food and the friendliness of the Bothy, drinks at the Loch and the best pizza we've had at the Moangs! The Rare Breeds Farm is worth a visit and we had a memorable Hogmaney pub-crawl starting with Scottish music at the Volunteer Arms in Fort William and ending with midnight bagpipes at the Poachers Inn here in Fort Augustus. Skye is an easy day as is Inverness. The snow presented an Avemoor visit. The clock tower's 70 steps provide a wonderful vista of the area and Jeanette and Charles are such lovely helpful people - especially when we had a little flood from upstairs! We'd love to return one day and will certainly recommend it.
2/1/10 – Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Now we are back in Germany and just wanted to say thank you for a wonderful stay in your apartment.
Wow, we were so impressed, when we came into the abbey and your flat.
What a beautiful surrounding, what tasteful equipment and furniture, what a marvellous view!!!
And we were lucky with the weather too, Wednesday we had a really big walk to Onich Bridge and back, with a lovely rest in the Bridge Tea Garden.
We will recommend you to everybody of our friends, who will stay in Scotland!!!21/05/10 – Koblenz, Germany
Fantastic accomodation in a beautiful location
5 of 5 stars
The owners were extremely helpful in organising our weekend break. Gruinyards far exceeded our expectations, everything from the bottle of wine down to the candles in the bathroom were a lovely touch. The location was amazing and the website does not do justice to the view over the loch.
Verified Flipkey reviewer - Bolton
