 Truffles from Cocoa Mountain Cocoa Mountain is probably the remotest chocolate shop in all of Europe. Located in the far north-west Highlands I became an instant fan when sampling their truffles and hot chocolates. I was a frequent customer whilst waiting for the ferry across to Cape Wrath, an area of Scotland known as "Europe's last great wilderness." I had travelled to Durness with the dream of taking my bike across to Cape Wrath and cycling the road to the lighthouse. As there is no proper road with vehicle access on the Cape this was going to be cycling heaven and I would probably be completely on my own. The dream didn't quite work out because of the notorious Scottish weather. It was too windy for the ferry to operate. I waited for three days, checking each morning if the ferry would run, but I was out of luck. I consoled myself with frequent visits to Cocoa Mountain. Cocoa Mountain is in Balnakeil Craft Village, a collection of artists workshops. The chocolate shop also has a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating.  The outdoor seating area of Cocoa Mountain, Durness They serve superb coffee and you can select a little dish of truffles to go with it. The innovative flavours used in the truffles makes Cocoa Mountain stand out from other chocolate producers. Chilli lemongrass, peanut butter and cranberry, and whisky caramel are some of my favourites. If you are a true chocolate addict then the luxury hot chocolate is a must, especially on a cold and windy day. If Durness is too far to travel for your chocolates they also have a shop and cafe in Aucheterarder, the town that is near to Gleneagles, the famous luxury hotel. I have written about a cycle route starting at Gleneagles train station that includes a visit to Cocoa Mountain in Auchterarder. And if you can't make it to either shop then swing by their website and order online. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed. The chocolates are ideal as a gift as they are a bit different to the usual. I also love the packaging- simple, rustic cardboard boxes.
13 Comments
Colin
28/9/2014 10:28:04 pm
Hi Richard,
Colin
19/10/2014 01:26:24 am
Thanks Paul. I returned again and this time got better weather. I was able to get across to Cape Wrath on a beautiful, sunny day. I still made time for coffee and chocs though. I will write about that day on my blog at some point.
Tina Jack
18/10/2014 02:14:03 am
A fantastic place & chocs to die for. Can I ask when the photo was taken as I'm pretty sure I recognise the two people behind you, was it a Sunday in late May 2013? If it was, I'm sitting behind you out of shot!
Colin
19/10/2014 01:29:29 am
What a crazy thing! Yes, it was 26th May 2013. What are the chances!
Tina Jack
19/10/2014 03:41:16 am
I thought I was seeing things at first! We had actually used the ferry the day before & then walked from Cape Wrath to Sandwood Bay, so we thought a trip to,Cocoa Mountain was in order, followed by a quick trip up Ben Hope. A memorable weekend. I was at CM again a week or so ago in very different weather - very wet & windy but the chocs helped!
Colin
19/10/2014 06:13:25 am
That's amazing that we were there at the same time and I happened to take that photo at that time and only just got you in the shot. And then you just happened to follow my blog. Too weird! I would love to do that walk from Cape Wrath to Sandwood Bay. We just did the boat and minibus trip to the lighthouse, but I thought it was amazing. There wasn't time for us to take the bikes over and cycle it, but I would love to return and do that.
Susan bradshaw
9/8/2015 09:04:14 am
Where can I buy some of your chocolate,
Stephen
12/4/2016 09:39:17 am
I took my grandson here as he is a chocoholic....... neither of us were disappointed and the hot chocolate is the best I have tasted in my 60 years 😀
Colin
12/4/2016 10:36:50 am
Thanks Stephen. It is the most amazing chocolate. Glad that you agree and your grandson enjoyed it! It is the most amazing location to have such a fine chocolate shop 31/8/2017 02:59:25 pm
It's as good as ever, I was at the Balnakiel cafe a couple of weeks ago. There's also one at Dornoch - that was a week later, but worth the cycle ride across and down!
Colin
1/9/2017 10:07:05 am
Hi, I didn't know there was one at Dornoch. That's brilliant Leave a Reply. |
AuthorMy name is Colin Baird and I want to see all of Scotland by bicycle. Categories
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