So much to See & Do
Endless possibilities…walk, kayak, climb or just relax!
Endless possibilities…walk, kayak, climb or just relax!
A few of our favourite things…
The village of Spean Bridge is nestled in the Great Glen and has spectacular views to the Grey Corries and Aonach Mor Mountains. The village itself has a general store, Post Office, Woolen Mill, train station and a selection of hotels and restaurants.
The Spean Bridge area is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast as we are located in the Outdoor Capital of the UK. Climbing, walking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, golf and mountain biking are all easily accessible from Spean Bridge and Ben Nevis (Britain’s highest mountain) is only 15 mins drive away.
Nevis Range
The Nevis Range Ski & Mountain Resort is only 5 miles from Spean Bridge and offers year round access to the Aonach Mor mountain by cable car. During the winter months skiing and snowboarding are on offer while in the Summer mountain biking and walking can be enjoyed.
Glen Nevis
Lying at the foot of Ben Nevis, Glen Nevis is the starting point for the footpath to climb ‘the Ben’. If that sounds to like too much hard work why not just relax with a picnic beside the river and enjoy the vews!
The Commando Memorial
The famous Commando Memorial is located just one mile north of Spean Bridge and provides spectacular views to Aonach Mor and Ben Nevis. The memorial remembers the commandos based in nearby Achnacarry which used this area for training.
The Caledonian Canal
Built in the early 19th century the Caledonian Canal was designed and engineered by Thomas Telford to provide a link between the west and east coasts of Scotland. The canal can accessed at Gairlochy (3 miles away) and is ideal for a gentle stroll or cycle amidst stunning scenery. The famous Neptunes Staircase can be seen at Banavie near Fort William where boats have to navigate the 7 lock gates from sea level to and from the upper Caledonian Canal.
Fort William
Originally one of the Jacobite Forts built to subdue the Highlanders, Fort William lies on the shore of Loch Linnhe in the shadow of Ben Nevis. The town has a good range of shops, restaurants, pubs and leisure facilities. Take a boat trip from the town and enjoy the views and the wildlife, visit the remains of Old Inverlochy Castle originally built in 1280 or take a tour round the Ben Nevis distillary.
The Great Glen Way
Scenic and mostly low level long distance walk (73 miles). It runs from Fort William to Inverness with Gairlochy the nearest point, at 3.75 miles, from Spean Bridge.
Spean Bridge provides an excellent base to explore the West Highlands of Scotland. Within a few hours drive you can experience and visit some of the best scenery and attractions Scotland has to offer.
Glenfinnan and Mallaig
Known as ‘The Road to the Isles’ the journey from Fort William to Mallaig passes through beautiful mountain and coastal scenery. Amidst this spectacular scenery sits the Glenfinnan Monument at the head of Loch Shiel. The monument is dedicated to Bonnie Prince Charlie and it was here that the Jacobite standard was raised in 1745. You can also view the Glenfinnan Railway viaduct made famous in the Harry Potter films. In the summer months a steam train runs from Fort William to Mallaig.
If you like beaches you won’t be dissapointed by the ‘silver sands of Morar’ or the smaller beaches at Arisaig. Mallaig itself is a busy fishing port, from here you can get the ferry to The Isle of Skye or boat trips to Knoydart.
The Isle of Skye
Reached either by the ferries from Mallaig and Glenelg (summer only) or the road bridge at Kyle, Skye has some of the most varied scenery of all the Islands – from the jagged peaks of the Cuillins to the ‘Gardens of Skye‘ on Sleat to the mystical volcanic rock formations of the Trotternish Ridge.
Loch Ness and Inverness
Travel north on the A82 on the ‘Nessie Trail’ passing Fort Augustus, Urquhart Castle and Drumnadrochit. Keep a look out for the illusive monster!
The city of Inverness has great shopping and leisure facilities and also excellent places to eat. Nearby is the Culloden battlefield – the site of the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746 and also Fort George a working garrison which was built in the aftermath of the Jacobite rising.
Glencoe
Probably the most famous glen in Scotland, everything here is on a grand scale from the dramatic mountains to the plunging waterfalls. Visit the information centre to learn more about the infamous ‘massacre of Glencoe’ where in 1962 the Campbells turned on the MacDonalds.
Ardnamurchan Peninsula
The rugged west coast of Ardnamurchan is the most westerly point on the British mainland. Climb the 152 steps of the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse for spectacular views of the coastline and islands. If you reach Kilchoan there is a small ferry to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.
Creag Meagaidh and Cairngorm National Parks
Travelling east from Spean Bridge along the A86 you will pass Ardvericke House featured in the TV series Monarch of the Glen and also the film ‘Mrs Brown’ starring Judi Dench and Billy Connolly. If you are into mountain biking the Wolf Trax can also be found here. Further on past Newtonmore and Kingussie you will find Aviemore. This is a busy skiing resort in the winter but there is also plenty to do in the summer:- water sports, walking, wildlife park and the funicular railway up the Cairgorm Mountain.
Kinlochleven
Experience The Ice Factor, the biggest indoor ice climbing facility in the world and The Atlas Brewery.
Oban
Major ferry port to the islands. Ferries leaving at regular intervals to Mull, Colonsay, Coll, Tiree, Barra and South Uist. Oban Distillery is located in the heart of the town.
Scottish Highland Tours
Why not take a day tour to any of the above destinations with Scottish Highland Tours. Based in Fort William Scottish Highland Tours offer personalised guided tours of Scotland including The Isle of Skye, Mull & Iona, Oban, Glencoe and Loch Ness. The knowledgeable driver/guide will tell you all about Scottish history and let you visit all the local attractions.Find out more…
After a day out sight-seeing and exploring your’re sure to have worked up a good appetite!
Locally within Spean Bridge there are two good restaurants and also two hotels serving serving food, one with a take-away.
Within a few miles drive there are further restaurants and hotels all offering good local produce. For something a bit different take a 30 minute trip on the train and have dinner in a converted railway station in the middle of know-where then catch the last train home to Spean Bridge!
We will be happy to give you our advice and recommendations
Spean Bridge and the Lochaber area in general has a strong historical past.
Useful links to help plan your stay
VisitScotland – The area tourist board which can provide you with all the information you require for this area.
Jacobite Steam Train – One of the major attractions for the West Highlands leaving from Fort William.
Nevis Range – Not only a ski area in the winter but on a clear summers day offers a wonderful panoramic view of the Highlands and Islands. Nevis Range is also home to the world famous Downhill Mountain bike track.
Active Highs
Our activities include quad biking, white water rafting, canyoning & gorge walking, clay pigeon shooting, off road driving, paintballing, archery and mountain biking and much more.
Visit Fort William – Information on what to see and do in the Fort William area
Ben Nevis Distillery – Fort William’s only Distillery and the home of Long John Whisky
Walk Highlands – Comprehensive guide to walks in the Highlands of Scotland.
Great Glen Way – This link is for information on a wonderful signposted walk along the length of the Great Glen.
Glen Spean and the Great Glen – All the information you require about holidaying in this most scenic area of Scotland.