Whilst there is plenty to do locally in the Glenspean
area, the area is also ideal as a base for touring a large part of the Highlands.
What follows is a list and brief description of some of the many places worth
a day trip whilst staying in the area:
Within 1 hour:
Glen Nevis: Lying at the foot of "The Ben", with spectacular scenery
and walks to suit all abilities.
Ben Nevis Footpath: Starting in Glen Nevis - allow a day and some
aches and pains to climb Britains highest peak, but it will be worth it for
the views!
Creag Meagaidh National Park: About 30 minutes drive from Spean Bridge
along the A86 and home to Mountain Hares, Golden Eagles, Ptarmigan and some
spectacular scenery. This area has something for every one, whether you're
out for a gentle stroll or an exhilarating climb.
Glenfinnan Monument: National Trust Monument commemorating the landing
of Bonnie Prince Charlie and all those who died in the 1745 Uprising. There
is also a Visitor Centre, and nearby is the picturesque Glenfinnan Viaduct
and the Station Museum.
Fort Augustus & Loch Ness: Fort Augustus sits at the SE end of
Loch Ness, and some of the best views of the loch are from the Abbey there.
- Perfect for Nessie spotting!
Fort William: Originally one of the Jacobite Forts built to subdue
the Highlanders, Fort William lies on the shore of Loch Linnhe in the towering
shadow of Ben Nevis. It is now a busy service town and Tourist Centre with
a good range of shops, restaurants, pubs and leisure facilities. Take a boat
trip form the town and enjoy the views and the wildlife or travel on the
Steam Train to Mallaig. Just to the east of the town you can visit
the remains of Old Inverlochy Castle. This impressive structure was
originally built in 1280, and recent stabilising work has allowed it to open
to the public again.
Water Sports: Loch Oich, on the Great Glen has a well equipped watersports
centre.
Aonach Mor &
the Grey Corries
Creag Meagaidh
National Park
Within 2 hours:
Aviemore: A busy skiing resort in the winter, there's plenty to do
in the summer, including swimming, ice skating, water sports, dry ski slope,
distillery visits, Strathspey Railway.
Ardnamurchan Point Lighthouse: On the most westerly point in the
British isles. The scenery on this peninsula should not be missed.
Glen Coe: Aptly named the "Monarch of the Glens". Everything in Glen
Coe is on a grand scale from its soaring mountains to it's plunging waterfalls.
It was here that the infamous massacre of 1692 took place when the Campbells
turned on the MacDonalds. There is also the National Trust Visitor Centre
and Highland Mysteryworld here.
Glenelg: See the beautiful setting for Gavin Maxwell's "Ring of Bright
Water", and visit the fascinating prehistoric Brochs. In summer , the ferry
will take you across to Skye in just a few minutes, landing only a short distance
from the Otter Hide at Kylerhea.
Inverness: Follow the "Nessie Trail" along Loch Ness to the Highland
Capital, at the NE end of the Great Glen on the mouth of the River Ness. The
town has a good range of tourist shops. From the Harbour you can take a boat
trip to see the dolphins in the Moray Firth. Culloden Battlefield, Clava
Cairns, Rosemarkie & Cromarty are all a short distance away and worth
a visit.
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 rugged beauty of the Cuillins
in the south of island, to the coral beaches and clear water of
its coast. An island with a strong sense of community, you are likely to hear
the native Gaelic spoken here. You must leave a day free for this trip.
Mallaig: A spectacular drive along the "Road to the Isles" will take
you to this busy fishing port. Visit the Marine World and fish smokery and
take the beautiful ferry crossing "Over the Sea to Skye" (Vehicles in Summertime
only).
Oban: A busy fishing / ferry town with a good selection of interesting
shops. This town is known as the "Athens of the North" due to the mock Colosseum
built on the hill overlooking the town in 1897. Ferries from here sail to
the Isle of Mull, Lismore, Colonsay, Tiree, Coll, Barra and South Uist.
Sea Life Centre: A short distance to the north of Oban, here you
can see (and even touch!) much of the Sea Life native to the West Coast of
Scotland, including meeting young, rescued seals.
Whisky Trail: If you enjoy a dram now and then, this is heaven! Take
the A86 to the east and you will soon come across one of the many Speyside
distilleries. Many offer free tours, and often a free dram!
