Local Area
Exploring the Great Glen
Using your spectacular lodge as a base you can travel the mysterious “Land of Lochaber” visiting historic towns such as Fort William and Fort Augustus, and seeing the many sites of the natural phenomena of the Great Glen . You should visits to the ruins of Inverlochy Castle on the outskirts of Fort William, and Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness.
There is so much to do and see, visiting castles, whisky trails, craft centres, museums, wildlife parks, nature reserves. Enjoy a day trip by nostalgic steam train from Fort William to Mallaig on the West Coast and take the road or ferry to the magical Isle of Skye.
The Great Outdoors – This is the country for those who love wide open spaces; the freshness and clarity of scented air and breath-taking views that arrive round every corner. Ramble through the magnificent solitude of Scottish Glens and hills or up onto the slopes for a fine day’s ski-ing; try the many golf courses or fish the promising waters.
Loch Ness – is on your doorstep! Take a boat trip on this world-famous stretch of water and you never know “Nessie” might rise to the occasion!
Day trips from the Great Glen Water Park
There are a number of very scenic areas close to Great Glen. The following are some suggested trips that can easily be managed within a day:
Isle of Skye
The road (A87) offers some really unspoilt scenery and takes you past Loch Garry, (believe it or not, this Loch looks like a map of Scotland from the viewpoint at the top of the hill). You will also go through some rugged mountain scenery and past the Cluanie Inn a handy place for a spot of lunch. Further on towards Kyle of Lochalsh you will pass Eilean Donan castle, which is perhaps the most photographed of all the castles in Scotland. Once you reach Kyle of Lochalsh, you can access Skye via the road bridge. Skye is famous for its mountain ranges and is best visited on a clear day to get the best of the scenery.
Glengarry and Kinloch Hourn
Travel on the A82 to Invergarry, turn left on the A87 and follow the road approximately four miles, turning left onto a single track road signposted Tomdoun. This road continues for about 20 miles until it reaches Kinloch Hourn, a dead end where Loch Hourn flows out into the sound of sleat. Spectacular wilderness scenery with a high probability of sighting of deer.
Loch Arkaig
At the Commando Memorial, turn right at the sign post for Gairlochy. After crossing the swing bridge over the canal, head for Achnacarry, turning left towards Loch Arkaig. Great scenery and some spectacular waterfalls can be found along this road.
Silver sands Morar
Arisaig, Mallaig and the white sands of Morar
If you like beaches then you’ll love this trip. Follow A82 and as you come to Fort William, turn right on the A830, signposted Mallaig. Known as the “Road to the Isles” this has classical Highland scenery and featured as a location in many films.
The road follows the shores of Loch Eil and brings you to Glenfinnan. Glenfinnan was made famous back in 1745, when Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the Stuart clan and you can park and visit the monument and the visitor centre. Glenfinnan and the surrounding area have another more recent claim to fame as the setting for a number of sequences in the Harry Potter films.
Continue to follow the road to Arisaig and then Mallaig. Good bar meals to be had at Arisaig Hotel ( the White Hotel on the hill approximately 3 miles beyond the village). The road winds its way right down to the shoreline and a number of sandy coves, passing Traigh golf course – a nine hole course built on the machir, which offers a great golf experience in the summer months. Mallaig itself, at the end of the road, is a busy fishing village and also the main ferry terminal to the Isle of Skye.