Explore the Highlands - Scottish Highland Tours
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...
So much to see & do