Spean Bridge
The main A82 runs down the east shore of Loch Lochy to the village of Spean Bridge, at the head of Glen Spean, beneath the towering Lochaber mountains.
The village didn't get its name from Thomas Telford's bridge across the River Spean; it was actually from the original Wade's bridge, two miles west of the village. Now there are just the remains of the old 'Highbridge', built in 1736 by General Wade, and the site of the first clash between Government troops and the Jacobites, three days before Prince Charles raised his standard at Glenfinnan.
Spean Bridge is only eight miles north of Fort William so gets busy in the summer, but it still makes a more peaceful and attractive alternative base for exploring this astoundingly beautiful part of the Highlands. There's a Tourist Information Centre just off the main road behind the post office. Info - Easter-Oct. Tel. 712576, Fax. 712675. Spean Bridge is also the starting point for the excellent Grey Corries ridge walk (OS Landranger Map No 41).
Phone code: 01397
Eating Out
There's also a wide choice of places to eat. There's the Old Station Restaurant, Tel. 712535, in a converted railway station. Has a very good reputation, dinner is expensive; lunch by prior arrangement only, open Apr-Oct, Tue-Sun 1800-2100.
Also recommended is The Coach House Restaurant, Tel. 712680, which is about 3 miles north of town on the right-hand side, at Glenfintaig. It's a popular place and small, so you'll have to book ahead for lunch (cheap) or dinner (mid-range to expensive), open late Apr to late Oct, daily 1200-1500 and 1800-2100.
Shopping
The Highland Soap Company in Spean Bridge (Hours: 10:00am - 5:00pm Mon-Sat, 11:00am - 4:00pm Sunday.) is well worth a visit - see Highland Soap Co
Useful Websites
Travel Directions to Spean Bridge
Local Sights & Activities for Spean Bridge
There's the Commando Memorial with the Scott Sutherland sculpture nearby; the memorial was erected in 1952 to commemorate the commandos trained in the surrounding area in World war II.
Castles Nearby
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Tor Castle (Castle of Dallas)
Keep of the Comyns/Cummings built around 1419. Rebuilt in 1450 by royal architect Robert Cochrane and probably inhabited until mid 17th century. Now ruinous and barely existent
Local Visitor Attractions
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Nevis Ski Range
All year round resort beside Glen Nevis with a great range of activities from walking through to paragliding or mountain biking... -
Wild West Safaris
Wildlife safaris starting from Spean Bridge and covering some of Scotland's great wild landscapes.
Spean Bridge Hotels & Accommodation
There's no shortage of Accommodation in Spean Bridge. Pick of the bunch has to be Old Pines Restaurant with Rooms, Tel. 712324, Fax. 712433 8 rooms, just past the Commando Memorial on the B8004; price includes dinner. This Scandinavian-style chalet is a great place to stay, especially if you have kids in tow, and is renowned for its exceptional, award-winning Scottish cuisine. Food is available to non-residents (the 5-course dinner is expensive but lunch is much cheaper).
Corriegour Lodge Hotel, 9 miles north of Spean Bridge on the A82, Tel. 712685, Fax. 712696. 9 rooms, open Feb-Dec. Lovely Victorian hunting lodge on the shores of Loch Lochy, with fine views and an excellent restaurant (non-residents dinner only; expensive).
Further south, on the shores of Loch Lochy, is a very good B&B, Invergloy House, Tel. 712681. In the village itself is Smiddy House, Tel. 712335, Fax. 712043. A comfortable guesthouse with a bistro attached, serving good, cheap meals. Also good is the Corriechoille Lodge, Tel. /Fax. 712002, Open Mar-Nov.
There are a couple of campsites, north of the village at Stronaba Caravan & Camping, Tel. 712259, open Apr-Oct; and west towards Gairlochy at Gairlochy Holiday Park, Tel. 712711, Fax. 712712, open Apr-Oct.
Spean Bridge Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
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Spean Bridge Large Country House - Sleeps 10
Large country house near Spean Bridge in the Highlands in secluded valley setting. Sleeps 10 people over 5 bedrooms -
Merlin Apartment near Loch Arkaig - Sleeps 6
First floor apartment located in an isolated position near to Loch Arkaig off the great Glen. Sleeps six people in 3 bedrooms. -
Arkaig Luxury Lodge, Loch Lochy, Sleeps 8
Situated a mere 30 yards from the banks of Loch Lochy and with spectacular uninterrupted views of Ben Nevis, Aonach Mor and the Grey Corries, the setting for Arkaig Lodge is truly stunning. 9 miles from Fo... -
Upper Stronaba Cottage, nr Spean Bridge - Sleeps 5
With spectacular uninterrupted views across to the Nevis mountain range, this detached croft bungalow enjoys a quiet position standing in a small enclosed grassed area with garden furniture where .... -
South Laggan Cottage, nr Spean Bridge - Sleeps 4
Beautifully situated amidst the stunning scenery of the Great Glen, this charming detached bungalow offers welcoming and peaceful accommodation in a spectacular location. Enjoying wonderful views, .... -
Caledonia View, nr Spean Bridge - Sleeps 8
In an elevated position with wonderful views over the Caledonian Canal to the mountains beyond, this detached house makes an ideal holiday base for exploring the Highlands and the Western Isles. Fort Willi... -
Mountain View, Spean Bridge, sleeps 6
This traditional single storey, detached cottage is situated on a working sheep and arable farm, between Aviemore and Fort William. Set in over 7 acres of private grounds it enjoys panoramic views of mount... -
Pinewood, nr Fort William - Sleeps 8
This spacious detached family house enjoys superb panoramic views across Gairlochy Bay to the Grey Corries and the Nevis Range. Undoubtedly one of the best locations in the heart of this all year round outdoor h... -
Alba Ben View, nr Fort William - Sleeps 4
Adjacent to the owner’s house and within walking distance of both the famous commando memorial and the award winning Pines restaurant is this marvellous detached holiday cottage that enjoys superb un...