Email Riverside Lodge Gardens enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com
Other places to stay in and around Spean Bridge
Riverside
Lodge Gardens Bed and Breakfast is situated in the VERY BEST LOCATION
and offers quality and spacious 4 Star B&B Accommodation to all our
visitors.
Sited at the end of a beautiful tree lined Cul-De-Sac (100 metres from A82) with the River Spean flowing past our large Mature Gardens. Truly a Home from Home with a touch of Luxury.
The village of Spean Bridge nestles on the Northern flanks of the Ben Nevis range and is easily accessible by road, and we are two minutes walk from the railway station, with direct services to London and Glasgow, and the opportunity to take a train and explore the remote regions of Rannoch and Corrour. Fort William is fifteen minutes away with Inverness, the 'Capital of the Highlands' lying north-east along the Great Glen, past the picturesque shores of Loch Ness.
Riverside Lodge Gardens Accommodation
Colin and Sandra warmly welcome you to their home in the peaceful village of Spean Bridge - our home is only ten miles from Fort William town centre and a short drive to Ben Nevis and the Nevis Range for mountain biking and winter sports.
Set back in an ideal location at the end of a secluded tree-lined Cul-de sac beside the river Spean over looking the Ben Nevis mountain range. Riverside Lodge Gardens with its own off road parking is a haven for any traveler. And then there is breakfast where we provide a wide range of fresh produce to set you up for the day ahead.
The village is a wonderful place to stay and use as a base. The Great Glen, which runs from Inverness to Fort William and Glen Spean which connects the west with the centre of Scotland (Aviemore, Kingussie "Monarch of the Glen" country) converge at Spean Bridge.
All our rooms are located on the ground floor, with new spacious en-suite facilities, together with comfortable seating areas recently decorated & furnished to a very high standard. Wireless network available.
The accommodation choice consists of three rooms. Our front en-suite bedroom has a "King" size bed. Our second bedroom overlooking the River Spean has been extended to provide a spacious area to relax in. This can also be used as a family room with a sofa bed or added single bed.
The third bedroom, with a new en-suite, is a twin bedded room again with a fine view overlooking the riverside of the house. And after a good night sleep please come and join us for breakfast with a wonderful view of the Nevis Range.
We have thought of everything....
If you need special arrangements, we're here to help. We offer a wide
range of flexible assistance, and most of it is included in the price.
Special Occasion?
Are you coming to stay with us for a Romantic Weekend or perhaps an Anniversary
or Birthday? Make your stay even more special and surprise your loved
one with a special gift on arrival. At an additional cost we can arrange
the following to be in your room on arrival ...flowers, champagne, chocolates.
Or if we can help with anything else just ask...
Bringing children?
Don't worry, we have a family, too. We have a cot and a highchair
available for toddlers or babies, and there's a stairgate at the top and
bottom of the stairs. If you need to store any kind of milk or babyfood,
we will put aside a section of our fridge for you.
There is a wide selection of toys, books and games suitable for a variety of ages, and our enclosed garden is perfect for a spot of fresh air after breakfast. We can arrange a babysitter for a fee, to help parents or carers enjoy a free evening.
Bringing sporting equipment?
We have plenty of space on our main drive for vehicles with trailers,
boats, canoes, surfboards or bikes. Guests on pedal bikes can store their
bikes in our large, lockable garden shed. Motorbike riders are most welcome,
and wet-weather gear can be dried in our drying room.
We have a free hose-down space for you to wash down muddy cars, bikes, canoes, boats or dogs. Anglers with bait or angling equipment are welcome to store it securely in our locked shed.
The village of Spean Bridge is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery in Britain. The Lochaber area is a magnet for walkers, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. It offers something for everyone, mo matter what your ability or fitness level.
Plenty to see & do in and around Spean Bridge...
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 min's 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 views!
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.
Eating out in the area...
After a day out sight-seeing and exploring you' 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
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 disappointed 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 personalized
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.
A turbulent history...
Spean Bridge and the Lochaber area in general has a strong historical
past. The village takes its name from the fine stone bridge over the River
Spean. Designed and built in 1819 by Thomas Telford, the great Scottish
engineer.
High Bridge
Ruined 18th century bridge across the Spean gorge. It was here that the
first shots were fired of the 1745 Jacobite Uprising. 1 mile from the
village.
The famous Commando Memorial and mountain viewpoint. This commemorates the elite soldiers who trained in this rugged area during the Second World War. 1 mile from the village.
Achnacarry Castle
The ancestral home of the chiefs of Clan Cameron and the location for
the Commandos Basic Training Centre. Visit the Clan Cameron Museum in
the castle grounds. 6 miles from the village.
DIRECTIONS
Riverside Lodge B&B is located in the centre of the village of Spean
Bridge, which lies on the main A82 Fort William to Inverness road.
Arriving by Car:
Travelling north from Fort William, enter the village and just before
the Spean Bridge Hotel turn left signposted for Spean Lodge. Turn into
this tree lined cul-de-sac and Riverside Lodge is the last house on the
right hand side.
Travelling south from Inverness on the A82 or west on the A86 from Dalwhinnie and the A9. Enter the village and drive over the river bridge. Pass the Spean Bridge Hotel and take the first right.
Arriving by Train:
The Caledonian Sleeper train runs directly between London Euston and Spean
Bridge every evening of the week (except Saturday), meaning you go to
sleep in London and wake up in our village. Having saved a day's travelling,
it is a very civilized way to get here!
The daytime rail journey is a real treat too, as it winds it's way from Glasgow through the Loch Lomond area and over Rannoch Moor, giving you the opportunity to see sights not accessible by car. Riverside Lodge is only a few minutes walk from the station, we would be happy to meet you at the station if you have heavy bags!
Arriving by Air:
Inverness, Glasgow and Edinburgh receive flights from many domestic, continental
and transcontinental locations.
Arriving by Coach:
Spean Bridge is accessible by buses and coaches from Inverness, Glasgow
and beyond. We would be happy to meet you at the station.
Email Riverside Lodge Gardens enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com
