Day trips

Head north from here to Drumnadrochit for Urquhart castle, Loch Ness cruises and not one, but two Loch Ness exhibitions. When you’ve had your fill of Loch Ness facts and figures, work your way back through Invermoriston to see St Columba’s Well and the old summer house with views of the river Moriston, alternatively, head up to Inverness and down the rugged south side of Loch Ness for forest walks at Inverfarigaig or a short walk to falls of Foyer (nice burgers and sticky toffee puddings at the Waterfall cafe!). Either way, continue south to the attractive village of Fort Augustus, relax and watch the boats navigate the flight of locks that runs straight through the village, enjoy a fine Loch Ness view point and pet the animals at the rare breeds park.

After a brief stop at the Glengarry view point for a photo opportunity, continue west towards the Isle of Skye. You can either travel through Mam Ratagan (another great view point) and travel to Skye the romantic way on a small 6 car turntable ferry or continue on the main road to Eilean Donan Castle and travel over to Skye on the road bridge.

Once on Skye you’ll be blown away by the scenery, make a stop in Broadford for a refuel and a visit to the Serpentarium (they let you hold snakes!) after numerous photo stops you’ll eventually get to the picturesque town of Portree for fish & chips and icecreams by the harbour and some lovely independent shops. From here the options are endless, continue north for the Trotternish peninsula and the Old Man of Storr and Quirang. Alternatively you could head over to the Talisker Distillery or head down to Elgol for magnificent views across to the Cuillin Mountains and Cruise on Loch Coruisk. After your day on Skye, head back past a beautifully lit up Eileen Donan Castle.

Head south from the hostel on the A82 past the Nevis Range (maybe stopping for a ride up the gondola?) to the Ben Nevis distillery. From the distillery head west along the famous Road To The Isles, stopping for a photograph of Neptune’s Staircase (a flight of 8 locks on the Caledonian canal) on your way to Glenfinnan. Time your trip to Glenfinnan right and you’ll see the “Harry Potter” train puff it’s way over the magnificent Glenfinnan viaduct, then check out the monument and museum and enjoy spectacular views of Loch Shiel. Continue westwards to Arisaig and while away the afternoon strolling along golden beaches.

Follow the A82 south to Spean Bridge, then take the A86 east towards the Cairngorms and you’ll soon be in “Monarch of the Glen” country – see the famous gatehouse as you drive past the entrance to Ardverikie House. Hire some bikes at Laggan Wolftrax or continue to the Dalwhinnie distillery. Travel north from Dalwhinnie and you’ll be able to visit Mercedes the polar bear at the Highland Wildlife Park. Continue north and you’ll arrive at Aviemore, centre of the Cairngorm National Park.

If you are in Invergarry between 2 and 5pm we strongly reccommend you visit the Glengarry Castle Hotel for afternoon tea.

Near Fort William for lunch? We like the Ben Nevis Inn at the foot of Ben Nevis near Achintee.

Also check out this interactive map of the local area