Local links
The wealth of outdoor activities in the area is second to none. Below are some links to various websites to give you an idea of what’s available.
There are 3 main centres providing a range of outdoor pursuits all within half an hours drive of the But 'n' Ben.
Highland Activities : Based on the Ardverikie Estate 22 miles from Spean Bridge
Monster Activities : Based at Loch Oich on A82, 7 miles north of Spean Bridge.
Vertical Descents : 8 miles south of Fort William
Biking
Bike Nevis Range
Ride Fort William
Wolftrax
Great Glen Bikes
Wheely Good Bike Guides
Off Beat Bikes
Nevis Cycles
Fort William Worldcup
Wild Adventures
Walking/Climbing/Wintersports
Nevis Range
Skiing Glencoe
Fort William & Lochaber Walks
mAc guiding
Ice-Factor
The Great Glen Way
Mountain Guides
Abacus Mountaineering
Highland Mountain Guides
Wild adventure
Sea Kayaking
Pony Trekking
Fishing
Torlundy Fly Fishing
Fishing Roy Bridge
Golfing
Fort William Golf Club
Traigh Golf Course, Arisaig
Spean Bridge Golf Course
Cruises and Steam Train
Wildlife Cruises Arisaig
Loch Sheil Cruises
Seal island cruises
Jacobite Steam Train
Photography
Rainy Days
Wildlife
Highland Wildlife Park
Reindeer
Restaurants
Old Pines
Russell's
Old Station Restaurant
Corriegour Lodge Hotel
Crannog Seafood Restaurant
Ben Nevis Inn
Loch Leven Seafood Cafe
Fort William & Lochaber,
The Outdoor Capital of the UK
Exploring
Being centrally placed in the Highlands you couldn’t be better positioned to reach many of the most spectacular areas of Scotland. Ben Nevis, Glen Coe, The Great Glen, Fort William, Glenfinnan, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness. Even Aviemore and Inverness are within 1-1½ hours drive. A day trip to Skye is easily possible either via the ferry from Mallaig or the bridge at The Kyle of Lochalsh.
Walking
From a quiet, easy stroll up the side of the Caladonian Canal to a 12 hour marathon expedition round the “The Ring of Steall” there is every conceivable level and type of walk locally. There are many beautiful woodland tracks such as Killiechonate Forest & Leanachan Forest in Spean Bridge and Glen Garry Forest walks to name but a few.
For serious mountain climbers there are over 30 Munros within ¾ of an hours drive of the cottage, some quiet and remote others a little busier. Ben Nevis, the tallest and most well known tends to be a popular target. All are a major challenge and worthy of a big fat steak in the BBQ hut as a reward.
Biking
This has got to be a cyclist’s heaven!
Miles of fabulous off-road tracks from the downright dangerous (World-cup downhill) to easy meandering forest routes and plenty in-between. No need to strap your bike to the car as you can easily hire one locally.
Relaxing
You are allowed to relax for some of your holiday even though you are in such an action hot-spot!
There are some wonderful cruises within easy reach run by local people with a wealth of knowledge about their area and the wildlife living there.
You also have one of the best railway journeys in the world right on your doorstep!
On a sunny day you have beaches at Morar with sands as white as any tropical island! Spread your towels and gaze out to Rhum and Eigg, a heavenly view!
Dining
Self-catering means that you have the convenience of being able to cook for yourselves, if you wish, but it doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourselves to a fabulous meal out....if you can drag yourselves away from the BBq Hut.
We are very spoilt in Spean Bridge with many excellent places to eat and if you wish to go a little further I cannot rate The Ben Nevis Inn highly enough, especially if you manage to hit an evening when they have live music.
