Area Guide - Glenmoriston and Fort Augustus

The Bridge Suite is situated within the small village of Invermoriston, at the mouth of the River Moriston where it flows out into Loch Ness, and at the head of the wider area of Glenmoriston which comprises the valley and hills surrounding the River Moriston and the nearby village of Fort Augustus.

Invermoriston

Just across the road from The Bridge Suite the River Moriston tumbles down the Invermoriston Falls, beneath the historic Thomas Telford bridge and the modern A82 road bridge, and ends its journey flowing into Loch Ness in front of the lodge belonging to The Glenmoriston Estate. Further up the glen the flow of the River Moriston is controlled by Dundreggan Dam and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between May and October additional water is released to help the Atlantic Salmon to swim upstream to their spawning grounds. During this time the flow of the river is much more impressive than is usually the case and there are often kayakers making good use of the additional water flow.

Within the village of Invermoriston there are a few local facilities to be enjoyed including Glenmoriston Arms Hotel with public bar and restaurant, a small corner shop for basic provisions, The Clog & Craft Shop which sells handmade leather goods and local crafts, Glen Rowan Cafe and Glenmoriston Millenium Hall. Also in the village is St Columba's Well which has spiritual and historical significance dating back almost 1,500 years.

There is a good variety of walking and cycling routes accessible from The Bridge Suite - The Great Glen Way passes the front of the house and it can be walked in either direction frpm the front door. There are also pleasant routes through the forestry areas that flank the River Moriston and the banks of Loch Ness can be reached on foot in around 15 minutes.

Fort Augustus

Just 6 miles from The Bridge Suite and located at the southern tip of Loch Ness, the attractive village of Fort Augustus is often bustling with tourists, and for good reason. The centre of the village is dominated by a set of five canal locks which at peak times are navigated by a seemingly endless stream of craft of various types.

Fort Augustus provides a good range of facilities including The Great Glen Trading Centre at the petrol station which also incoporates a good sized general store, a gift shop, the local post office and pharmacy. The village also has a range of restaurants, bars, take-aways and interesting shops as well as two ATM cash machines. The Clansman Centre stages an entertaining and informative live show detailing the history of Highland life but note that booking is essential.

Regular boat trips on Loch Ness are available from Fort Augustus, not only pleasure cruises but also high-speed RIB trips for the more adventurous. On the way into Fort Augustus Inchnacardoch Bay is a popular stop for photographs of Cherry Island and the boats moored in the bay. There are plenty of pleasant river, canal, countryside and woodland walks in the vicinity as well as a golf course and a cycle hire facility at Girvan's Hardware Shop. West End Garage in Fort Augustus provides a very good vehicle repair and recovery service.

The Great Outdoors

A little north east of Fort Augustus on the B862 is the picturesque Loch Tarff which is one of our favourite small Lochs, a short distance further north along the same road is the Suidhe Viewpoint which provides magnificent views over Loch Ness and a large expanse of surrounding countryside. There are often Red Deer to be seen in this vicinity.

South of Fort Augustus at Aberchalder is a particularly scenic part of The Caledonian Canal which is very pleasant to walk or cycle along. Here also can be found the 19th century Bridge of Oich which is a scheduled monument in the care of Historic Scotland. Before reaching Aberchalder on the A82 is The Thistle Stop cafe and gift shop which is a worthwhile refreshment stop.

Also just south of Fort Augustus is a great walk through Glen Tarff to Culachy Falls on the Connachie Burn. In this same area is the north western end of a much longer (14 mile) route called the Corrieyairack Pass which follows the route of an old military road from Fort Augustus to Laggan.