Things to do whilst stayings at the
Strathassynt Guest House
There is so many things to do in Glencoe, you could spend a life time doing it, so we’ve put together some guides to give you some ideas on the highlights.
Here is our useful guide for things to see and do whilst in the area.
Cycling in Scotland
Cycling Scotland is a great way to experience the beauty of the country’s landscapes, seascapes, towns and cities. No matter whether you prefer a quiet country cycle or a challenging cliff-top path, there is a suitable cycle route in Scotland.
The dedicated National Cycle Network is a great place to start when cycling Scotland. Covering thousands of miles across the country, these routes include everything from flat city trails and canal paths, to the rugged landscape of the Highlands and islands. Each section of the network is graded, so you will have a clear idea of how easy or challenging your adventure is likely to be.
Scotland’s top quality bike shops offer dedicated cycle hire services to make sure cyclists have the most suitable bike for their abilities. There are also lots of handy cycle maps to choose from which outline the safest, cycle-friendly routes and are available from VisitScotland Information Centres.
Learn More about Cycling Scotland
History
From the stone circles that are scattered across Scotland’s islands, which are thought to date back 5,000 years, to the opening of the new Scottish Parliament in 1999, Scotland has a rich and colourful history.
As you travel around Scotland, uncover stories of heroes, villains, fallen monarchs and bloody battles. Find out more about Scotland’s literary greats, trace back your family history and marvel at some truly breathtaking castles, monuments and architecture.
Eating & Drinking
Scotland’s natural larder is at the heart of Scottish culture with fantastic local produce available on menus across the country.
Where else can you find such a range of mouth-watering and locally caught seafood including oysters, scallops and salmon, or beef, lamb, wild game and fresh fruit and vegetables?
Eating out
In Scotland, there are eateries to suit every occasion and budget, from picturesque cafés and tearooms renowned for their home baking to bars for a quick bite to eat. There is also an excellent range of fish and chip shops and an enviable selection of fine dining and award-winning establishments which offer a real foodie treat. Wherever you are in the country, there’s always a regional flavour to the menu to perfectly capitalise on the very best locally sourced produce.
Furthermore, there are plenty of international influences in our dishes too, and if you head to Glasgow you’ll see why, with a fantastic range of Indian cuisine. That is why the city has held the coveted title of Curry Capital of Britain an impressive four times.
After a sumptuous three-course dinner, why not relax with a dram of whisky, Scotland’s national drink? With so many varieties, from the peaty malts of the west coast to the smoother flavours of the south, there is something for everyone.
Michelin-star
If you want an exclusive culinary experience, then look no further than Scotland’s Michelin-starred restaurants. We’ve got 14 across the country with no fewer than four in Edinburgh.
If you head to Gleneagles in Perthshire, you’ll find Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Scotland’s only two Michelin-starred restaurants, with an unrivalled menu which includes a signature dish of smoked lobster.
Vegetarian and vegan
Vegetarians and vegans are spoilt for choice in Scotland, with a range of fantastic restaurants cooking up delicious meat-free meals.
Glasgow offers a huge range of options, earning it the title of most vegan-friendly place in the UK in 2013. You’ll find numerous award-winning vegetarian restaurants around the city, as well as bars serving excellent vegan pub food.
Edinburgh is home to a range of dedicated vegetarian restaurants, as well as cafés offering home-style dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. You’ll also find quality vegetarian eateries in Oban, Stirling and other parts of Scotland.
Many other restaurants also include excellent vegetarian options on their menus, meaning you’re never very far from a great meal.
So if it’s a quick snack or a sit-down feast, Scotland has a fantastic selection of places to eat. Browse the listings and discover regional delights and hidden gems which showcase the true taste of Scotland.
Movies & TV
Scotland provides the perfect backdrop for the world of cinema with its rugged landscape and stunning scenery and has been used for a number of films, including Braveheart and Harry Potter.
Scotland’s stunning landscape, with its rolling hills, rugged mountains, picturesque towns and villages, castles and sprawling beaches has provided the perfect backdrop for the world of cinema.
What better way to celebrate this fantastic movie heritage than by following the country’s movie trails, seeking out the recognisable scenery from some of the best-loved films of all time?
One of the most recent movie trails to open will take you on a guided James Bond Tour of Scotland and includes sites used in From Russia with Love, The World Is Not Enough and of course Skyfall.
Essential facts about movies made in Scotland
- Delve into the magical world of Harry Potter with a trip to the Highlands and board the Jacobite train, which featured in the films as the Hogwarts Express. Follow in the footsteps of Harry and friends and take the journey from Fort William to Mallaig over the stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct.
- Eilean Donan Castle, near the Kyle of Lochalsh, was transformed into MI6 HQ in the 1999 James Bond film The World is Not Enough and used in the 1984 Highlander film starring Sean Connery.
- The animation, The Illusionist, which opened the 2010 Edinburgh International Film Festival and was partly set in Scotland, was created in a purpose-built studio in Edinburgh.
- Head to the picturesque Isle of Mull and visit Duart Castle which served as a filming location for a number of motion pictures throughout the years, most notably the 1999 Entrapment with Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones in 1999.
Timeline – top Scottish films and their locations
1945 – I Know Where I’m Going! – a romance film written and directed by British-based filmmakers Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, starring Wendy Hiller and Roger Livesey. Filmed on location at Duart Castleon the Isle of Mull, Argyll & The Isles.
1949 – Whisky Galore – adaptation of Compton MacKenzie’s novel, filmed on the Isle of Barra.
1971 – When Eight Bells Toll – based upon Scottish author Alistair MacLean’s 1965 novel of the same name, it stars Anthony Hopkins as a British agent. It was directed by Etienne Perier and filmed on location at Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull, Argyll.
1973 – The Wicker Man – the cult movie was filmed in the Dumfries & Galloway towns of Gatehouse of Fleet, Newton Stewart, Creetown and Kirkcudbright.
1974 – Monty Python and the Holy Grail – a British comedy film parodying the legends of King Arthur that was part-filmed on the premises of Doune Castle near Stirling
1981 – Gregory’s Girl – Bill Forsyth’s coming-of-age romantic comedy used the exterior of Abronhill High School in Cumbernauld.
1981 – Chariots of Fire – the West Sands beach in St Andrews was used for the iconic scenes in this Oscar-winning film.
1983 – Local Hero – filmed across Scotland including in Pennan, Aberdeenshire and on Camusdarach beach, Morar.
1995 – Braveheart – the sweeping landscape in and around Glen Nevis and Loch Leven provided the backdrop for Mel Gibson’s Oscar winner.
1996 – Trainspotting – launched the international career of Ewan McGregor and was filmed in Edinburgh (Princes Street and Calton Road), Glasgow and Rannoch Moor.
1999 – Entrapment – is a four-time award-winning film directed by Jon Amiel and starring Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The plot is about an insurance agent sent by her employer to track down and help capture an art thief, and the filming took place on location at Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull, Argyll.
2002 – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was the first of the Harry Potter movies to feature the stunning view of the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Highlands.
2006 – The Da Vinci Code – the beautiful Rosslyn Chapel in Roslin, Midlothian, played an important role in Dan Brown’s award-winning novel and featured in the film adaptation, starring Tom Hanks.
2011 – Captain America: The First Avenger – Parts of the opening scenes in Norway were actually filmed in the picturesque Royal Burgh of Culross inFife.
2011 – The Eagle – Loch Lomond, Wester Ross and Stirling all feature in the historical epic directed by Glasgow-born Kevin MacDonald.
2011 – One Day – the film was based on the novel by David Nicholls. It featured many iconic shots of Edinburgh, where the two main characters went to university.
2012 – Prometheus – Ridley Scott’s return to sci-fi after more than 30 years saw stars such as Michael Fassbender, Noomi Rapace, Charlize Theron and Idris Elba exploring whether humans are linked to highly advanced extra-terrestrials. With the magnificent rocky landscape, misty skies, Cuillin mountains and glistening waters, it’s no surprise that Skye was chosen as one of the filming locations for this blockbuster sci-fi epic.
2012 – The Dark Knight Rises – Villain Bane’s dramatic escape from one aircraft to another was filmed above the Cairngorms. This spectacular scene was originally meant to be filmed in Arizona, USA, however filmmakers felt the Highlands were “more visually distinct”.
2012 – Brave – Disney•Pixar’s Oscar award-winning animation followed the flame-haired heroine Merida, a skilled teenage archer battling to change her fate.
2012 – Skyfall – Scenes from the James Bond film, featuring Daniel Craig in his third outing as 007 were shot in and around Glencoe, in the shadow of Buachaille Etive Mor.
2013 – Under the Skin – adaptation of Michel Faber’s book of the same name starring Scarlett Johannson. Areas around Glencoe, just south of Loch Ba were used in the film, as well as the harbour and beach area at Auchmithie, near Arbroath.
2013 – World War Z – Brad Pitt brought Glasgow city centre to a standstill in August 2011 as the city was transformed into the streets of Philadelphia for his zombie-themed movie.
2013 – Sunshine on Leith – based on the sensational stage hit of the same name, Sunshine on Leith features music by pop-folk band The Proclaimers. Set in Edinburgh, the story follows two soldiers who struggle to adjust to civilian life when they return home after serving in Afghanistan.
2014 – Outlander – an adaptation of a hugely popular time travel romance and fantasy adventure series adapted from the critically acclaimed novels by Diana Gabaldon. Shot entirely on locations in Scotland, it feature Doune Castle near Stirling among many other stunning locations.
2015 – Frankenstein – directed by Paul McGuigan, the film features award-winning cast, including James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliff in the lead roles. Parts of the film were shot in and around the dramatically set Dunnottar Castle, near Stonehaven, in Aberdeenshire.
2015 – Macbeth – a new movie adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, directed by Justin Kurzel with Michael Fassbender in the lead role, filmed on locations on Isle of Skye in the Highlands.
Rainy Days
Looking outside on a grey damp day wondering what to do? We have compiled a list of ideas to get you out and about when the weather is rubbish.
1. Visit your local museum. Scotland has lots of free and paid for exhibitions on a wide variety of subjects. For example theNational Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Click here for a list of museum Exhibitions in Scotland.
2. Go to your local swimming pool, Gym or indoor sports centre. What better way to beat a rainy day than to get soaked at your local pool. Many pools and sports centres also hold events and activities for example Lochaber Leisure Centre in Fort William. For something Truly unique and adventurous try Ice Factor in Kinlochleven for the best range of indoor activities. For more events click here
3. Visit some local attractions like one of Scotland’s many stately homes or castles. For example Inverlochy Castle in Fort William, take the chance to explore the inside of some of these magnificent homes. For more events click here. You could also visit a Local Indoor Play Centre – for example Spectrum Soft Play Centre Area or Ten Pin Bowling in the Nevis Centre.
4. Go to a local Art Gallery. Most galleries have a permanent free exhibition and is a great way to learn something about art in your local community. Click here for Exhibitions.
5. Have a browse through our website, our events are added for FREE! Anyone can add events, this gives us a unique mixture of local and national events. Click here for a browse you never know what you could find (you can filter your search to your area).
Road Trips
One of the best ways to take in the wonderful sights and sounds in the area is by car, so we’ve put together some of our favourite road trips to give you some ideas. You can, of course, mix and match as you prefer. Click the titles for maps.
Please note: We are constantly working to expand the information on this site, and we’re happy to hear from our guests about their favourite road trips in the area.
Glen Etive and the Road to Nowhere
Drive time – 45 minutes one way
Glen Etive is in our opinion the most beautiful glen in the whole of Scotland, second only, perhaps to Glencoe. It’s an amazing road to nowhere running down it and coming to a stop on the banks of Loch Etive, is a really fun and interesting drive. It’s a single track road, so take your time. And remember to take your camera!
Drive time – 3 hrs 45 mins
Taking in, Glencoe, Rannoch Moor, Glen Orchy, Dalmally, Inverary, Lochgilphead and Oban, and with breath-taking scenery and historic sites and castles along the whole route, this is a great day out for everyone.
You start by driving up through Glencoe and over Rannoch Moor and down to Bridge of Orchy. Just south of Bridge of Orchy, turn right onto the B8074, which follows the fast-flowing River Orchy down to Dalmally. Make sure to take the short detour Kilchurn Castle, the magnificent ruins of the ancient Campbell stronghold on the banks of Loch Awe, before heading on down to Inveraray with its famous Jail and Castle. From here, follow the A83 down the banks of Loch Fyne to Lochgilphead and on up to Oban.
Oban is a beautiful and popular fishing town renowned for it’s Fish and Chips (we’d recommend the George Street Shop where you can sit on or take away), seafood (you’ve really got to try the Oban Seafood Hutand/or MacGillivray’s), single malt whisky (one of the oldest in Scotland), boat rides and lots to see and do.
From Oban, drive back to us up the coastal road, making sure to stop at Dunstaffnage and Stalker castles on the way.
Drive Time (including ferries) – 5 hrs 15 mins
This is a long day trip, with lots to see on the way, but the days are long in the Highlands during the summer, with the sun setting after 10 pm in June (and daylight/dusk lasting a good while longer), so it’s a great day out!
From Strathassynt, take the A82 north towards Fort William as far as Inchree, where you take the short ferrytrip to Corran and from there, make the scenic drive down to Lochaline, where you take another short ferry trip across to Fishnish of the Isle of Mull.
Head for the Island’s capital, Tobermory, with its brightly painted buildings your kids (if you have any), will recognise from the BBC children’s TV show, Balamory. Spend some time exploring the village before heading to Craignure where you’ll want to visit Duart Castle on the headland, and the majestic TorosayCastle and Gardens before taking the ferry to Oban where you can enjoy tasty fish and chips, or seafood at the renowned Seafood Hut, and a little whisky tasting at one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries.
From Oban, it’s a 45-minute drive back to Strathassynt, and a much-deserved rest!
Please Note: It is best to book ferries in peak season. While drive time includes the ferry crossing, it does not include waiting times.
Day Trip to the Isle of Skye (click for map)
Drive Time (including ferries) – 5 hours
Another long one, this incredible drive takes in The Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by J.K. Rowling in her Harry Potter movies, The Glenfinnan Monument, Arisaig and it’s views across to the islands of Eigg, Rum and Muck, the Silver Sands of Morar, Mallaig, Clan Donald Castle, Eilean Donan Castle, and Glen Shiel with its Five Sisters of Kintail.
Take the A82 north from Strathassynt to Fort William, following signs to Inverness until you come to the roundabout with the left turn on to the A830, signposted to Mallaig. Drive through some beautiful scenery to Glenfinnan where you must stop to take some snaps of the Viaduct (and if you time it right, with the steam train passing over), and visit the monument.
Drive on to Arisaig and take a look out to the ‘Small Isles’ of Eigg, Rum and Muck from the Caribbean-like (weather dependent, of course) Silver Sands of Morar (take a dip, we dare you!). Once in Mallaig, you definitely want to visit Jaffy’s and sample the seafood, kippers, and first class Fish and Chips before catching the ferry to Armadale on the Isle of Skye.
First stop once in Skye has to be the Clan Donald Visitor Centre with its castle and gardens, and then make the drive up through the south of Skye, over the bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh, and on to the spectacular Eilean Donan Castle, famously erected on a small island and connected to the mainland by an easily-defended bridge.
From there you drive through the stunning Glen Sheil with its Five Sisters of Kintail, on to Fort William and back to Strathassynt where a well-deserved pint is waiting for you in The Laroch!
Please note: It is best to book ferries in peak season. While drive time includes the ferry crossing, it does not include waiting times.
Whisky
Ask people what they associate most with Scotland and they’d say tartan, haggis, golf or Robert Burns. The most common answer would most likely be whisky.
As Scotland’s national drink, it has been produced here for centuries. There are so many ways to discover more about it, whether it be going behind the scenes on a distillery visit, trying single malts at special whisky festivals, sampling a fine dram at an expert-led whisky tasting session or enjoy one by the fire at renowned whisky bars.
Winter Sports in Glencoe
Winter brings a whole new beauty to the Glencoe and Glen Nevis area, and some serious fun for those who like a challenge.
Strathassynt Guest House and Self-catering cottage make a perfect base whether you’re into skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, winter walking or pretty much any winter activity you like.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Located pretty much right between Glencoe Mountain (25 minutes), and the Nevis Range Mountain Resort (35 minutes), we’re the perfect place for skiers and snowboarders who like a little variety in their downhill pursuits.
The oldest ski area in Scotland (according to their blurb), Glencoe Mountain has 8 lifts and 20 runs. With some nice gentle beginners slopes and the longest and steepest (according to their blurb) run in Scotland, skiers and snowboarders of all levels are catered for here.
The Nevis Range offers a variety of terrain from gentle beginners slopes to very difficult off-piste runs on the back corries. A look at the piste map, gives you an idea of the scale of the skiing and snowboarding available.
The Ice Factor in Kinlochleven is only 15 minutes from Strathassynt by car, and offers indoor rock climbing and ice wall, the latter of which is the largest of its kind in the UK. It’s a great day out for those who like a challenge, and with varying degrees of difficulty on offer, there’s fun for all the family.
If your ice walls outdoors, and you’re up for facing the freezing temperatures and some really tricky climbs, Glencoe is the place for you. There are a number of guides in the area who cater for individuals and groups, and offer winter training as well. If this is your thing, we can put you in touch.
Walking & Hiking
Refresh and enliven your senses in Scotland, a country perfect for walking. Whether you want a gentle stroll in the countryside among the trees and rivers, a breezy coastal stroll along sandy beaches or a walk through the wild mountain and loch scenery, Scotland has all of this in abundance.
Discover some of Scotland’s Great Trails, long-distance routes, which will allow you to see for yourself Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes as well as uncovering wonderful wildlife, old castles, abbeys, canals and other fascinating aspects of Scotland’s unique heritage.
Take a look at the useful information to plan a walking holiday to Scotland with some fantastic providers or if you fancy wild camping, learn about your rights of access with the Outdoor Access Code.
Wherever you choose to walk in Scotland, it is important to be safe, so familiarise yourself with some simple safety guidelines to ensure you enjoy an invigorating and satisfying walk in the beautiful Scottish countryside.
Useful Links
Activities & Accommodation in the Glencoe Area
Explore different activities and events in Glencoe and the surrounding areas.
Spend the day on safari and learn the art of landscape photography. Capture the drama and grandeur of Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s top photographic locations. We’ll supply you with a camera, equipment, transport and expert tuition.
Scottish Related Websites
Beautiful pictures of the Scottish Highlands and Islands
Detailed itineraries for self-drive tours, accommodation guides and information on major Scottish Attractions.
The Distilleries of Scotland
Join in a picturesque virtual journey to the famous distilleries of Scotland. You will discover unique places where malt whiskies are produced, warehoused and come to life. Meet the people behind the labels and learn more about the magic of “uisque beatha”, the water of life.
Tourist Information
Ballachulish Tourist Information Centre
Next door to the Strathassynt Guest House is the Ballachulish Tourist Information Centre which offers a delightful cafe and gift shop, internet access and of course all the information you need to make the most of your stay in this wonderful area.
Six Main Attractions in Fort William
Links to the Jacobite Steam Train, the Nevis Distillery and other attractions can be found on this site.
Outdoor Capital of the UK
Find out everything you need to know about activities and events in this beautiful area — The Outdoor Capital of the UK.
Citylink Buses to Ballachulish
All the information you need to access Ballachulish by bus from other centres around Scotland.
Local Activities
Indoor Mountain Activity Centre
Experience the World’s biggest indoor ice wall and the UK’s highest articulated rock climbing wall. Just seven miles away from the Strathassynt Guest House.
Indoor Fun at a Pottery Painting Cafe
At the west end of Fort William high street Fired-Art sits as a warm quirky cafe with an atmosphere to match, a pottery painting studio for kids and big kids, an art gallery, picture framers, outdoor activity booking office and ticket office for music events.
The Glencoe National Trust Visitor Centre
Everything you need to know about Glencoe in the National Trust Visitor Centre. Just 2 miles away from the Strathassynt Guest House.
Glencoe Walks
Lots of information on local walks for the Glencoe, Ballachulish, Kinlochleven and surrounding areas. All levels of ability catered for.
Ski in Glencoe
Get the very latest information and conditions for skiing in Glencoe.
Nevis Range (includes ski conditions)
Take a trip up the Gondola at Nevis Range for spectacular views over Fort William and beyond. Or in the winter, try some skiing!
Explore Outdoors
Explore Outdoors – We offer guided walks all over Scotland, from single day Scottish summits to long distance multi-day trails.
Sea Kayaking
We are a specialist Sea Kayak guiding and coaching provider based in the village of Ballachulish, just south of Fort William. We provide easy access to some of the finest sea kayaking the West Coast of Scotland has to offer.
There’s no doubt about it, most people come here for the spectacular views, and they are everywhere you look. There’s the atmospheric majesty of Glencoe, juxtaposed with the bleak, haunting beauty of Rannoch Moor; in fact, there are breath-taking views of lochs, glens and mountains all over the place.
Hiking and hill walking and Munro bagging is, for obvious reasons, incredibly popular things to do in Glencoe, as are road trips where you get to take in more in less time. In addition, there are historic castles to explore, exquisite whiskies to taste, golf, fishing and boat trips (which include whale, dolphin and seal spotting), cycling, and extreme sports to take part in such as rocking climbing, canyoning, white water rafting, kayaking, and much more.
We have also provided some good ideas for those rainy days, and there’s information on the local towns and villages, and other sites worth seeing in the area.
No matter how long you stay, you will always find things to do in Glencoe, you’ll never be bored!
Copyright © 2024 Strathassynt Guest House Glencoe | All Rights Reserved
Responsive Website Design & Hosting by Outside Media Group®
