Things To Do
The majestic and unspoiled landscapes of mountain, loch, glen and beach converge with the rich wildlife, history and culture to create the unique destination that is the Scottish Highlands. At Abriachan Lodge, in the very heart of the Highlands, you can roam as far and experience as much as your stay allows. For a list of local events, please click here.
Spa & Therapy Suite
To enhance your experience of pampering and relaxation visit The Sanctuary, the lodge's spa and therapy suite.
The spa offers a Physiotherm sauna, It heats to a maximum heat of 45C,but the infrared heat waves penetrate up to 45mm inside the body making you perspire far more than in a traditional sauna. Incubators used by newborn and premature babies are equipped with infrared heating systems; this sauna provides a safe, deep heat therapy. Sports medicine therapist use infra red therapy to promote recovery from injury. Some of the attributed health benefits include weight loss, cellulite treatment, pain relief, strengthened cardiovascular system, mood improvement, relaxation and improved sleep.
Whisky
Perhaps the best known of Scottish exports, whisky may well be an essential ingredient of your Highland experience. With lots of local distilleries within a short drive of the Lodge. To prevent drinking and driving why not bring some souvenirs from the distilleries home and relax in the evening overlooking the Loch whilst sipping a wee dram. You might even spot Nessie!!
Golf
For many, a visit to the Scottish Highlands would not be complete without a round on one or more of the championship golf courses within easy reach of the lodge.
Among the Championship Courses within the Highland area are Royal Dornoch, Moray, Nairn and Spey Valley. However, you may also wish to sample one of the lesser known gems such as Aigas, Boat-of-Garten, Brora, Fort Augustus or Grantown-on-Spey.
Places of Interest
The majestic and unspoiled landscapes of mountain, loch, glen and beach converge with the rich wildlife, history and culture to create the unique destination that is the Scottish Highlands. At Abriachan Lodge, in the very heart of the Highlands, you can roam as far and experience as much as your stay allows.
History
If your interest is for the historical, then some of the ancient sites to choose from include: Culloden Battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie led the 1745 Jacobite uprising; Fort George, the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain; or perhaps the ancient Clava Cairns and Standing Stones dating back to around 2000BC, to name but a few.
Scenery & Wildlife
Many areas of outstanding scenic beauty - home to a plethora of wildlife - can be easily accessed from the lodge including Glen Affric, a National Nature Reserve and reputed to be the most beautiful glen in Scotland. Or perhaps you may prefer to watch for golden eagles and red deer in the remote and rugged Glen Strathfarrar.
A trip to the magical Isle of Skye is also a possibility stopping off en-route at Eilean Donan Castle where you will learn that its enchanting setting belies a tumultuous past. And of course, the stunning west coast of Scotland with its melange of dramatic cliffs, towering mountains, secluded beaches and picturesque villages provides a breathtakingly different panorama around every bend in the road.
In contrast, to the east lies the rolling country and charming fishing villages of the Black Isle. From the quaint village of Cromarty on the furthermost tip of the peninsula, a wildlife watching boat trip departs in search of the resident colony of dolphins, porpoise, seabirds and any manner of sea life which should choose to make an appearance including the minke whale at certain times of year.
Loch Ness
Around Loch Ness itself there are many options from a Jacobite cruise on the loch perhaps calling in at the ruined Urquhart Castle which dates back to the 13th century; a visit to the splendid waterfalls at Foyers; or a tour of the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre where you can explore the nature and geology of the Great Glen, the engineering feat of the Caledonian Canal and of course the legend of the elusive monster.
Shopping
If an afternoon of retail therapy is what your heart desires, then the attractive village of Beauly offers a shopping experience with a difference. Its selection of individual, privately owned shops line the square at the heart of the village and the House of Beauly - which carries a superior range of Scottish gifts, jewellery, clothing, foods and much more - offers the discerning shopper a unique choice.