RAVEL ESCAPE TO RUGGED BEAUTY BY SCOTLAND’S MOST ICONIC LOCH This way to happi NESS
IF YOU love rugged outdoor pursuits amid breathtaking scenery, or just enjoy good old-fashioned Scottish hospitality in comfortable surroundings, the Whitebridge Hotel could be just what you’re looking for.
Nestling in the foothills of the Monadhliath Mountains in the Highlands, Whitebridge sits on General Wade’s Military Road where it crosses the River Fechlin.
And it’s just three miles from
Loch Ness, eight from Fort Augustus and about 25 from the city of Inverness.
Bought 18 months ago by Lesley Renton and Bella Kilgannon, the refurbishment of the 120-yearold hotel has been a labour of love for the Glaswegian pair.
With a wealth of experience in the service industry, Lesley and Bella are determined to put the Whitebridge Hotel on the map as a venue that offers good food, drink, accommodation and service at affordable prices.
The owners are bristling with ideas and have already introduced a series of well-received events – such as a Burns supper, curry nights and karaoke competitions – that have proved popular with guests and locals alike. They have also succeeded in upgrading and modernising the building while retaining its existing, unique character. Boasting 12 tastefully decorated rooms – comprising three kings, six doubles, two family rooms and a twin – the two-star hotel offers an ideal base for fishing and outdoor sports enthusiasts and has rights for nearby Loch Knockie, which is renowned for its brown trout.
I left my rod at home – we were there to celebrate my wife’s birthday.
But we did make the most of the Whitebridge Hotel’s enviable location to explore some beautiful Scottish countryside.
It is situated on the South Loch Ness Trail, which attracts lots of walkers, cyclists and horse riders and directly passes the door.
We went to view the mighty Falls of Foyers, inset, near the infamous Boleskine House, once the home of occultist Aleister Crowley. Returning somewhat drenched, we were delighted to be greeted by not one but two warm welcomes – the roaring log burner in the cosy bar and smiles from the staff.
The bar boasts a decent selection of local beers and a well-stocked gantry.
Suitably refreshed and reheated, we stayed in the lounge to sample some of the fantastic food available.
Using locally sourced produce, including meat from award-winning Macbeth’s butchers, the hotel’s kitchen team are rightfully proud of their fayre.
I started with a bowl of tomato soup, while my better half enthused over her goat’s cheese salad. For my main course, I went for a perfectly cooked rib-eye steak with chunky chips and all the trimmings, while Catherine enjoyed roast monkfish with rosemary and fresh pesto-crushed potatoes. Delicious.
And speaking of delicious, the Whitebridge Hotel is worth a visit for its cooked breakfast alone. The black pudding is up there with the best I’ve tasted.
With its relatively remote location, this is an ideal destination for anyone wishing to leave behind the stresses of everyday life and get back to nature.
And while it may “only” boast two stars at present, it offers food and service some way beyond that rating.