in order of distance from Great Glen Lodges

Cafés and Pubs

Eagle Barge Pub and Café (07789 858567) On a barge that still works, though it stays put at Laggan Locks during the season. Pre-order evening meals by 3 PM on the day. Range of cask ales, beers, whiskies and more. Dogs welcome. Half-hour’s walk down our road, following the sign to West Highland Sailing. Open about April to October.

Well of the Seven Heads Coffee and Takeaway (01809 501246) Serving traditional Scottish breakfast and lunches till 2pm Monday–Friday & 12.30pm Saturday. Home baked cakes and Inverness highland roast coffee. Takeaway or sit at the outdoor picnic area. No public toilet facilities.

Jaggy Thistle Food Stop (01809 501358) Simple local food with a Scottish welcome by an experienced couple. Veranda and gift shop. Aberchalder, Invergarry. Left onto the A82 and carry on about 5 miles.

The Bothy (01320 366710) A range of pub classics with some Scottish specialties like haggis and salmon. Wood-burning stove in the bar room. Canalside, Fort Augustus. Left onto the A82, about 10 miles. Open all year.

The Lock Inn (01320 366302) Good pub food and friendly service; not a huge space. Great open fires in cold months. Canalside, Fort Augustus. Left onto the A82, about 10 miles. Open all year.

Fiddler’s Highland Restaurant / Whisky Bar (01456 450678) Award-winning whisky bar at Loch Ness, in Drumnadrochit. 600 bottles of whisky. Extensive pub menu. Left onto the A82, about 28 miles. Open all year.

Chippy

Monster Fish and Chips Co. Friendly folks and good deep-fried food. The portions are big enough for Nessie. Fort Augustus. Left onto the A82, about 10 miles. Open all year, serving food a bit later than other spots nearby.

Restaurants

Glengarry Castle Hotel (01809 501254) 19th-century country house hotel on Loch Oich. Menus change each day. Three-course dinners £32; two-course dinners £25. Extensive wine list. All you’d expect from a fine country hotel. Turn left onto the A82, then carry on for 1.9 miles. Open mid-March to early November.

Invergarry Hotel (01809 501206) 19th-century Highland country inn with brasserie and bar. Serves excellent high-quality pub meals. Seasonal menus. Friendly staff. Mains £12–25. Turn left onto the A82, then carry on for 2.1 miles. Open all year.

Old Pines Hotel & Restaurant (01397 712324) Highly recommended! Near Spean Bridge with wood-burning stoves and views of the Nevis Range. Excellent homemade, local and often organic food. Kitchen garden, fresh-baked bread, homemade ice-cream, jams and shortbread. Mains £15–19. Turn right onto the A82, then carry on for about 12.4 miles. Turn right onto the B8004 before the Commando Memorial. Open seasonally.

Old Station Restaurant (01397 712535) Converted Victorian railway station in Spean Bridge. The Royal Scotsman train stops on the platform most Fridays in summer. Lamb, beef, chicken, pasta, plus gluten-free and children’s menus. Mains £11–18. Turn right onto the A82, then carry on for about 13.5 miles. Open seasonally from late March.