Brewery, Whisky and Gin Experiences Near Camden House, Spean Bridge

Ben Mason
Jul 5
4 min read

If you enjoy discovering local food and drink while you travel, Camden House is a wonderful base for exploring Highland craft beer, whisky tastings, gin-making experiences and relaxed tasting tours. Set in the Spean Bridge area, near Fort William and Ben Nevis, Camden House gives guests easy access to some of the most scenic days out in the Scottish Highlands — and that includes a growing local craft drinks scene.

Whether you are planning a couples’ break, a walking holiday with friends, or a family gathering where the adults would like a special day out, a brewery, distillery or tasting experience is a memorable way to enjoy the Highlands.

A Local Taste of the Highlands

One of the joys of staying in this area is that you are surrounded by local producers, independent businesses and Highland hospitality. Glen Spean Brewing Company is based right here in Spean Bridge, making it a lovely local name to look out for during your stay. Their beers are inspired by the landscape, character and outdoor lifestyle of the West Highlands.

After a day exploring Ben Nevis, the Commando Memorial, Glenfinnan, Loch Ness or the Great Glen, sampling a locally brewed beer is a lovely way to round off the day.

Craft Beer in Fort William

Fort William is only a short drive from Camden House and is known as the Outdoor Capital of the UK. It is a popular stop for walkers, cyclists, climbers and skiers — but it is also a good place to enjoy local food and drink after a day outdoors.

Black Isle Brewery has a bar in Fort William, set in a converted church, offering a relaxed place to enjoy Highland craft beer, pizza and a warm atmosphere. It is a great option if you want the flavour of a Highland brewery without travelling too far from Camden House. Dogs are welcome and if you are driving the non-alchoholic lager is outstandingly good.

Whisky Tasting at Ben Nevis Distillery

For whisky lovers, Ben Nevis Distillery in Fort William is a must-visit. Sitting at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain, the distillery has a long Highland whisky-making history and offers visitors the chance to learn more about traditional Scotch whisky production.

A guided tour or tasting at Ben Nevis Distillery makes a lovely addition to a day out in Fort William. Guests can combine it with a walk along the loch, a visit to Neptune’s Staircase, a trip up the Nevis Range mountain gondola, or an afternoon exploring the shops and cafés of Fort William.

As with all distillery visits, it is best to book in advance and plan transport carefully if you intend to take part in a tasting.

Gin Making at Pixel Spirits

For something a little different, Pixel Spirits in North Ballachulish offers a fantastic Highland gin-making experience. Their Gin & Rum School gives visitors the chance to create their own spirit, choose botanicals, distil it, bottle it, label it and take it home.

They also offer gin tasting and distillery tour experiences, making it a great option for guests who enjoy craft spirits, creative experiences and small-batch Highland producers.

Pixel Spirits is close to Glencoe and Loch Leven, so it can easily be combined with a scenic day out from Camden House. Guests could enjoy a drive through some of the most dramatic landscapes in Scotland, visit Glencoe, stop for lunch, and include a gin-making or tasting experience as part of the day.

Brewery Tours as a Highland Day Out

For guests who enjoy a proper behind-the-scenes experience, there are several excellent brewery and tasting options that can be included as part of a Highland day trip.

Uile-bheist Distillery and Brewery in Inverness offers tours where visitors can learn about both whisky and beer production. It is a good choice for guests who would like to combine a visit to Inverness with a craft drink experience, local folklore and a riverside setting.

Black Isle Brewery, near Inverness, also welcomes visitors to its organic brewery and market garden. It is a lovely option for guests interested in sustainable brewing, organic produce and Highland food culture.

Cairngorm Brewery in Aviemore is another interesting stop for beer lovers. Although it no longer runs full production-area tours, it does offer pre-booked tasting experiences for groups, making it a possible addition to a day out in the Cairngorms.

A Suggested Craft Drinks Day from Camden House

Start the morning slowly at Camden House with breakfast and mountain views, then head out for a scenic Highland drive. You could spend the day around Fort William, visit Ben Nevis Distillery for a whisky tasting, enjoy lunch locally, and return to Camden House for a cosy evening in.

Another lovely option is to head towards Glencoe and Loch Leven, taking in the dramatic mountain scenery before visiting Pixel Spirits for a gin tasting or gin-making experience. (must book)

For guests wanting a longer day trip, Inverness and the Black Isle offer more brewery and distillery options, with the chance to return via Loch Ness for a beautiful circular route.

If anyone in your group is taking part in tastings, it is always worth planning ahead with a designated driver, public transport or a local taxi. Please remember that the drink-driving limit in Scotland is virtually zero alcohol allowed before driving.

Stay at Camden House

Camden House is a spacious, luxury self-catering holiday home in Spean Bridge, near Fort William, sleeping up to 8 guests. With panoramic views of the Ben Nevis mountain range, comfortable open-plan living space and easy access to the Great Glen, it is an ideal base for exploring the best of the Scottish Highlands.

From mountain adventures and scenic drives to local breweries, whisky tastings, gin-making experiences and Highland hospitality, Camden House is the perfect place to enjoy a Uile-bheist Distillery and Brewery, Inverness
Black Isle Brewery, near Inverness
Cairngorm Brewery, Aviemore

Opening times, tours and tasting experiences can vary by season, so guests should check directly with each venue before travelling.

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