WILDSIDE HIGHLAND LODGES
Take a step into the Wildside…
Located deep in the Scottish Highlands in the hamlet of Whitebridge off a picturesque B road 3 miles from Loch Ness, 9 miles from Fort Augustus and 24 miles from Inverness. Wildside offers a unique blend of Wilderness and Relaxation with a hint of adventure. Nestling on the banks of the River Fechlin, a back drop of stunning mountain scenery in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Wildside is a haven of peace and tranquillity in a Wild and Natural setting , which is yours to enjoy. We offer you the perfect base to explore the Highlands or if you want a more relaxing break the cabins offer you everything you need for the perfect Home from Home experience. You can simply relax and watch the Wildlife that visit the park on a daily basis, the many birds, pheasants, red squirrels, otters by the river and deer.
Watch out for the Fresh Fishman, who visits the Park weekly. (Details in the guest information book.)
All our lodges are dog friendly, and each lodge has its own Hot Tub as well as Log burning stove, fully equipped kitchen, fresh linen and towels. We are located within walking distance of “The Local” pub which is a Traditional Scottish Inn serving great food or you can arrange for one of the many supermarkets in Inverness to delivery your shopping straight to your cabin door for convenience.
Discover hidden gems, natural landscapes, waterfalls, wildlife, castles & Lochs. Create memories in this Wild and Natural landscape, a place for all the family to enjoy.
Wildside really is a place for all the family to enjoy – whatever the season!
The River Fechlin runs through the Park, crossing the River is the great General Wade’s Bridge, built in 1732 to carry the military road from Fort Augustus to Fort George.
Constructed of white lime cement, it became a landmark and the hamlet Whitebridge took its name. The river tumbles over ancient rocks in to deep pools, home to wild brown trout, well known with passing otters. With herons & dippers, eagle and peregrines over the Beinn mountains, pine martins and red deer in the woods, the area is rich in wildlife.
Spring
In spring, Wildside is awash with daffodils and delicate primroses. Life stirs everywhere. There is still snow on the high mountains, but an early thaw catches the mountain hare in its white winter coat. The air is exhilarating, a wonderful time for walking on hill and glen. The resident robin will no doubt introduce himself to you at Wildside lodges. We encourage visitors to feed the locals!
Summer
In early summer, the Wade Bridge is rendered purple with rare alpine fairy foxgloves. Castles and gardens are resplendent in summer blooms. Warm weather and time to picnic on the loch shores. Boats pass through the canal locks at Fort Augustus to explore deeper waters. Excitement and fun is to be had at the highland games.
Autumn
In autumn, the first touch of frost turns the broad leaved trees to rich autumn colours reflected in the Lochs, a delight for artists and photographers. Late October and red deer stags roar on the hill, a majestic spectacle. Autumn is often a very beautiful time of year and the colours are like no other time of year. The birches bronze and wild cherry bright red. It is a time of plenty for the wildlife and the thriving population of red squirrels can be seen busily collecting abundant wild hazelnuts for their winter store.
Winter
During wintertime, dazzling white mountains in winter sun beckon climbers and skiers. The snow drives the deer down to the glen, delicate tracks cross the snow to the rivers edge. Roaring fires in the Inns signal Scottish hospitality for Christmas and Hogmanay. A bright morning and the ravens display over the mountains… spring is on the way.
