WELCOME!
We hope you enjoy your stay at the Bank House bed and breakfast.
Stephen and Jayne are the owners who work hard to make your stay comfortable.
Here you will find information that may be of interest or useful during your stay.
This page is intended to help you understand about the facilities here and provide additional useful information along the way. Please feel free to make suggestions of any other information that you feel would be of benefit to our guests.
Information about the facilities at the Bank House and what you need to know as well as local doctors, hospitals, taxi service, things to do and much more are all here and we hope you find it useful.
A bit about Jayne and Stephen…
Stephen and Jayne both come from very active backgrounds and have a lot of experience in the outdoors. Jayne and Stephen previously had a larger guest house on the south coast of England where they also ran a dive centre and boat charter business with a bunk house, diver training and seamanship school. They are not new to the outdoor adventure business or guest accommodation.
The Bank House was the former Royal Bank of Scotland with attached Manager accommodation, which was combined to become the Bank House Bed and Breakfast as it is today, hence the bars on some of the windows. It’s took 2 years to get it to its present state and is an on-going project with a lot more work needed before the plan is complete. We hope you are comfortable and welcome any suggestions as we are in the process improving.
Stephen and Jayne
Quick Index or scroll down at your leisure
Things to do around Kinlochleven
In Case of Fire
Please take time to read the ‘in case of fire’ notice. In the unlikely event of a fire, being familiar with what to do beforehand is always best practice.
Fire alarms, smoke detectors and emergency lighting have been installed for your safety.
Smoking Policy
The Bank House B&B is non-smoking throughout. There are smoke alarms in the rooms for your safety. Please do not smoke in the house anywhere.
Scotland has provided a beautiful smoking area for you to use instead. Please discard your cigarette ends responsibly.
We respectfully reserve the right to terminate your stay without refund if you are found to be smoking in the premises.
Check-out
Please checkout of your room by 10am as we usually have someone else waiting and need to turn the room around.
Internet
We provide free Internet throughout the Bank House subject to signal strength. In the Scottish Highlands speeds and connectivity can be a little unpredictable so please be patient. Our login details are on the noticeboard.
Guest & House Etiquette
To ensure our guests enjoy their stay with us we ask that you consider the following please:
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When coming back to the house in the evening it’s easy to forget other guests may have already gone to bed when you’re enjoying your evening. Please be considerate and moderate your voice so as not to disturb others. Hopefully they’ll be doing the same for you.
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When arriving back at the house with muddy/wet footwear, please remove them inside the porch. The porch is intentionally heated to a fairly warm temperature so that it helps dry your shoes for you and you are welcome to leave them under the bench which is next to the radiator.
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Scotland has a good healthy population of midges at certain times of the year. Although they are well loved, we don’t like to invite them in. Especially when midges are in abundance, please be careful to close doors and windows. This way we all get a good nights sleep and don’t have to do the ‘highland midge dance’ the next day when the itching starts. If YOU are suffering from their love of you, we suggest you buy some ‘SMIDGE’ that is available in most shops and other businesses around the village. It’s a miracle barrier that really works.
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Please treat our B&B with respect - it’s also our home.
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Damages / breakages: whilst we expect the odd accident now and then, we reserve the right to make a charge for damages if we feel it appropriate.
Guest Rooms
Tea/Coffee
All rooms have a kettle, a selection of teas, coffee, milk and sugar with cups for your use and comfort. Please take care with drips and spills and if you have any accident we would appreciate you letting us know early so we can clean up to avoid damage.
Clothes Hanging Space
There are ‘secret clothes hanging’ brackets in all rooms. These look like vertical stainless steel bars on the wall, set out of the way. There are a few hangers in one of the drawers in the room but if you require more, please ask.
Operating the hanger is done by gently pulling the bottom of the bar outwards and upwards so that the hanging space is revealed. To close it after use you simply lift the hanging bar upwards will moving the outer vertical bracket back down to its original position.
Room Clean (COVID UPDATE: we will not go into your room until you have left but you can request clean towels or top ups for your beverage tray and we will make sure they are placed outside your door for you)
If you are staying more than one night we will be in to service your room for you if you wish. You will find ‘clean my room’ / ‘do not disturb’ cards to hang on the outside of your door. Please display the “service my room” on the handle if you want us to clean your room. Rooms will be cleaned between 9am and 12 noon. We do not clean after 12 noon.
Towels
We try to be as environmentally responsible as possible so for those staying more than one night, we only exchange your towels for clean ones when you place them in the bottom of the shower/bath. This tells us that you require clean towels. (see above re COVID update)
Toiletries (Soap, Shampoo & Conditioner)
We provide complimentary Shampoo, Conditioner & Soaps. (More details later)
Iron & Ironing Board
If you require an iron and ironing board please let us know and we can provide this for guest use.
Hair Dryer
You will find a hairdryer in one of the drawers in the room. Do not use the hair dryer within reach of any water taps or shower.
Laundry Service
Should you need clothes washed and dried this is an optional service that we can provide subject to availability. Laundry Service is available on a first come, first served basis so ask early.
We charge for a bag of washing (max 7kg) to wash and then tumble dry immediately and this will be left at your door once we've done it. For a guide, this is about the size of a plastic carrier bag. Clothes are washed 40 degrees unless you tell us differently when you hand it to us. We will only Tumble dry clothes that we've washed. The noticeboard in the porch will display up to date charges for this service.
Meals at the Bank House
Allergens (at Bank House B&B)
If you have any allergies please ask us for information on ingredients.
WARNING: We are not a nut free zone!
Breakfast Pre-order form
Breakfast is included in your room rate and served between 7:30am and 8:45am daily.
Breakfast consists of a fresh cooked breakfast (pre-ordered choice the night before).
PLEASE complete your breakfast order on the breakfast slip making sure your room number is on it, your choice of cooked breakfast and time you would like it.
The breakfast slip must be placed on the front desk no later than 9pm the night before (or before you go out in the evening).
IMPORTANT: If there’s no slip we’ll assume you do not require breakfast.
Choice of Breakfast is usually:
‘Design Your Own Cooked Breakfast’
(Cooked from the tick list “design your own” - see list)
Self-Service (varies from time to time)
Choice of cereals
yogurts
Fruit juice or water
Marmalade or jams
White or brown bread
Selection of teas or fresh coffee
Feel free to turn over the slip to state how you want your eggs cooked or something about how you prefer you breakfast cooked and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
What is the ‘Design your Own Breakfast’ Choice? (subject to the season and availability)
Egg ( scrambled, poached) Free Range from our own hens
Bacon
Sausage
Baked Beans
Grilled tomato
Hash Brown
We also offer baked beans or Egg on toast instead
Alternatively why not have some of our fresh eggs (scrambled or poached) over smoked salmon and rounds of toast.
Vegetarian or Vegan sausages also available
Packed Lunch (to take away with you) Pre-order form
The notice board by the front door has the choice of sandwich fillings (subject to availability at the time). Feel free to not on the reverse of your breakfast menu your choice of white or brown bread (or a pita if you prefer) and the filling required.
Medical Facilities
Doctor Kinlochleven Doctors Surgery, 3 Kearan Road, Kinlochleven PH50 4QU
Tel: 01855 831225
Hospital - A & E (Accident & Emergency)
Belford Hospital, Fort William, Inverness-Shire, PH33 6BS Telephone: 01397 702481
https://www.travelinescotland.com/lts/#/travelInfo
Dentist M & S Dental Practice
Lorn Place, Glencoe, Ballachulish PH49 4HR
FIRE PROCEDURE
If you discover a fire:
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Leave by the nearest exit
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Sound the alarm on route
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Do not stop to collect personal belongings
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Close all doors en route
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Do not re-enter the building
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Assemble at the front of the building on the opposite side of the road
If you hear the fire alarm:
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Leave by the nearest exit
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Do not stop to collect personal belongings
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Close all doors en route
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Do not re-enter the building
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Assemble at the front of the building on the opposite side of the road
Fire Safety Advice:
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Study the fire procedures notices
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Make yourself familiar with all means of escape
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Do not leave electrical appliances switched on when not in the room
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If you are disabled or hard of hearing please inform staff
Local Transport
Taxis
Levenside Taxis
1 Leven View, Kinlochleven, Argyll, PH50 4QF Tel 07786 863230
Rob Roy Private Hire
18 Rob Roy Rd, Kinlochleven, PH50 4RA Tel 01855 831320
Bus Service
You can find the current bus timetable here:
https://bustimes.org/services/44-fort-william-kinlochleven
Or use this journey planner
Journey planner: https://www.travelinescotland.com/lts/#/travelInfo
Baggage & People Transport
http://amsscotland.co.uk/transport to make a booking for baggage transport or your own transport.
AMS Scotland
22 Redhills View
Lennoxtown
Glasgow
G66 7BL
Scotland, UK
Email: info@amsscotland.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1360 312 840
Mobile: +44 (0)7872 823 940
Miscellaneous Local Services
Hairdressers & Barber
Caits Cuts, Stephenson Terrace, Leven Road, Kinlochleven
Tel: 01855 831297
Post Office
Post Office Kinlochleven - Kinlochleven (Argyll)
The Aluminium Story, Linnhe Road
Kinlochleven
PH50 4SJ
Opening hours
Monday: 9:00am to 5:30pm
Tuesday: 9:00am to 5:30pm
Wednesday: 9:00am to 1:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am to 5:30pm
Friday: 9:00am to 5:30pm
Saturday: 9:00am to 1:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Places to Eat and Drink Locally
Riverside Chippy
A take-away chip shop but you can sometimes get a table inside or outside to sit and eat there. Highly recommended, they cook to order and are delicious
Chillers At the Ice Factor (see Ice Factor – things to do)
Ice Factor, Kinlochleven
Bar & Grill opening:
Thursday 17:00 – 23:00
Friday – Sat 17:00 – 01:00
Sunday 17:00 -
Highland Getaway Pub & Guest House
They provide meals in their restaurant bar but it’s best to call and book a table unless it’s out of season.
Leven Road, Kinlochleven PH50 4RP T : 01855 831 506 / 258
E : info@highlandgetaway.co.uk
Macdonalds Hotel & Bothy Bar
Providing accommodation, food and drink and a good Bothy Bar within minutes walk. They also have an their Italian Restaurant within the Hotel. You can book online here https://www.macdonaldhotel.co.uk/food-drink/
MacDonald Hotel & Cabins, Fort William Road, Kinlochleven PH50 4QL
Tel: 01855 831539 Email: enquiries@macdonaldhotel.co.uk
Tailrace Inn (Pub, Accommodation, Food & Drink)
Riverside Road, Kinlochleven PH50 4QH, Scotland
Tel: 01855 831 777
Lochleven Seafood Café
Situated in Onich, a little way down the road (by car or taxi) from Kinlochleven you’ll find high-end seafood restaurant.
W: www.lochlevenseafoodcafe.co.uk
E: alison@lochlevenseafoodcentre.co.uk T: 01855 821 048
Things to do in and around Kinlochleven
Kinlochleven is the perfect base for exploring both the immediate area and the wider Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
Nowhere else in the UK will you find such a collection of mountains, lochs and rivers that offer such a unique range of activities and stunning scenery. We hope this section will give you useful contacts so that you can enjoy the Highlands during your stay with us.
Ice Factor At the Ice Factor (see Ice Factor – things to do)
Ice Factor, Kinlochleven
Ice climbing wall, lessons, food, drink, bar and shop and more
Ice Factor Kinlochleven Ice climbing on the world’s biggest indoor ice walls. Rock climb on the UK’s highest articulated rock wall.
Winter: Skiing, snowboarding, sledging, terrain park & avalanche transceiver training park
Summer: down hill & XC biking, rental & lift serviced trails, archery.
Dragons Tooth Golf Course
At the Dragon's Tooth Gold Course you'll find a loch-side 18-tee, 9-hole course and all abilities are welcome. The Club House Bistro, open to all and serves gorgeous coffees, home baking and yummy meals (free wi-fi too!) Here is where you will find the Scottish Segway Centre, cycles tracks (bike hire too) and our paintball and archery arenas.
Pay & play golf. Located in North Ballachulish, spectacularly set between breathtaking mountains, enjoy a game on this superb, 9-hole course.
Fort William enjoy stunning panoramic views from Britain’s only mountain gondola. You will be spoilt for choice at Nevis Range. Skiing, snowboarding, paragliding, mountain biking and high wire adventure are to name but a few of the activities available.
The Aluminium Story – Kinlochleven
Situation within the village post office. Learn how the hydro-electric was used to make aluminium in this quiet and beautiful corner of the Highlands over 90 years ago. Entrance fee is by donation only so pop along and spend a little while in there.
Vertical Descents Go to the web site to select from a menu:
If booking, tell them you want Glencoe activities.
http://www.verticaldescents.com/via-ferrata/via-ferrata.html
SeaXplorer SeaXplorer provide fast boat coastal wildlife tours on the West Coast of Scotland – spectacular scenery including views of Ben Nevis, Glencoe and towards the Sound of Mull. Look out for seals, porpoise, otters, eagles, deer, wild goats and a huge variety of sea birds.
Regular trips throughout summer month at very reasonable prices.
Glencoe Photography
Glencoe Photography provides photography safaris and tuition. Karl will take you on a creative exploration of the stunning landscapes of Glen Coe. Learn the art of landscape photography and capture classic shots of the area.
Exploring a bit further afield
Ballachulish TIC, Ballachulish Slate Quarry, Crafts & Things, Glencoe Lochan, Glencoe & North Lorn Folk Museum.
Oban, Loch Ness, Mull & Iona & Skye are all within a day trip from Kinlochleven.
Information Web Sites:
Go to our web site for City Link coaches and other information on the such as:
West Highland Way baggage transfer
Travelite West Highland Way baggage transfer
Gemini walks – walking holidays
Scottish Citylink coach services
Mountain weather forecast
Climb, Walk, Mountaineer, Learn, Enjoy (Alan Halewood)
https://www.bankhousebedandbreakfast.com/local-activities-weather-kinlochlev
Other Activities:
Canyoning, Segway, white water rafting, climbing, abseiling, guided hiking or climbing, white water ‘Funyakking’, white water ‘river bugging’, mountain biking, golf and so much more ..