ACCOMMODATION

This is a new page created for those paddlers who want to try out accommodation but are unsure of where to base them self. Hopefully this will help you decide. Some of the accommodation i have stayed in, others just visited and the rest word of mouth.

If you own a hostel or the like and want your accommodation on this page let me know. You can E-Mail me with the details.

CRAIGOWER LODGE

Craigower Lodge, situated between Lochaber and Speyside, its on the A9 at Newtonmore. The Lodge has a total of 50 beds, with a variety of private, family and group rooms. Each has a wash hand basin and there are showers and toilets on each floor. Facilities include a lounge with open fire, a dining/common room, a well-equiped kitchen with storage space, secure equipment storage and a drying room. Accommodation can be full board or self-catering basis. Continental and cooked breakfasts, packed lunches and three course evening meals are on offer.

One of the main features that Craigower has to offer is that activities and courses can be arranged. Hillwalking, mountaineering, canoesports, rafting, rock climbing and skiing are to name but a few.

PRICES At the time of going to the key board the following prices were asked:

HOW TO GET THERE From Perth heading north on the A9, take the B9150 to Newtonmore. Craigower is on the right past the train station.

WHO TO CONTACT Ben Kellett at Wilderness Alternatives, Craigower Lodge, Golf Course, Newtonmore, PH20 1AT. Tel/Fax 01540 673319. Or you can E-Mail them, or visit their Web site.

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CARRBRIDGE BUNKHOUSE

Carrbridge Bunkhouse is situated between Aviemore and Lochness on the A9. Local aminities include a Spar shop, Post office, garage and some Hotels. The bunkhouse sleeps 18 with free bedding and parking. The self catering bunkhouse offers pots and pans, crockery, cutlery and free fuel.

After a hard day on (or in ) the water you can come back to hot showers, wood burning stove with the drying room taking care of your kit. Relax at night watching T.V., read a book or listen to some music.

Things to do in and around the area: Cairngorm Mountains, rock climbing, ice climbing, walking, cycling, xc skiing, snowboarding, canoeing, fishing, golf, bird watching, ospereys, pony trekking, shooting, ice skating, whisky trail, castles, good pubs, live music and swimming are to name but a few.

PRICES

HOW TO GET THERE From Perth heading north on the A9, go past Aviemore,heading towards Carbridge.

WHO TO CONTACT The bunkhouse is run by Mr and Mrs Jones. Their address is Carrbridge bunkhouse, Carrbridge, Invernesshire, PH23 3AX. Phone 01479 841250, or you can E-Mail Mr Jones.

GLASSIE BUNKHOUSE

Glassie Bunkhouse is situated about 2 miles from Aberfeldy, 4 miles from Grandtully. At the moment it is still under construction with plans to open March April 2000. The prices will be £8 per person per night, group discounts available. More to follow as information is gained.

HOW TO GET THERE From Aberfeldy go over the river Tay on Wades bridge. Hang a right and then left following signs for Glassie farm. Head all the way up the forestry track till you reach the bunk house.

WHO TO CONTACT Contact llinos robertson on 01887 820265, or you can E-Mail her.

ROY BRIDGE HOSTEL

The Roy Bridge Hostel is situated between Dalwhinnie and Spean Bridge. The local area provides attractive and challenging motor biking, walking, climbing, skiing, canoeing and fishing on the river Roy. There is Aonach Mor - Brae Roy - Creag Meagaidh - and of course - the Grey Corries and Ben Nevis.

The Hostel offers rooms with heating and wash hand basins. Two rooms sleep 3 people and two rooms sleep 4 people, making a total of fourteen. All bed linen is provided. There is a fully fitted kitchen and a drying room. The Roy Bridge Bar provides a good selection of spirits and beers, also bar meals and live folk music some weekends.

HOW TO GET THERE From Fort William head towards Spean Bridge. Once in Spean Bridge take a right and follow signs for Roy Bridge, its about 10min along the road.

WHO TO CONTACT Phone the Hostel on 01397 712236, fax 01397 712241. Or write to the Hostel at Roy Bridge, Inverness-shire, Scotland PH31 4AN.

STATION LODGE

Station Lodge is located in a unique and picturesque setting, once the former Tulloch railway station buildings. It is situated at the eastern end of Glen Spean, off the A86 road nine miles from Spean Bridge, and thirty miles from Newtonmore. The buildings date from August 1894 when the line was constructed between Craigendoran, on the river Clyde estuary, and Fort William. This completed the links to Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the south. Then in 1901, the route was extended from Fort William to Mallaig on the west coast, to take advantage of the important fish trade traffic.

An interesting architectural feature of the buildings, is that they are in the style of a Swiss chalet, with overhanging roofs and the walls are faced with wooden shingles, which were specially imported from switzerland.

Station Lodge is surrounded by numerous excellent walks and climbs, including 10 Munros within a short distance, amoung them being the Grey Corries, the Aonachs and Ben Nevis, the Mamores and Glen Coe. The rivers Spean, Roy, Lochy, Nevis, Ossian, Pattack and Spey, are all within paddling distance of Station Lodge.

Station Lodge is a relaxed comfortable and friendly place, to use as a base to explore this area of lochaber. They provide sleeping accommodation for twenty four people, individuals or groups in four rooms; furnished with double bunks, and wardrobes. Two rooms, each sleeping eight persons. One room sleeping six persons and one room sleeping two persons. Bed linen is provided on request. On site: Drying room, showers, disabled toilet, heated throughout, common room with open fire, air conditioned bunk rooms, shop, telephone and laundry.

HOW TO GET THERE

WHO TO CONTACT Phone Station lodge on 01397 732333. E-Mail them or surf along to there web site at Station lodge, on the web. Or write them a letter at Station Lodge, tulloch, Roy Bridge, Inverness-shire, Scotland PH31 4AR.