Àite Cruinnichidh is a hostel on the outskirts of Roy Bridge in the Spean Valley, a short drive out of Fort William.
It's a fantastic kayaking destination for people who are more adventurous. Tere are a large number of fantastic white water rivers nearby at a range of grades from 2/3 upwards. The Roy, the Upper Spean and the Arkaig are almost on the doorstep. For those in need of an introduction there are a number of guiding companies who operate locally and if the weather is not right for kayaking there are a host of other activities in the area to entertain you.
The hostel is family run and the owners are always welcoming. They have fantastic drying facilities – very important for a kayaking holiday - and a good knowledge of the area. It also sports a sauna, which is a great way to unwind of an evening.
Starting at £12 a night, if you are looking for a cheap base for a fantastic white water kayaking holiday then this a great place to start, either for a small or larger group of people.
www.highland-hostel.co.uk/
Train Station: Roy Bridge
Phone: 01397 712315
I have always wondered why it is so hard to find fresh and interestingly cooked seafood in our island nation!
Well, my search ended when I came across the Loch Leven seafood cafe sitting innocuously on Loch Leven just off the A82. The fish and seafood is caught fresh and locally.
My starter was a plate of oysters - which I can honestly say were the juiciest and plumpest one I've ever had. For the main course I had the razor clams cooked in herby white wine served with delicious bread.
There is also an adjoining shop that sells fish and seafood. If you like seafood you won't be disappointed.
It's about four miles off the A82 (the Glasgow to Inverness road) as the A82 passes in between Ballachulish and Onich (just south of Fort William). There is a brown sign on the A82 pointing you in the direction.
01855 821048 www.lochlevenseafoodcafe.co.uk
A stunning location overlooking the loch. The hostel is recently refurbished to full 'green' standards with both wind and solar power and recycling. Well located for exploring the hills around Rannoch Moor - the best way to arrive is by train to Corrour Station and then walk the 1km to the hostel.
A must for scenic beauty in a remote location.
Loch Ossian YH, Corrour, Fort William, Inverness-shire.
0870 004 1139
www.syha.org.uk/SYHA/Web/Site/Hostels/txt_LochOssian.asp
The West Highland Museum in Fort William is an extraordinary collection, full of charm and surprises, like pictures of the gang who took a car up Ben Nevis. It is an ideal place to go if the weather drives you off attempting to climb that mountain.
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