The Davis Family

Wishing you a fantastic holiday!

We are delighted that you have chosen to stay at our lovely loch side cabin.

The lodge was built in 2012 using Norwegian spruce trees from the peninsula as well as local stone. It was built to exacting standards and its hilltop vantage point maximizes the captivating views it offers of the loch and the mountains beyond.

WELCOME TO ASPEN LODGE For us it was love at first sight and we jumped at the chance to buy the lodge in May 2018.

So now it’s our home from home and we are happy to welcome you here.

This guide contains information to help you find your way around. We hope that you will feel very comfortable.

PROPERTY INFORMATION

ARRIVAL

Arrival is from 4pm. The keys to the lodge can be found in the key safe to the side of the front door. You will be provided with the key code for your stay in your welcome letter.

PARKING

There is ample parking at the lodge for 3 or more cars. There are no steps between the parking area and the lodge entrance.

DEPARTURE

Please make sure that the front door is locked and the keys are returned to the key safe ready for the next guests.

HEATING

The property is heated by under-floor heating via a ground source heat pump on the ground floor. It

has been set via thermostat to come on and off as necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature in the lodge. Should you wish to increase or decrease the temperature at all please call our housekeepers who will assist you.The upstairs has electric heaters which may be turned on and off as necessary using the dial on the heat-ers. If you leave the upstairs bed-room doors open during the day they will get the benefit of the heat from downstairs, minimising the need to use the electric heaters.

HOT WATER

There is continuous hot water at the lodge however it sometimes takes a while to run through warm so please give it a few minutes, particularly in the upstairs shower.

PATIO DOORS

The patio doors are secured on a catch at the side of the doorway that

prevents them from opening until it is flipped out of the way. Then the main door handles may be pulled down to release the lock and the doors will slide along the rail.

WASHING MACHINE

Washing detergent and fabric con-ditioner may be found in the utility room. The washing machine is sim-ple to operate, you simply turn the dial to match the programme that you require and press start. There is an iron and ironing board in the hall-way cupboard. There are also pegs and a clothes horse.

TUMBLE DRYER

The tumble dryer is also in the utili-ty room. To work it turn the dial to the drying setting you require and press start. It is a condenser dryer so the water container will need to be emptied after each use.

wish to purchase more they are £5 each.

DOGS

We very much welcome well-be-haved dogs to Aspen on the basis that they stay off of the furniture, are not allowed upstairs or in bedrooms and are not left in the house on their own. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dog please. Where there are signs that these re-quests have not been respected we shall ask owners to contribute to-wards any extra cleaning costs. Any pet-related damage or stains must

INTERNET

The BT WI-FI hub name is BTHub4-TZSC and the password is f2e-b73496a. Please note that unfortu-nately the WI-FI is slow (to do with available broadband speeds in the area rather than the lodge specifical-ly!), and it becomes slower the more devices use the broadband at once.

OVEN

To work the oven turn the left-hand dial to the 2nd picture (of a fan) and the right hand dial to the tempera-ture you require. To work the grill turn the left-hand dial to the 5th pic-ture.

HOB

Hold down the “on” button until the hob beeps and a 0 is shown for each ring. Press the up arrow for which-ever hob you wish to use to set the appropriate power level. 9 is the highest setting. Once on, the hob locks when no buttons have been pressed for a few minutes. To get it to unlock press the key button, then all of the other buttons should work as normal.There is an extractor fan above the hob. To turn it on please press the button on the wall with a red light on it.

MICROWAVE

The simplest way to use the micro-wave is to turn the dial to the appro-priate time setting, then press the power level that you wish the micro-wave to operate at (900 is the normal setting), then press start.

DISHWASHER

The large button on the right turns the dishwasher on and off. Each time you want to run it you will need to press the left hand button to indi-cate the temperature setting you want. Then shut the door and hold it in place until you hear a noise as the dishwasher starts working.

TELEPHONE

The telephone may be used for both incoming and outgoing calls. If you use the telephone for outgoing calls please leave an appropriate sum in the honesty box to cover the cost of your call.

TELEVISION & DVD PLAYER

The television remote is labeled on the back. To use the television to watch a freesat channel make sure the freesat box is on (blue light comes on when it is off – very con-fusing!) and using the “INPUT” but-ton on the TV remote turn the TV to HDMI 1. There is a selection of DVDs on the bookshelves in the games den. To play a DVD put the DVD into the player – often the TV will start play-ing it automatically but if not use the “INPUT” button to change the source to AV.

TV IN GAMES DEN

The remote in the snug works the tel-evision. This television can be used for playing the x-box or for watching DVDs, but it does not have an aerial or freesat connection for television channels. To use the x-box – turn on the main button on the x-box and switch on

the television. If the TV is not already set to the right channel press the “source” button on the TV remote and go to HDMI 1. Press the X button on an x-box controller and go to the home page. To play the games that we have downloaded you will need to sign in using the login aspenlodgescot-land.co.uk and the password @spen-lodg3, but you are welcome to log in using your own account if you have one.To watch a DVD – at the side of the television is a DVD player. Place the DVD in the player and if it does not start automatically press “source” on the TV remote and go to DVD.

SPA BATHS

Please fill the baths high enough so that the air jets are covered with wa-ter. To work the spas you will need to press the buttons on the walls outside of the bathrooms to turn the power on. Buttons on the baths control the air jets.

EXTRAS & HONESTY BOX

As we are some way from the near-est grocery shop we provide a num-ber of extras that you may purchase from us by leaving money in the honesty box, as follows:

•Logs – when you arrive the fire will be stacked with logs ready for you to light. Further logs will be stacked at the side for you to help yourself to. These are all complimentary. Should you wish to use more logs from our outdoor log store please help yourself – each replenish of the basket is £3.

•Kids’ stuff – in the right hand side of the dining area sideboard you

will find a basket full of various craft activities. These are individu-ally priced. The colouring pencils may of course be used throughout your stay and the colouring sheets are free to help yourself to.

•Jam – you are provided with a com-plimentary jar of Christine’s home-made jam as part of your hamper. If you would like to purchase any further jars there are some in the kitchen priced at £4.50 each.

•Water – we provide one full drum of spring water for you to use dur-ing your stay (plus anything left by the previous guests). Should you

be paid for in full by the owners.

GARDEN

We are incredibly lucky to have the “Great Outdoors” right on our door-step at Aspen Lodge. We have a large garden that is mostly unfenced and open for you to explore, which we encourage! However, please note that there are two waterfall areas and a stream with very high banks in places. With this in mind, please ensure that four-legged friends and young children are super-vised at all times.

WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF…

BREAKAGES / DAMAGE

With minor damage or breakages (e.g. a broken glass) please just fill in the breakages book so that we know to provide replacements. With more significant damage please let us or our housekeepers know.

A POWER CUT

The fuse box is in the utility room and clearly labeled. There is a torch in the utility room also.

A WATER LEAK

The stopcock is inside the left-hand utility room cup-board.

A FIRE

There is a fire extinguisher in the utility room - please read the label carefully and familiarise yourself with when it

may be used. In the event of a fire, we suggest that you assemble at the front of the property. You should evacu-ate immediately and call 999. You should not return into the property to collect possessions. To minimize the chances of fires please ensure that can-dles are not left burning unattended and place the guard in front of the fire.

AN ACCIDENT

The first aid kit can be found in the laundry room.Please see the contacts page for details of local doctors and the emergency services.

GENERAL QUERIES / ISSUES

If you need any assistance working any of our applianc-es, or if you have any other issues during your stay at the lodge, please contact Christine and Ian who are based nearby and will be very happy to help you.

The best contact number for them is 01967 431717.

PRACTICALITIES

FLOORPLAN

REFUSEThe kitchen bin is in a cupboard to the right of the sink. Refuse should be placed in the large refuse bags found in the under sink cupboard and placed in the bin in the log store.

RECYCLINGPlease help us look after our beautiful planet. Separate recycling bins are provided in the log store for glass and other recycling waste. “Other” recycling waste includes paper, cardboard, tins & cans, cartons and plastic bottles, tubs, pots and trays. We provide more information about recycling at the house.

LINEN AND LAUNDRY

Clean linen and towels are provided on each changeover day. There will be an additional replacement should you stay for two weeks (at the end of the first week) when bedding may also be changed – our housekeepers will check with you if you would like this.

STORE CUPBOARD

Please help yourself to tea, coffee, sugar, salt and pepper, bread, milk, oil and herbs provided.

GARDEN & HOUSE MAINTENANCE

Our gardener comes to mow the lawn from time to time and weekly in the summer. This is usually on a Monday but can very depending upon his schedule.

We also have a window cleaner who visits the proper-ty once every two weeks. It is also necessary for extra gardening and house maintenance to be done by our housekeepers occasionally, to keep the property looking nice and well maintained for our guests.

Our housekeepers will try to provide notice of visits to the house and garden and keep them to a minimum.

TerraceTerrace

Master Bedroom Dining Area

Living Area

Store

Utility

Balcony

Snug

Bedroom Bedroom

downstairs upstairs

OUT & ABOUTWelcome to the beautiful Ardnamurchan peninsula – the Real Wild West!

Here we provide lots of information about the area, including places to visit, things to see & do and places to eat and drink.

SHOPS

•Visitor Centre ................................................... 01972 500209•Salen Jetty Shop ............................................ 01967 431750•Ferry Stores & Post Office, Kilchoan ....... 01972 510201•The Village Shop, Acharacle ...................... 01967 431257•Post Office, Acharacle .................................. 01967 431220

The nearest grocery shop to the lodge is the Salen Jetty Store. It sells all the basic groceries that you will need. The opening hours are seasonal with the shop closing early during the autumn/winter so check timings on their facebook page before you go: @salenjettyshop.

PETROL / DIESEL

•Ferry Stores & Post Office, Kilchoan ......... 01972 510201

This is the only place on the peninsula to sell petrol, but it is not always stocked so it is best to call ahead and check.

CASH

•Post Office, Acharacle .................................. 01967 431220

The only place that you can get cash-back is the post of-fice in Acharacle, though be warned that their machine does not seem to work with all types of debit card!

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

•Ambulance, Fire and Coastguard ...................... Ring 999•Police ................................................................... 01967 402022•NHS 24 .............................................................. 08454 24 24 24(NHS 24 will ask for your postcode which is PH36 4JG and your nearest town is Acharacle)•Local GP surgery - The Pines Medical Centre,

Acharacle .......................................................... 01967 431 231•District nurses, Kilchoan ............................. 01972 510202•Dentist - M & S Dental Care,

Fort William ...................................................... 01397 702147•Vet - Crown Vet Practice,

Fort William ......................................................... 01397 70272

TOURIST INFORMATION

•Tourist Office, Kilchoan ............................... 01972 510222•Tourist Office, Strontian .............................. 01967 402381•Tourist Office, Fort William ....................... 0845 225 5121

CONTACTS FOR ASPEN LODGE

•Christine and Ian (HOUSEKEEPERS) ....... 01967 431717•Christine .............................................................. 07557387667•Ian .......................................................................... 07776300912•Sam (OWNER) ................................................... 07717820828•Aspen Lodge Telephone Number ........... 01972 500718

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION AND CONTACTS

FOOD & DRINKDespite being a remote & secluded area, the peninsula has a number of places where you can eat out, some places where you can take food away, and an Indian food delivery service!

We set out overleaf a list of the local eateries, and then provide a bit more detail and sample menus for some of those that are closest, or we consider worth a trip.

We appreciate that many guests who choose self-catering accommodation like to prepare their own food at home. Please see the ‘Essential Information & Contacts’ section at the front of the folder for details of shops where you may purchase groceries.

ARDNAMURCHAN EATERIES

LOCAL EATERIES Ardnamurchan Natural HistoryVisitor Centre, Glenmore (10 min walk)Breakfasts & Lunches, closed Saturdays. 01972 500209 www.ardnamurchannaturalhistorycentre.com

Ardshealach Restaurant, Acharacle (30min drive)Dinner. 01976 431399www.ardshealach-lodge.co.uk

Ariundle Centre, Strontian (30 min drive)Food all day, bar & take aways. 01967 402279www.ariundlecentre.co.uk

Bothy Bar & Restaurant, Strontian Hotel in Strontian (30 min drive)Dinner and bar. 01967 402029www.thestrontianhotel.co.uk

Café Sunart, Strontian (30 min drive)Breakfast, brunch, lunch. 01967 402277

Café Tioram, Acharacle (30 min drive)Breakfast, brunch & lunch. 07792 409846 www.facebook.com/cafetioram

Highlander Café / Chippy, Acharacle (30 min drive)Takeaways. 01967 431282www.facebook.com/highlandercafe/chippy

Kilcamb Lodge, Strontian (30 min drive)Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & dinner. 01967 402257www.kilcamblodge.co.uk

Kilchoan House Hotel, Kilchoan (26 min drive)Breakfast, lunch, dinner & bar. 01972 510200

Loch Shiel Hotel, Acharacle (30 min drive)Lunch & dinner. 01972 431224www.lochshielhotel.com

Mingarry Park Restaurant, Acharacle (30 min drive)Open March to October, Afternoon tea & dinner. 01972 431202www.mingarryparkhouse.co.uk

The Salen Hotel, Salen (25 min drive)Dinner & bar. 01972 431661www.salenhotel.co.uk

DELIVERY SERVICE Sanna SpiceDelivery to Glenbeg Thursday evening all year – book early! 01972 510760https://goo.gl/tCfeoa - menu in folder

FURTHER AFIELD Café Fish, Tobermory (1 hour 30 drive & boat)Open March – October only, lunch and dinner. 01688 301253www.thecafefish.com

The Boat House, Kingairloch (1 hour 14 drive)Open during summer months only, lunch & dinner. 01972 411232www.kingairloch.co.uk

The Glenuig Inn, Glenuig (56 min drive)Open all day, all year round. 01687 470219www.glenuig.com

Whitehouse Restaurant, Lochaline (1 hour 14 drive)Two AA rosettes, lunch & dinner. 01972 421777www.thewhitehouserestaurant.co.uk

our favourites

CAFÉ FISH

THE GLENUIG

INN

CAFÉ TIORAM

SANNA SPICE

THINGS TO DOThere is a reason why Ardnamurchan is called the “Real Wild West” – its remote and sparsely populated location makes it a wildlife haven. As well as potentially spot-ting the big five of Scottish wildlife (red deer, red squirrel, golden eagle, otters and seals), if you’re lucky you may also see the elusive Scottish wildcat, one of the most critically endangered wild mammals native to the UK. While much of the wildlife may be seen either from the lodge or when out and about generally, we include de-tails of guides, tours, boat trips and areas around the peninsula that are particularly good for nature lovers.

For those who like outdoor activities, we include information about walking and cycling, kayaking and canoeing, sailing and fishing.

There are also plenty of places to visit and things to see during your holiday, in-cluding: Tobermory, which is a short boat trip away; the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which features in the Harry Potter films; the Ardnamurchan Whisky Distillery that is within walking (or staggering!) distance from the house; numerous sandy beaches, and a ruined castle…

…FOR NATURE LOVERS

RSPB RESERVE (5 minute drive, 25 minute walk)

Take one of the guided walks from the RSPB reserve at Glenborrodale that run each day from May to September (check website for dates and prices), or walk unguided. The site is open all year round and features a number of trails. Over 130 different birds have been reported in the vicinity. There is a car park, but no toilet or café facilities. The lodge has a book on Scottish birds that you are welcome to use during your stay. www.rspb.org.uk

ARIUNDLE OAKWOOD NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE (45 min drive)

As well as a wonder of plants, trees and wildlife, this ancient woodland hous-es an array of insects and there is also the potential to see pine martins, ot-ters and Scottish wildcats. There is a woodland trail and a nature trail. Follow signs for FCS Airigh Fhion-ndail car park two miles north of Strontian. www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

ARDNAMURCHAN POINT (40 min drive)

At Ardnamurchan Point you have reached the most westerly part of the British mainland! From here it is possible to spot porpoise, otters, dolphins, minke whale, basking shark and orca. There are also some resident seals that can often be spotted from the top of the lighthouse if you take your binoc-ulars. The views are rather wonderful from the lighthouse and there is a café too. Basically keep following the road west from the house and the light-house is signposted from Kilchoan.www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/ardnamurchan-point-p521731

BEACH AREAS

These places are detailed later in the guide as places to visit generally, but they are also good for wildlife:•Sanna Bay Beach – good for flora & fauna, butterflies, coastal birds and

otters.•Cul na Croise – another beach, with an interesting and rare habitat. Remote

and more difficult to access. Good for flora & fauna, coastal birds, otter, red deer, pine martin and badgers.

GARBH EILEAN WILDLIFE HIDE (30 min drive)

This hide sits on the shores of Loch Sunart and is well-placed for spotting ot-ters, common seals and a huge variety of bird life. You will need a good zoom lens and binoculars. There is a car park close to the hide. https://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/visit/garbh-eilean-wildlife-hide

You will see plenty of wildlife as you explore the peninsular, but we’d suggest a trip to these places if nature spotting is your main aim.

Further details of all of the following can be found on www.wildlochaber.com

WILD HIGHLAND TOURS

There are various different land-based trips throughout the seasons, from searching for pine martins to watching the rutting deer in au-tumn/winter. Have a look at their website www.wildhighlandtours.co.uk or con-tact Fay and Niall by phone: 01972 500742 / 07749 727878.

As is usually evident from the state of our lawn, we have plenty of wild-life activity in the garden at Aspen! If you wish to increase your chanc-es of seeing badgers, pine martins, otters and deer from the lodge, we would suggest that you leave out some peanuts, sunflower seeds, fruit or root vegetables. Pine martins are

NATURE SCOTLAND

Nature Scotland run land-based wildlife tours on Arnamurchan (full day) and Mull (half day and evening). Take a look at their website: www.naturescotland.com.

STAFFA TOURS

Take a trip in search of seals, dol-phins, eagles, puffins, whales and basking sharks while sailing through the stunning Treshnish Isles on a trip to Fingal’s Cave. The trip takes 5 hours and departs from Kilcho-an, which is 25 mins drive from the house. It runs from April through to September. For details see www.staffatours.com.

also partial to peanut butter and bread and jam. Once the local wild-life realise that there is a food source in the garden you are likely to have regular visitors, though it can take a while for them to notice. They of-ten visit through the night when all is dark and quiet, but assuming that you don’t want to sit up through the

ARDNAMURCHAN CHARTERS

Just around the corner from Aspen Lodge, Ardnamurchan Charters do fantastic boat trips for otter and seal watching, and more. Take a look at the otter watching trip on the web-site: www.west-scotland-marine.com. You can also take private charter trips for a tailor-made expedition.

LOCH SHIEL CRUISES

There are a number of options for cruising on Loch Shiel – an inland freshwater loch to the north east of the house. For details of their trips see www.highlandcruises.co.uk.

night, the best times for spotting are early morning and dusk.

WILDLIFE TOURS

AT THE LODGE

For fantastic opportunities to see more of the wildlife around the peninsula take one of the following trips:

If you have some good nature spotting experiences please write about them in the wildlife diary.

…FOR EXPLORERSCASTLE TIORAM (40 min drive)

This picturesque, ruined castle sits on a tidal island, so if you want to get up close to it check the tide times before your visit. You can’t get inside the castle because it is too dangerous but it is nice to walk around and gaze at the view from the different sides. It is very photogenic so don’t forget your camera. The beach opposite the castle is a wonder for beachcombers with interesting shells to discover. There are no toilets or refreshment facilities there but it is not far from Acharacle, so we would suggest popping into Café Tiorum for some food, or if you’re prepared to drive a little further afield you could head to the Glenuig Inn.For walkers, there is a 12km route called the Silver Walk that incorporates Castle Tiorum that may be downloaded from www.walkinghighlands.co.uk, as well as details of a 6km Silver Circuit Walk.It is very picturesque and a lovely area to walk around. Castle Tioram doesn’t have a website, however a good description of it can be found at:www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/acharacle/castletioram/index.html

DISTILLERY TOUR (10 min walk)

The Ardnamurchan Distillery is a 10 minute walk from the house, so you can do one of their tasting tours without worrying about driving back.There are different levels of tour to choose from depending how many tast-ings you would like. The tour is informative and interesting and if you get a taste for their malts there is a gift shop where you can pick up bottles and other whisky themed gifts. Have a look at www.adelphidistillery.com for more information.

ARDNAMURCHAN LIGHTHOUSE & WESTERLY POINT(40 min drive)

Visit the most westerly point of mainland Britain. There are fabulous views on a clear day, particularly if you climb the 150+ steps to the top of the light-house. The guide is a former lighthouse keeper who is happy to recount tales of bad weather, point out the various islands that you are looking at (with Skye, Rum, Muck and Eigg among them) and detail the changes to the lighthouse over the years. There is a café with a limited selection but the food is nice and fresh, and there are toilet facilities, a shop and a museum. There are beaches nearby and rocky coves to explore. There is also a lot of wildlife to spot enroute – red deer, eagles, buzzards – and the potential to see dolphins, seals, otters and minke from the point.http://ardnamurchanlighthouse.com

MULL & TOBERMORY (30 min drive + 35 min ferry)

On a fair day it is great to take the ferry from Kichoan over to Tobermory. Kilchoan is a 30 minute drive from the house and the ferry takes 35 minutes. You may travel either as a foot passenger or with your car. The crossing is scenic and provides opportunities for wildlife spotting. See the Calmac website for up to date timetable and fare information: www.calmac.co.uk.

Tobermory is a colourful town, recognisable to many as the setting for the children’s television programme Balamory. In the town you can visit Ronnie Leckie’s Picture Gallery (with artwork of local landscapes), the Mull Museum, Tobermory Handmade Chocolate shop, the Isle of Mull Soap Co, Tobermory Distillery, an aquarium, craft and gift shops and numerous pubs, cafes and restaurants. Some of the activities and eateries are seasonal. Have a look at www.tobermory.co.uk to plan your visit.

GLENFINNAN VIADUCT & MONUMENT(1 hr 20 mins drive)

Although a little way from the lodge, it is worth taking the picturesque drive to Glenfinnan for a sight of the famous viaduct (which features in the Harry Potter films), the views of Loch Shiel & the surrounding mountains, and the monument commemorating the Jacobite clansmen who fought for Bonnie Prince Charlie. The viaduct has become a particularly popular tourist spot over the last few years with Harry Potter fans keen to see the Jacobite steam train run across it to Glenfinnan Station. From here the train may be taken to Fort William or Mallaig. Take a look at www.visitscotland.co.uk for more information about the area and www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite for details of the steam train.

SANNA BAY

Based on the west coast, Sanna is a beach of fine, white sand and dark rocks. It is very picturesque and pop-ular with visitors in the summer. It is about 35 minutes drive from Aspen.

BEN HIANT

This is the closest mountain to the lodge and from the top gives a lovely view along the coastline, across Loch Sunart to many of the Inner Hebredi-an islands. At 528m high it is not too challeng-ing to walk and the path described by www.walkhighlands.co.uk takes 2-3 hours to complete. The lodge is only a 10 minute drive from the start of the walk.

The parking is a 10 minute walk from the beach.

THE SINGING SANDS (CAMAS AN LIGHE)

This is near Kentra, a 25 minute drive from the lodge. There is a 1.5 mile walk (or cycle) to this beach from the parking area. It is another beautiful, white sandy beach with volcanic rocks. It is called singing sands be-cause of the noise made when the wind blows across the sand or feet shuffle on it.

There are no cafes at any of the above beaches so feel free to use the picnic hamper that we keep in the kitchen. Also it is worth noting that none of the beaches have toilet facilities.

BEN RESIPOLE

Park at the Resipole campsite (30 minutes drive from the lodge). This mountain is a Corbett standing at 845m. It provides absolutely stun-ning views from the top and is re-nowned as one of the greatest view-points in Scotland. The walk detailed by www.walkhighlands.co.uk takes 5-6 hours and covers 7.25 miles.

ARDGOUR AREA

There are a number of mountains in the Ardgour area (a 55 minute drive from the lodge). Garbh Beinn is 978m high and described as a “magnificent

CAMAS NAN GEALL

This is the closest beach, just a 5 min-ute drive from the lodge. But it is much, much more than just a beach – it features 3 interesting archaeo-logical features: a Neolithic burial chamber, a standing stone thought to be from the bronze age and an 18th century burial ground. It is also overlooked by Ben Hiant, which can be hiked from there.

mountain” with the walk involving some light scrambling. Sgurr na h-Eachainne is a horseshoe of sum-mits seen clearly from the Corran fer-ry. There is a steep 838m walk in this area that involves crossing a burn and a very steep ascent in parts.

GLENFINNAN AREA

For those who want to bag a munro during their stay, there are two near Glenfinnan (a 1hr 20 min drive from the lodge): Sgurr Nan Coireachan and Sgurr Thuilm. Have a look at www.walkhighlands.co.uk for de-tails.

BEACHES

HILLS & MOUNTAINS

There are numerous gorgeous beaches to explore around the peninsula, but here are some of the best:

The above are just a few examples of the stunning beaches around Ardnamurchan, others include Bay MacNeil, Portuairk, Kilmory and Cul na Croise. For details of these have a look at www.wildlochaber.com

For information about moun-tain and hill walks together with downloadable maps have a look at www.walkhighlands.co.uk

…FOR THE ACTIVE

WALKING

If you like walking at altitude, have a look at the hills & mountains section for some inspiration. Further afield there are also fantastic walks around Ben Nevis and Glencoe.

If you prefer gentle or shorter walks, there are plenty nearby. The penin-sular features beautiful ancient oak woodlands and there are various walks through these, for example:•Sunart Oakwoods•Salen Oakwoods•Ariundle Oakwoods

For walks with loch views you may like to try:•A walk from Camas Nan Geall (5

minutes’ drive from the lodge) overlooking Loch Sunart

•A walk from Polloch overlooking Loch Shiel

There are also numerous walks in-corporating the beaches around the peninsula. We would recommend visiting www.walkhighlands.co.uk for lots of information about walks in the area.

CYCLING

Bikes are available to rent from Su-nart Cycles. They can be rented by the day or longer, and Sunart Cycles will deliver them to the lodge and collect them for you if you pre-ar-range this with them. They can also loan you a bike rack, child seats and buggies, and can advise on the best tracks to cycle or tailor make a tour for you. We provide a cycle rack in the log store for guests to use.www.sunartcycles.co.uk

KAYAKING & CANOEING

You can launch your own kayak or canoe from the pontoon just down from the house, or take a tour with Otter Adventures or Source 2 Sea and discover the peninsula from a totally different perspective. https://otter-adventures.co.ukhttp://source-2-sea.co.uk

DINGHIES & SAILING

If you have your own small boat you can always bring it with you and ei-ther moor it off the jetty at Salen, or leave it at the bottom of the drive-way at Aspen. Our driveway is steep and scrabbly so you probably won’t be able to drive it up there.

If you don’t have your own boat but would like to do a bit of sailing, get in touch with Source 2 Sea and they will sort some canoe sailing for you. If you would prefer a boat with an engine then you can hire a boat from Ardnamurchan Charters. http://source-2-sea.co.ukwww.west-scotland-marine.com

BOAT TRIPS

From March through to October there are a lot of boat trips that you can take – take a look at the Wildlife Tours section for details.

STALKING / CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING

Many types of hunting take place on the Ardnamurchan Estate and can be organized through West High-land Hunting. Have a look at their website for more information and contact details: www.westhighland-hunting.co.uk

Crombie Clay Shooting offer clay pigeon shooting, archery, air rifles, tomahawke throwing, crossbows and sling shots at Ardtornish estate.

They have a certificate of excellence from Tripadvisor. Have a look at their website if you are interested in these activities. It is a bit of a trek over to Ardtornish but if you go for the Huntsman Ex-perience (involving 3 activities) then it’s worth it. They welcome children aged 8 and over. www.crombieclayshooting.co.uk

FISHING

Ardnamurchan is a fantastic area to enjoy a variety of fishing, with salm-on and trout in the rivers, brown trout and coarse fishing in the lo-chans and a wide range of sea fishing either from the shore or on a boat.

•Shoreline Sea Fishing - If you have your own gear you can fish from the rocks around Loch Sunart and Kilchoan pier for free and without a permit.

•Sea Fishing By Boat - Alternatively you can hire or charter a boat from Ardnamurchan Charters, just down the road from the lodge. They have a 32’ charter boat with a radar and sonar and an experienced skipper for a special fishing experience.

•Loch & River Fishing – Fishing on the nearby Ardnamurchan Estate takes place between 15 March and 1 October and permits may be pur-chased to fish in Loch Mudle (the closest to the Lodge), Lochan a Mhadaidh Riadhaich, Lochan Nam Fiann and the Achateny burn from the Natural History Visitor Centre just minutes from the Lodge. For those wanting a guide with them, West Highland Hunting arrange loch and sea fishing experiences.

PHOTOGRAPHY

The peninsula is incredibly pictur-esque and provides a haven for wild-life and landscape photographers. For those wanting some instruction, Steven Marshall is a professional photographer based on the penin-sular who offers courses.https://goo.gl/2vNfbU

SCOTLAND

www.westhighland-hunting.co.uk

Thank you for visiting Aspen Lodge, we hope to see you again

Aspen LodgeGlenmore, AcharaclePH36 4JGScotland, UK

Tel. 07717 820828 hello@aspenlodgescotland.co.ukwww.aspenlodgescotland.co.uk @aspenlodgescotland

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