Torridon Youth Hostel ‘Club Meet Club’ Weekend 3rd & 4th February 2012
SYHA Hostelling Scotland is delighted to invite all members of clubs affiliated to Mountaineering Council of Scotland to Torridon Youth Hostel for a special opening weekend. For this weekend only shared dormitory accommodation is available for just £10 per person per night.
Club members are invited to book individually; Meet members of other clubs and share experiences of hill walking, either on the hill or in the evening.
To take advantage of this great value offer please phone our reservations team on 0845 2937373 or book online via syha.org.uk.
Winter 2012-13: More great news! Torridon Youth Hostel will be open Friday & Saturday nights from November to February; and open for the festive period. Sole use bookings are also available during the winter months. A great location for your 2013 Burns Supper.
Fort William and Lochaber are known as the Outdoor Capital of the UK in the Scottish Highlands. Our Lochaber Group Duty Manager (covering our Youth Hostels in Glen Nevis, Glencoe and Loch Ossian) has given us some hints and tips about what to get up to in the area, including some facts, must see or do’s and hidden gems that are well worth discovering.
Facts about the area
Glen Nevis is situated at the foot of the UK’s Highest Mountain – Ben Nevis. Ben Nevis attracts an estimated 125,000 complete ascents per year. The summit, at 1,344 metres is no leisurely walk, with the normal time taken to climb to the top by the tourist path three and a half to five hours, coming down is much faster, between one and a half to two hours.
Steall Falls is also situated in Glen Nevis. As the second highest waterfall in the UK, Steall Falls has a single drop of 120 metres. For those looking for something other to do than climb Ben Nevis, there are various routes you can take depending on the length of time you have, to see these magnificent falls.
Fort William and Lochaber have been named Outdoor Capital of the UK for a very good reason. With excellent routes for biking, hillwalking and mountaineering, it is a dream destination for those seeking adventures in Scotland. This area is also ideal for water sports in the spring/summer and water sports in the winter.
Must Do’s/See’s
The Nevis Range mountain gondola is the only of its kind in Britain. It is a highly acclaimed visitor attraction, allowing sightseers to enjoy a scenic ride, whilst absorbing the stunning views and clear mountain air. The 12-15 minute journey allows breath-taking views of the Scottish Highlands, including the Great Glen, Ben Nevis and surrounding areas.
From May until October the Jacobite Steam Train runs from Fort William to Mallaig. Described as one of the greatest railway journeys of the world this 84 mile round trip take you past a list of impressive sights including Ben Nevis. ‘The Jacobite’ also provided the steam engine and carriages for the ‘Hogwarts Express’ as seen in the Harry Potter films, some of the carriages were even used in the films. The Jacobite also travels the line used in the films, you can see the famous Glenfinnan viaduct, an unmistakeable landmark for all Harry Potter fans.
For those who enjoy an active lifestyle, a trip to Glen Nevis would not be complete without climbing Ben Nevis. Though there are literally hundreds of routes to the summit of Ben Nevis, the vast majority of these are for climbers only. For the walker that are just two recommended routes. During the winter, a high level of fitness required for all of the routes.
The walk to Steall Falls is through the stunning and powerful Nevis Gorge to the tranquil glaciated Steall meadows, where you can risk a very wet drop by attempting the ‘Steall Bridge’, a single strand of wire which spans the river.
Hidden Gems
There are many hidden gems around the Lochaber area, Cille Choirill is a very sacred 15th century church in a tranquil area which also boasts being used during filming of ‘Monarch of the Glen’. This lovely church sits high above the road, about a mile beyond Roy Bridge. For centuries Cille Choirill has been the ancestral burial place of the MacDonells of Keppoch, many of whose monuments still survive. The famous warrior bard Iain Lom MacDonald who died in 1709 is also said to lie here.
Find out more about Glen Nevis YH, Glencoe YH, Loch Ossian YH
Jackie and the Beanstalk
Will be showing at macrobert from Wednesday 23rd November 2011 - Saturday 7th January 2012 with prices from £7.00 - £16.50.
Critically acclaimed as one of the bets pantomimes in Scotland, and hilarious Christmas fun for young and old at the same time. Starring an all-star cast of Scotland’s finest acting and production talent and a terrific cast of young performers, this is a great Christmas treat not to be missed! Written, directed by and starring Johnny McKnight.
Polar Molar Christmas Show
Join macrobert for a wonderful Christmas tale, for ages 3+, their families and all polar bear fans. Written by Abigail Docherty and directed by Lu Kemp.
For more information and to purchase tickets please visit the website.
Thousands of revellers enjoy this 6 day festival which includes daily guided walks, shinty and football matches, tea dances, a duck race, cookery demonstrations and much more. The main highlight of the festival is the open-air ceilidh on Hogmanay.
When: 28th December 2011 - 2nd January 2012
Where: Loch Ness
Nearest Hostel: Inverness
For more information please visit the website.
On Saturday 17th December the Scottish Snowsports Festival heads to Edinburgh.
Snowsports Scotland will transform Princes Street into the track for a Nordic Roller Ski Race and the iconic venue will also play host to a snow park with jumps and rails for the freestyle competition.
With DJs and winter sports exhibitor’s on site as well as having the Edinburgh Christmas Celebrations next door including an ice rink and German Market, a vibrant atmosphere and fun day out is guaranteed for both spectators and athletes.
When: 12pm - 17th December 2011
Where: Princes Street, Edinburgh
Nearest Hostel: Edinburgh Central
For more information please visit the website.
A whole host of winter activities and sightseeing are on offer this winter at Cairngorm Mountain, here are just a few ideas on how to spend the holidays:
Snow Sports - Take place between December and April, depending on snowfall for skiing and snowboarding particularly, open from 9am - 4pm depending on snowfall and daylight conditions.
Christmas Shop @ the Top - Visitors to the Shop @ the Top will find it decked out in festive decorations with a fantastic range of Christmas decorations and gift suggestions. There’s also a wide range of outdoor clothing to cope with the elements with brands from O’Neill, Weird Fish, Pachamama and many more.
Santa and his Elves - Will be making an appearance at Cairngorm Mountain this Christmas on 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th and 24th December.
Where: Cairngorm National Park
When: Winter 2011/2012
Nearest Hostels: Aviemore and Cairngorm Lodge
For more information and a schedule of winter activities please visit the website.
Celebrate Christmas in Edinburgh this year or take a day trip through to the winter wonderland at Princes Street Gardens to soak up the Christmas spirit.
With a wide variety of events on offer, why not go for a ride on the big wheel and take in the wonderful views of the city? There’s also the opportunity to get your skates on and practice your ice skating skills in between having a wander round the German Market and Christmas Foodies Festival whilst sampling all the festive delights on offer.
When: 24th November 2011 - 3rd January 2012
Where: Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh
Nearest Hostel: Edinburgh Central
For more information and a full programme of events please visit the website.
Glasgow Loves Christmas is filled with over five weeks of festive fun and shopping in the heart of the city with something for everyone.
Highlights include Glasgow on Ice, Glasgow’s biggest and best outdoor ice rink which will be open for over five weeks, closing only on Christmas Day and Boxing Day due to popular demand. A Rock Choir performing Christmas Carols and Songs underneath the stars on the stage at George Square. A number of film nights showing Christmas favourites to get you in the mood including Home Alone, White Christmas and Scrooge as well as family fun days and big band performances throughout the festive period.
When: 26 November 2011 - 3rd January 2012
Where: George Square, Glasgow
Nearest Hostel: Glasgow
For more information and a full list of events please visit the website.
