Wilderness for the Wary
An Introduction to the Scottish Wilderness, for those who don't like camping and who think that mountains are for looking at, not climbing.
Date and time
Location
Loch Ossian Youth Hostel
Corrour by Fort William PH30 4AA United KingdomRefund Policy
About this event
- Event lasts 1 day 4 hours
The Scottish Highlands are wild and beautiful, but not very accessible from the roadside. This trip is designed for those who would like to have a taste of staying in a remote location without abandoning all semblance of civilisation.
We will stay at the Loch Ossian Youth Hostel at Corrour on the edge of Rannoch Moor. It's remote, but there are real beds and hot showers and catering facilities. There's also great food available just a short walk away, at the Station House restaurant at Corrour train station.
We'll arrive in time for lunch at the restaurant on Wednesday 27th, and then walk to the hostel where we will drop off our bags. There will then be an opportunity to explore the area around Loch Ossian (either independently or with a guided walk to an unmarked path and waterfall) before we have dinner together that evening (either at the hostel or at the restaurant, depending on your preference).
On Thursday 28th, after breakfast at the restaurant, there will be another short guided walk on offer followed by a return on the 12.30pm train and lunch at the Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum. Those who don't fancy the second walk (which will look at the glacial history of the area) can of course spend the morning drinking coffee and reading books at the Station House restaurant.
Please note:
The price charged is for the planning and logistics of the trip and includes the cost of a bed at the hostel for one night and two guided low-level walks. You will be responsible for all your own food costs at any restaurant (or for sharing the cost of ingredients if we decide to make our own meal and eat at the hostel on the Wednesday evening), and also for any travel costs (including the cost of the train ticket - currently £18.30 return).
Frequently asked questions
We will meet at Bridge of Orchy train station at 10am on the Wednesday morning, where we will leave our cars and take the 30 minute train ride to Corrour train station. During the train journey, the views of the wilds of Rannoch Moor are really special.
It's a hostel, not a hotel. There are comfy bunk beds in separate male and female dormitories, each with their own dedicated bathroom. Bedding and towels are provided. You won't get a chocolate on your pillow unless you bring your own.
A full list of recommended clothing will be provided to all who book. But you should plan for two days out in Scotland in May, plus pyjamas. Slippers are recommended for the hostel. Anyone who brings snacks, wine, whisky or games for the group will be considered a hero.
Midge season begins in late May/early June, so we shouldn't be troubled by the little blighters. Smidge will be available just in case.
It's Scotland. Even in May, sometimes it rains. Waterproof clothing and boots or walking shoes are recommended, but the hostel and restaurant are both warm and cosy, so we can hunker down if we need to. It's all part of the wilderness experience.
The ticket price includes the cost of organising the trip and my dedicated time and attention during the trip. I'll be guiding the walks and generally looking after everyone. The price also includes the cost of a bed at the hostel (currently £26) and the Eventbrite booking fee.
You'll need to pay for the cost of the train travel to/from Corrour (currently £18.30 from Bridge of Orchy) and the cost of all your meals. We'll agree before we go whether to eat at the hostel or the restaurant on the Wednesday evening. We can provide both options, to suit all budgets.