Easter 2023 – Arisaig

Again this year our accommodation is on the West Coast of the highlands where very large rentable properties are scarce to non-existent and are now even fewer with the main house at Kinlochmoidart no longer available.

I have booked a collection of accommodation at Traigh (pronounced "Try") including for the first time a beach house. Traigh is on the coast about 1½ miles north of Arisaig village plus we have exclusive use of the village hall in the centre of Arisaig every day and evening.  This is our normal Easter week which includes Easter Sunday and falls (within a day) in the same calendar week as last year.

Our accommodation is now booked, starting on  Saturday (pm) April 8th to Saturday (am) April 15th 2023. 

However Traigh is Gaelic for beach and Traigh House  is not what quite the "beach house" that might be imagined!. Close by are 4 cabins similar to those we had last year, in Morar there's a cottage and in Arisaig, an apartment for 4. 

This gives a total of 40 bed-places and my estimate of possible numbers suggest this may be sufficient but could be too much or too few..  Since the cost of accomodation is higher this year I am reluctant to hire more until I'm sure it's needed and at the moment can release some without penalty. Empty beds will push up the price for each of us further.

So PLEASE let me know if you wish to come in 2023 as soon as you can.
(I try to estimate numbers but need more certainty on likely demand)

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Mountains and other Walks

Mountains 

Corbett South of the railway Sgùrr na Ba Glaise (middle distance) with Rois-Bheinn behind, from the East on Druim Fiaclach ridge	Corbett South of the railway Beinn Odhar Bheag from the trig point on the smaller Beinn Odhar Mhor	Corbett South of the railway Rois-Bheinn from the west at Roshven
Corbett South of the railway Beinn Mhic Cedidh is just west of  Beinn Odhar Mhor - perhaps a challenging day to do both!	Corbett North of Glenfinnan Sgùrr an Utha from its west ridge. Climbed from near Glenfinnan, a circuit may do subsidiary Fraoch Bheinn (photo By Richard Webb, CC)	Corbett North of Glenfinnan Streap from the south along its long summit ridge. The north ridge is quite narrow & steep. A longish walk from Glenfinnan.

Corbett North of Glenfinnan Braigh nan Uamhachan.. Probably best climbed from just east of Glenfinnan (photo By Richard Webb, CC)

Munro North of Glenfinnan Sgurr Thuilm is climbed from Glenfinnan and usually combined with Sgurr nan Coireachan in a longish day. (photo By wfmillar, CC)

Munro North of Glenfinnan Sgurr nan Coireachan often climbed in combination with Sgurr Thuilm. (photo By Nigel Brown, CC)

Low Level Walks & Cycles

From April to September, Arisaig Marina’s passenger vessel MV Sheerwater takes foot passengers to and from the spectacular Small Isles of Eigg, Muck and Rum pausing to enjoy any marine wildlife along the way.  There are several crossings each week to the islands of Eigg & Muck and visit Rum once a week. Day trippers to these incredible islands have plenty of time on the island of their choice to explore the landscape, observe wildlife or just soak up the atmosphere of island life. https://arisaig.co.uk/islandferry/	Larachmhor Gardens Larach Mor is a woodland garden of outstanding horticultural interest planted by John Augustus Holms (1866-1938), with a premier collection of species Rhododendron and other plants in the early-mid 20th century horticultural tradition. It is one of the 'West coast gardens' influenced by the Gulf Stream, with many tender and exotic specimens. It is now maintained by volunteers with a loose association with Edinburgh Botanic. and  is just outside Arisaig on the road to Glenfinnan.
"The centre, housed in the old blacksmith’s forge, is a must visit if you are in Artisaig. It’s packed with fascinating information, history and artefacts. The video on the Small Isles was excellent and there was a sense of real pride and involvement in the centre by the local community. Fascinating about the wartime secret activities. Worth an hour or two."	The Jacobite over Glenfinnan Viaduct, photo by 96tommyCC  In 2022 this was time tabled every day from April 4th leaving Fort William at 10:15 and 12:50 and returning 6 hours later.
Ferry from Mallaig to Inverie on Knoydart runs 4 times daily from 7:30am to 6pm (last return is 6:30pm) and takes about 30 minutes. https://westernislescruises.co.uk/knoydart-ferry-timetable/ (Picture by Subarite, CC)	The Big Dipper is a fast 10 passenger Rib. Get dropped off on a remote beach, fast transfers to the small isles or just a wild life adventure in “Europe’s Last Wilderness”. Design your own trip. https://westernislescruises.co.uk/private-hire/wildlife-adventures-remote-drop-offs/

ACCOMMODATION

The Village Hall (see wider map at top)

Kitchen Facilities
Large double oven
Hob with 6 rings
New fridge & freezer (our food may be left in them)
Commercial Dish washer
Urn

Traigh (pronounced ‘Try’) Farm Estate was bought by the owner's grandmother, Vera Shaw Stewart in 1946, after it had been used as an SOE training base for Czech commandos during the war.

The core of the existing building dates from around 1784 when it was known as Morar House.  Subsequently it was let to the Macdonell family who in 1867 completed the enlargement of the building to its present size. In 1878 the house and Morar estate were sold to the Astley family who had purchased the neighbouring Arisaig estate in 1848 and whose wealth stemmed from coalmining at Dukinfield, Manchester

The owner is very keen that we do not overload the house at any time with more than the 18 for which it is designed. We have hired the village hall as our communal space and for eating together.

The house has three bedrooms (4 doubles, 2 double/twin, 2 twins and 1 small twin possibly for one?).

Cooinda Cottage

Cooinda Cottage is a detached cottage, situated next to the owner's home close to the village of Morar,  three miles from the busy village of Mallaig and 5 miles from Arisaig. This single-storey cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms, consisting of a double and twin, and it also has a shower room and an open plan living area with kitchen, dining area and sitting area. Outside there is ample off road parking and a patio with furniture.

By careful study of the line of trees behind the photo above and use of the google road camera I think my addition of both Cooinda and the owner's house to the OS map is correct - it's definitely within the red circle!

Loch Morar is the deepest loch in the highlands with its lowest point 310m below the surface so be careful if you go paddling (and watch out for "Morag")!

 
 

Facilities / included
Bathroom with toilet, wash basin and shower cubicle. 
Oil central heating. 
Electric oven and hob, microwave
Fridge, 
Washer/dryer, 
TV with Freeview, 
Wi-Fi, 
Fuel and power inc. in rent. 
Bed linen and towels 

Achnaskia Lodges 

Glen Mhor (left) and Creag Mhor (right)

Both Lodges have great views, even when you're sitting down, because of their elevated position and low lounge windows. They are spacious and comfortable with excellent insulation, so are cosy at any time of year. Although externally semi-detached, the Lodges were built totally separately apart from roof and exterior walls so that no sound carries from one to another. Heating can be operated by individual heater. Electricity on £1 coin meter. Use of Games room.

   
 
 

Rooms All rooms on the Ground Floor

2 bedrooms: One double, One with narrow (2'6")  bunks plus full-sized single bed.
Open plan Kitchen, dining anf lounge
Bathroom with bath and electric shower over.
Verandah with views to west and north-west

Pets
          Glen Mhor: One dog.   Creag Mhor: No pets
Facilities
         Linen and towels included
         Lounge with panoramic views to Eigg, Rum and Skye. TV, DVD player
         Porch with washer/drier, boot drier and small freezer.
         Picnic table and clothes line.
         Parking space adjacent to Lodge.
         Ceramic hob, oven & grill. Microwave oven. Fridge, but no Dishwasher.
         Wifi

This self-contained Arisaig Holiday Apartment features a large open plan double bedroom upstairs with sofa seating, and an ensuite bath, shower, and toilet. The second twin bedroom is on the ground floor and has ensuite shower and toilet. The double aspect lounge has views to the sea and patio doors to the garden, two sofas, oak dining table with four chairs, satellite TV and DVD player. There is a fully equipped kitchen with small breakfast bar and two stools and a door to the garden. The property is set within over 2 acres of natural garden.