Outdoor Education @ Badaguish Outdoor Centre
IONAD CHUR-SEACHADAN A-MUIGH COMHAIRLE NA GÀIDHEALTACHD @ BAD A’ GHIUTHAIS
QUALITY ACCOMODATION AT GREAT PRICES FOR HIGHLAND GROUPS
SPECIAL OFFER TO SCHOOLS AND HIGHLAND GROUPS
The Highland Council, in partnership with Northern Constabulary, has recently negotiated the long term lease of four superb lodges at Badaguish, situated in the Cairngorms National Park in Glenmore, a few miles from Aviemore, just off the road to Cairngorm. These, along with adjacent premises, will constitute the Highland Council Outdoor Centre at Badaguish.
The Centre will accept bookings from all Highland Council and Northern Constabulary Area groups at preferential rates. There are three lodges which sleep up to 17 people in a variety of single and bunk bedded rooms, and one which sleeps 12 in single and twin bedded rooms, giving a possible maximum of 63. Each has a fully equipped kitchen and a large dining/meeting area, and all have disabled access.
Users of the lodges can choose to book
• Accommodation only
• Accommodation, and choose and pay for activities and visits from a list of providers
• Accommodation and activities as a full package
All options may be either self catering, or with catering brought in from a range of local suppliers.
Rates
As a special offer, until October 2007, the tariff, accommodation only, for Highland Council and Norcon groups will be £40 per lodge per night, plus energy costs (metered).
Opportunities
The centre will provide opportunities for all in our community, but especially young people, to become aware of the outdoor environment, to learn to cherish and protect it, and to participate in outdoor activities. There is a huge range of activities available in the area. Badaguish, which is owned by a charitable trust, is set in a clearing in a pine forest, with a covered synthetic sports pitch, high ropes course and other facilities on site which can be booked by groups. The surrounding area, from the high tops of the Cairngorms to the River Spey offers opportunities for a full range of outdoor activities. The unique habitats and wildlife make this area ideal for Environmental Education, and there are other excellent sites of interest, such as Highland Folk Museum, nature reserves, swimming pools, climbing walls etc within easy reach. The centre will be ideal for meeting the environmental and sporting aspects of the Highland 2007 Highland Promise in providing opportunities for young people to take part in activities not normally accessible to them. The Centre Coordinator can advise groups on activities and prices.
Minibus hire
There is a 17 seated minibus available for hire to groups.
All drivers must have category D1 on their drivers licence, as the Highland Council’s minibuses at Badaguish has a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) which is greater than 3.5 tonnes.
If the minibus is to be used to tow a trailer with a MAM greater than 750kg, the driver must have in addition to the above, category D1E on their drivers’ license.
First time users must supply a copy their drivers’ license and Highland Council minibus drivers’ card.
Meetings/Seminars
The lodges will also be available to Highland Council and Norcon work groups who need meeting/seminar facilities away from the office. The dining/meeting area in each lodge can hold up to 40 people.
Utility Costs
The energy costs per lodge plainly vary according to numbers in occupancy and the weather. The average will probably be about £15 per day.
Contact details
For information on all aspects of the centre, including bookings, please contact Phil Swainson, the Centre Coordinator on 01479 861734 or 077 76 16 63 48, e mail phil.swainson@highland.gov.uk