After a 40 minute drive up the private drive we arrived at Corrour Lodge, this little bit of heaven tucked away deep in the Scottish Highlands.
And what a sight it was – a Moshe Safdie designed lodge on the site of 2 former traditional highland shooting lodges sitting majestically at the head of Loch Ossian. At the other end is the estate’s private railway station, the highest in the UK.
Classically and exquisitely furnished with swedish flair and modern works of art, the lodge is amazingly comfortable, warm and surprisingly cosy. The modern design is inspirational but however appealing the interiors might have been, our intrepid journalists were drawn once again to the murky depths of yet another loch! This time however, the swimmers were also treated to a sauna on the banks of Loch Ossian from which they could dive and then retreat when the cold became too unbearable.
After a quick swim it was onto the mountain bikes for a good scramble along the many tracks that weave across the estate, passing the station (to deliver 2 bottles of whisky to the restaurant there which was running low!) and then downhill past the Youth Hostel, which is open much of the year, and the gallant canoeists racing across the loch and then into the forestry just as the rain started to fall.
Betty had prepared the most magnificent feast for us and then it was into the ‘games room’ which has all the toys that anyone could want; state of the art music systems, quoits, ping pong, table football, darts and of course a billiard table. Journalists clearly don’t like early nights and after several raucous games of ‘freda’ – yes, you’ve guessed it, it was back into Loch Ossian again.
The following morning the estate had aranged for their Icelandic ponies, which are usually used for stalking, to be brought up to the lodge and many of us had the opportunity to ride them and experience their particular way of trotting – it was a marvellous way to end a fabulous 3 day trip with a delightful collection of fascinating journalists which gave them a genuine feel for the wonderful LTR Elite properties and the services that LTR provides to guests from around the world.
Photography by Margaret Soraya.
