Loch Insh Outdoor Centre

Being the adventurous type I always want to take part in things that aren’t exactly disabled friendly! I have Muscular Dystrophy and use an electric wheelchair/ crutches to get about. I lack the trunk and head control to sit unaided. These guys didn’t even bat an eyelid when I asked to try sailing, canoeing and paddle boarding. I did email in advance so they could get the right adaptions. They know a great guy called Suresh who helps them with seating etc. At no point did I feel in the way or an inconvenience, even when it started peeing with rain when James was sorting me a canoe, he did it with a smile. We started in a larger boat that Jonny, Dad and I could be in together. Once I was securely strapped into the seat, all controls were handed to me with Jonny coaching me along the way. The sun was shining - glorious way to spend an afternoon. The next afternoon, Jonny deemed me competent enough to be put in the solo challenger boat! This time it was James who got me strapped in, slightly different controls, once in and comfy I was “launched” onto the loch! Had and James in the powerboat alongside for moral support & a bit coaching at the start. Once I got the hang of tacking & gybing they went back to shore and left me to it for a while. Best but weirdest feeling - never do I get to be totally alone to do something - it was amazing. Our last afternoon there was no wind, so alas no sailing. Instead James lashed two canoes together, after tying my seat in we were off. Me and dad in one, James in the other. With my lack of muscle power paddling was hard work, but I did manage put in some effort most of the time. Neither James or Jonny were shy to help when I needed a hand to steady myself or if my dad needed help to lift me on or off a craft. Loved it!

Since we couldn’t holiday abroad this year, my dad and I decided to explore where we live a bit more (Scotland) and try some new activities. Loch Insh was recommended by a friend who worked there are a good base, they weren’t wrong. Only 10minutes from Aviemore and just a few minutes from the A9 it was super easy to get to and convenient for many local attractions. Check in was easy, reception had a ramp up and disabled parking outside. Our chalet had it’s own wee road and room to park two cars right outside the door, there was more parking a few meters away in a car park too. The chalet we had isn’t specifically adapted, but worked well for me. There was a ramp up to the door - which was a little narrow but my off road wheelchair still fitted through. The mud room was a perfect charging area for my chair (which given the location got a little muddy) and my travel oxygen concentrator. Once in the living area, there was so much space as it’s an open kitchen, dining, living room. Two bedrooms lead off this and a wet room. One bedroom was a double, the other a twin. Both would have space for a wheelchair. I took the twin as it had it’s own sink (a girl needs time in the morning!). There was plenty space to fit my large oxygen concentrator (thanks for dropping one off Dolby) - loads of hanging space and a big chest of drawers too. Lovely view from the living room, lots of bird and squirrel feeding stations. We were about 10minute walk from the water sports area and cafe. There’s two paths down to it, one with steps, one without. Obviously with my wheelchair we took the non stepped option. It was em…interesting. Although tarred, it’s far from smooth as tree roots have started pushing through, and in areas it’s falling away to the marshy bit at the side. Quite hilly too. Fine for my chair but I’d say anyone pushing or being pushed needs to be very fit!

We stayed in the first week of November at one of their chalets. It was adapted and all on one level. We bought our own dinghy, but let us store it and sail it on Loch Insh, giving us help to launch and recover when needed. We were near some challenging cycle paths which was fun, and the people were helpful and very kind..