Walking and Climbing

I heard a rumour that the NTS are considering turning Derry Lodge back into a Hillwalkers/Climbers Hut. Has anyone else heard anything about this or is it just b****cks

I'm not sure about Derry Lodge Nicky. Possibly, I guess. Are you maybe getting it confused with Bob Scott's Bothy? It has recently been rebuilt and is right beside Derry Lodge.

No oot, just had an e-mail confirming this from my mate, he read it on the MCofS web site. They are looking for input from their members as Balmoral Estate are offering the use of a Allt-na-giubhsaich stable as a hut,at the foot of the page is a small piece about Derry Lodge.

I spoke to a NTS ranger up there at the beginning of the month. I asked about the building and he thought that there may be plans for it but he wasn't sure what they were, or when, or if at all.

Sorry, just realised that this post will tell you nothing!

Here's the bit from the website. Blatant theft, I know. :)

And Derry Lodge?
There is also a proposal by another organisation to reinstate part of Derry Lodge on the Mar Lodge Estate (GR NO 041935) to its former use as a mountain hut. The same criticisms levelled at Allt-na-giubhsaich as regards accessibility could also be applied to this proposal, i.e. it's a l__o__n__g walk in and in winter it might be snowed in. Again, your opinions will be very welcome and will be passed on to the appropriate people.

What's wrong with a long walk in, I thought that was what the NTS wanted. Personally I think Derry Lodge would be great as a Hut/Hostel if run properly and not to the detriment of the surrrounding area.

They've been talking about proposed accomodation at derry lodge for at least 5 years now and thats only how long I've been aware of it.

I've been hearing the rumours for years and I suspect it will be years yet before anything happens. With Bob Scotts finished, a good camping area and more bothies slightly further on I can't see a market for it. If the trust are to do anything in that area it should be to install a composting toilet close to where everyone camps.

Mark, The NTS ranger I mentioned earlier told us that there is a plan to do just that.