AMONG rolling hills, farm tracks and spectacular scenery you will find Craggan Outdoors Centre.
Based in Grantown-on-Spey, it's easy to find, although extra care should be taken when trying to locate the bothy or bunkhouse we got lost after taking the wrong farm track.
The centre itself could easily be described as a haven for adrenaline junkies who enjoy pushing themselves to the limit. But it's equally suited to the less daring individual who wants to enjoy outdoor pursuits with the help of experienced and friendly instructors.
Whether pony trekking, mountain biking, kayaking or golfing takes your fancy, there is something for everyone, providing you don't mind battling the elements.
It's a retreat for a family outing, an adventurous hen or stag weekend or just a group of mates who fancy an alternative weekend away from the pub. There is also a cosy cafe located in the heart of the centre, which is perfect for a spot of lunch after an excursion.
A warm welcome awaits parties who chose to stay in the accommodation offered at Craggan Outdoor Centre from managing director Keith Ballam. It's a nice touch and put my partner Ginno Conti and my fellow HN reporter Helen Bushnell's mind at ease about the adventurous weekend ahead.
I would describe the bothy as basic, which suited Ginno, Helen and I fine for the weekend.
It was surprisingly nice to have no TV (there was one, but you could only watch DVDs, which we hadn't brought) and no computers or any other distractions.
One room was filled with six bunk beds with a bathroom attached. The bathroom was spacious and fitted with a decent powered shower. The other room was a kitchen, which had a temperamental wood-burning stove, a cooker and a kitchen table.
The kitchen is where we spent our Friday and Saturday night. Round the table, with a couple of beers, playing board games. Oh and trying to light a fire in the stove, which is no easy task. Even with my mum's advice (she owns a fireplace centre), we still struggled to keep it going, so I think it needed a little bit of updating.
Some firelighters would have also been helpful instead of a box of matches.
The only fault (apart from the woodburning stove) I could pick with the bothy is the relaxation element. The bothy itself is basic and peaceful, but it would have been great if there was some comfy chairs in the kitchen instead of hard seats round the table.
By the end of the evening our bums were pretty numb sitting on kitchen stools and we all longed for an armchair.
In over your head
BREATHTAKING, exhilarating and scary are three words which could aptly describe gorge walking on a cold March morning. Freezing cold temperatures, rushing water and narrow ledges make for a daunting experience, but should all be expected when embarking on such a trip.
Top instructor on this course was Graham McCullogh. He gave Helen, Ginno and I crucial safety advice and emphasised the motto of Craggan Outdoors Centre was "Challenge by Choice", which made us feel slightly less nervous.
Graham also told us he has with him part of a hose which could be used as a safety device to breathe should any of us get trapped underneath the water. It never happens apparently, but just in case.
The gorge was freezing on the day we were going to climb it, due to the snow melting on the hills and running down. It was also at the maximum capacity which it is safe to climb due to the heavy rainfall the day before. It would be fun, we were told, but "challenging".
The short drive to the gorge from the centre is sufficient to build up the nerves, although it's hard not to be excited due to the enthusiasm of the staff.
However, after rambling foot high in the river for around five minutes, the first neck-high moment in black freezing water is enough to take anyone's breath away. It's hard to focus, let alone follow instructions, but Graham is always precise. Although it sounds like he is shouting, he assured us it was just so we could hear him over the loud gushing water.
Meandering (or fighting your way up) through the gorge is done pool by pool. You enter one pool and climb to the next. Each pool of water is different some are shallow, others are very deep.
And the climb to each pool means you are required to negotiate your way up what are sometimes narrow ridges with fast water gushing towards you.
The instructors are always on hand, but essentially it's a self-challenging exercise. I felt I really pushed myself and warming my body up afterwards was almost as much of a challenge. However, it was one of the most memorable things we had done in a long time and could only be described as a brilliant experience which none of us will forget I suspect all for our own reasons. It's definitely a five-star activity.
Even if you are not a strong swimmer, there are sufficient buoyancy aids to keep you afloat.
One word of warning, though if you really don't like water or water going over your head, this probably isn't the activity for you.
Hitting the heights
HEIGHTS have never been my strong point. I wouldn't go as far as to say I have vertigo, but nonetheless my stomach flipped when I saw the high ropes assault course at Craggan Outdoors Centre.
Taller than the trees is an apt description, but I was told the highest point is around 35 ft. Oh well then...
Helen, Ginno and I were each given a safety helmet and we were also harnessed up, so there was no escaping the challenge ahead.
There was an instructor per person, who fed each of us slack or tightened our ropes when necessary.
It was time to hit the first obstacle which loomed in front of us the Jacob's Ladder. We were expected to climb the ladder, which had massive gaps in between, with each other's help. We were allowed to climb on each other's legs, use each other's harness and ropes to help make it to the top of the ladder (which was pretty high).
Essentially, it's a team building exercise and what's interesting to note is psychology that can be associated with this exercise. Although it was safe to say all of us had our hearts in our mouths, we almost forgot about the height and focused on reaching the top. And it was exhilarating to reach it.
Next was the walk the plank scenario, or as it's formally named, the Leap of Faith. Despite being told the harness we were attached to could hold an elephant, leaping off an unsteady platform which is about 30ft up and reaching for an orange ball which is hanging in the air feels terrifying.
But the instructors were amazing. Never pushy, but always encouraging. We all completed the challenge and by the end of the session we were all buzzing. Scary factor 10, but when you conquer your fears and complete the challenge, the feeling is 20 out of 10.
We all agreed it was the best thing any of us had done in a long time.
It was a great first activity for the three of us to try and certainly gave us a talking point over lunch.
The Facts
CRAGGAN Outdoors is conveniently located and easy to find. It is based at Craggan Golf Course, one mile south of Grantown-on-Spey, right beside the A95 to or from Aviemore.
Prices:
High Ropes per person 3-6 people 36, 7-12 people 32, 13-18 people 28, 19+ people 24
Gorge Walking per person 2-4 people 49, 5-8 people 44, 9-12 people 41,13-16 people 38, 17+ people 36.
Bunkhouse and Bothy Prices range from 13 to 18 per person per night, depending on the number of nights a group/family is staying and the number of people in the group.
There are special package deals for weekend stays with various activities tagged on.
For information or booking at Craggan Outdoors Centre, phone (0)1479 873283 or email info@cragganoutdoors.co.uk
