Argyll Backpackers Guide to Staying out of Mischief During Lock Down...

 

Pam at Argyll Backpackers, on the shores of Loch Fyne, has been keeping busy over the past year. Read her lock down story...

Trying to pre-empt what the future held for the ‘hostelling community’ without losing it’s traditional social/sharing ethos, was like looking into a crystal ball!  

I wanted ensure guests would still feel welcome and safe, by providing both ‘self-catering’ and/or ‘self-contained unit’ options, depending on the current government regulations.  

The changes we've made will make sure guests can still enjoy the many local and varied walking/cycling routes, historic culture, wildlife, kayaking/SUP’s, wild swimming or just chill out on the beach watching the local seals (possibly dolphins too).

To Do List

Pam and the team at Argyll Backpackers have ticked off the following jobs:

> Created a purpose built bike-shelter

> Built a large fire-pit/BBQ using left-over materials from the actual ‘hostel build’. It's a great addition to the main outside dining area.

> Major building, electrical and plumbing work was done by the professionals, so now all 7 bedrooms can boast ensuite facilities.  

> Addition of heated towel rails, kettles and breakfast bars, so that guests can be ‘self-contained’ in their bedroom if preferred.

> Invented the "breakfast bag" option for guests and added a pick-up service for local takeaway evening meals. 

> Website revamp with new day trip suggestion and special rates!

Covid-19 safety measures

• A new steam cleaner so extra clean rooms!
• ‘Hand Sanitiser Stations’ at the entrance and in the corridor.
• Disposable face masks made available.
• Purchase of a digital forehead thermometer (like the ones used at airports etc).
• Clear signage throughout to remind guests of the Covid-19 social distancing/sanitising rules.
• Cleaning materials made even more available for guest use.
• Enhanced ‘3 stage’ cleaning of all ‘high touch areas’ (bleach/dettol/steam cleaner).
• Rooms aired, mattresses & pillows ‘rested’ between bookings.
• Kitchen time slots with own kitchen equipment and common-room (if guidelines permit)

On Your Bike

Pam has also been working on new routes for cyclists looking to get some serious miles in or just explore the local area.  We're hoping to publish them on the blog, but if you're visiting Argyll Backpackers, she can give you some great advice in person.

More about the Hostel

Argyll Backpackers is a fabulous, custom built, accessible hostel with stunning views of Loch Fyne to Arran and over to the Cowal hills. 

There are 7 various sized ensuite bedrooms for 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 guests. The spacious lounge / diner has patio doors leading to a wrap-around outside seating area. 

The well-equipped kitchen has 3 distinct cooking areas including one accessible for wheelchair users.  Or enjoy the large BBQ/Firepit and various outside seating areas.  

Your bikes will be well looked after in the under-cover secure bike store as well as an open but sheltered secure bike rail outside the bedroom windows. 

A small beach is easily accessible from the hostel - great for a BBQ, wild swimming, canoe/kayaking or just chilling out after a day's travel/exploring or dog walking....

Lock Down with the Little Un, Cairngorms National Park

This week we're chatting to Dominique, from Ballater Hostel in the Cairngorms National Park...

We took the opportunity with the extra time on our hands to spend more time with our little’un, Ari, now 2 years old.  Having only learnt to walk shortly after lockdown 1 (in September) we found we weren’t able to do all the “jobs” we had planned this time around; we couldn’t work the way we had done during 2020 (abandoning said child in a bedroom and getting on with painting!) and we had to adapt.  But this equally meant we were able to spend more time with Ari.

With the heavy snow in Ballater we spent many an hour igloo building, playing in the garden and doing wee walks.  Ari even enjoyed her very first hot drink - a freshly made hot chocolate brewed up on the burner in the snow 😊.

 

We played in the woods, learnt to play pooh sticks and reflected on life.  Our walks have slowed down – allowing Ari to experience walking on her own and not always being carried (it’s a good workout).  She hasn’t quite managed a Munro, but she’ll go far if there’s “choc choc”. 

 

She occasionally lets us into the office, and one day we’ll have to teach her the ropes – but until then – she’s not allowed near my spreadsheets!!

We’ve overcome some big hurdles this past year, first learning to walk, then moving into the “big bed”.  Our final mission of lockdown 2, before we reopen on the 26th April, is to train the youngest staff member how to use the potty.  Apparently, we didn’t specify on the job role that this was a requirement.  I wonder if there’s an e-learning course we can do via zoom.

Find out more about Ballater Hostel.