This page provides lots of detail, covering everything you’ll need to know about The Smiddy


  • Booking  To make a booking, contact the custodian (even if you are a member, do not simply go up there without contacting the custodian).
    If you do book, there is a pdf copy of the details on this page, together with some further information about the hut,  herethis is worth printing out and bringing with you.
  • Custodian
  • John Fowler
    email     Smiddy custodian,   mobile  07740 684 076
  • Location  Dundonnell, near Ullapool.  
  • Maps  Landranger 19, Gairloch and Ullapool.  Google map
  • Grid Ref   NH 09563 87736
  • Lat/Long   57.8383 N, -5.2097 W
  • Postcode   IV23 2QR (for satnav).
  • Access  From Inverness, head west towards Ullapool and follow the A835. At Braemore junction take the A832, signposted Gairloch, to Dundonnell. The hut is located on the south side of the A832, 0.5k before the Dundonnell Hotel.
  • Accommodation   Eight people, on alpine-style sleeping platforms, all with mattresses and pillows (bring your own pillowcase).
  • Price  Members: £4 / Non Members £14
    In addition, there is a coin meter for the electricity, which takes new £1 coins (it does not take £2 coins) – bring plenty with you!.
  • Payment  **To be Updated
  • Facilities  Electric lighting/heating/cooking, coal fire, H&C water, WC, kettle, microwave, fridge, and crockery and kitchen utensils are supplied.
    NB It is worth bringing your own tea towels – we try to provide a supply but, with no-one on hand, it is hard to keep them clean!
    Showers are available in the Dundonnell Hotel (until 11.30pm, if you wish to prioritise beer over cleanliness, price £3.50, including a towel – summer 2014).
  • Mobile phone reception  There is a good 4G signal on EE. We have not checked other networks, but do not rely on reception.
  • NB   NO CAMPING IS ALLOWED ON THE PROPERTY.
              DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE HUT.
  • When you leave
  • Turn off all electrical appliances at the sockets, including fridges and water heater; leave the fridge and icebox doors open.
  • Take away all refuse.
  • Ensure that all doors and windows are left locked/secure.
  • Shops   The nearest large shops are in Ullapool, 26 miles away. There is a big range of shops etc. there. There are some small shops in Aultbea (15 miles to the east) and Poolewe (25 miles to the east).
  • Bars  The  Dundonnell hotel is about 500 yards away, and serves bar meals to non-residents. Apart from that, the nearest hotel or bar is in Ullapool, 26 miles away.
    NB The Dundonnell hotel is not open every night in the low-season, and is often closed on Wednesdays in summer, so it is worth checking on the website before relying on it.