I sort of found myself browsing around on Memory Map this evening pondering ideas "just in case" as you do!!...and got a bit unstuck at Dalwhinnie.
The only accommodation option seems to be the Loch Ericht Hotel, I couldn't find any hopeful news about the proposed new Hostel or preferably of anywhere to camp around the village, it's a logical stopping place after a 25km day but seems to be accomodationally challenged!
Any ideas?

Jenny,

I can't help with regard to the hostel but in past years the hotel have been very amenable to Challengers camping on their lawn. The cafe/restaurant makes for a fine, social evening venue.

If you haven't been through Dalwhinnie in the pat, be aware that there's no shop and the garage stocks only very basic supplies. The hotel will hold parcels though.

Hope that helps

Colin

Thanks so much Colin that's very helpful :slightly_smiling_face:

Further to Colin's comments, if heading along the aqueduct after leaving Dalwhinnie, the first decent camping I spotted (a few years back, things may well have changed) is by the dam at NN675867, alternatively a bit further on around NN690872.

Both spots will add to your already long day I'm afraid.

I can confirm Colin's info regarding the hotel. Plenty of us camping on their lawn this year and they made a room available for use of the shower FOC. The restaurant was good for an evening meal and breakfast the following morning. My supply parcel was waiting for me. You could survive on supplies from the petrol station but the menu would be a bit bland.

That's great info folks, thanks so much for responding I'm very grateful

On my last Challenge I sent a parcel to the garage which, if things are still the same, is also the post office.
In previous years we have camped down by the public toilets and also at the south end of the village near the old bridge, this puts you in a good place to use the track up to the quarry rather than the usual route via the aqueduct track.

No public toilets in Dalwhinnie now, the building is used for something else, but the spaces nearby may still be OK for camping.

Thanks Kirsten hope to see you next year as I’ve just seen my “Good news” email!!