The most important issue on the angler's itinerary, after the fishing itself, is finding a good place to stay. As an inclusive part of one of our fishing weeks, quality accommodation will always be carefully pre-selected, in a location convenient to the fishing. For the free roaming angler who likes to explore and set up their own itinerary, the following may be of interest.

We anglers are, on the whole, tricky to cater for. We like accommodation that is close to the fishing. We like to get up early and fish before breakfast on hot summer days. We often stay out late and fish into the gloaming if the conditions are good and there are fish moving into the river. We might want to fish into the night for a Sea Trout. We need facilities for drying our gear and perhaps somewhere to store our made up rods.

Having said all this, we do not want to sacrifice any of the luxuries a good hostelry can offer. There is nothing better than to meet in the bar and enjoy a cold beer on a hot day or a dram by an open fire on a cold one. We like to relax in a well-stuffed armchair. We all enjoy the excellent food that Scotland has to offer and dinner with a glass of wine is to be savoured. This is also the time to catch up with colleagues on the events of the day and to make new acquaintances. The atmosphere should be relaxed and not too formal but we should feel comfortable wearing a jacket and tie.

Do such hotels exist? During our travels and fishing adventures throughout Scotland we have been fortunate to discover a number of hotels that can provide exactly this. We strongly recommend the following hotels; they are listed in relation to the part of the river or beat you are fishing. We also have 3 self-catering properties listed.

RIVER AVON

Minmore House Hotel, Glenlivet, Banffshire AB37 9DB
Tel 01807 590 378 Fax 01807 590 472
e-mail: Minmorehouse@ukonline.co.uk

A warm welcoming hotel, run by Victor and Lynne, in the Avon valley, close to the Glenlivet distillery. This hotel has a perfect location for fishing the lower Avon (the hotel retains 4 rods) or mid river Spey and the proprietors understand the needs of game fishers. The hotel provides superb cuisine. An after dinner dram can be enjoyed by the open fire in the oak paneled bar.

RIVER SPEY

UPPER RIVER

Seafield Lodge Hotel, Woodside Avenue, Grantown on Spey, Moray
Tel 01479 872152
www.seafieldlodge.co.uk
e-mail: info@seafieldlodge.co.uk

Home to Arthur Oglesby's fishing courses over the years and long established as a fisher friendly hotel, a tradition we are keen to continue. An elegant Victorian hotel offering comfortable accommodation; and bespoke packages with a variety of fishing options. Warm Highland hospitality, fine restaurant, cosy bar, boasting over 65 malts; the ideal base for your fishing holiday.

Midweek or Weekend Golf and Fishing Breaks in the Scottish Highlands
The Seafield Lodge dates back to 1879 and over the years has been extended and modernised to offer the discerning visitor welcoming en-suite facilities, television, internal telephone, internet access, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities. There are also two suites, Salmon and Trout, which may be used as family rooms, each having a separate sitting room, bedroom with a King sized bed and bathroom with spa bath.
If you need any help or advice, your hosts, Trevor and Loretta Lockwood would be pleased to help you plan your stay. Please log in to our website for full details.

MIDDLE RIVER

Dowans Hotel, Aberlour, Banffshire, AB38 9LS
Tel 01340 871488 Fax 01340 871 038
e-mail: enquiries@dowanshotel.com

A friendly hotel with a welcoming atmosphere and a reputation for good food. The Dowans Hotel offers a rare opportunity for guests to relax and enjoy the elegance of a Scottish country hotel. Set high above the village of Charlestown of Aberlour, overlooking the River Spey, close to a variety of excellent fishing at Aberlour Association Water (the hotel has reserved rods), Kinermony, Delagyle and Wester Elchies.

The Archiestown Hotel, Archiestown, By Aberlour, Moray AB38 7QL

Tel 01340 810218 Fax 01340 810239 website:www.archiestownhotel.co.uk email:jah@archiestownhotel.co.uk

A warm and friendly small hotel, personally run by new owners, Jane and Alan Hunter. Fishing parties are very welcome as we are just a cast away from some of the finest beats on the River Spey. Archiestown is right on the Whisky Trail and there are over 20 golf courses within an hours drive should a break from fishing be needed! We now have 11 Fully en-suite comfortable bedrooms, and the superb cuisine, using only the best local produce, in the informal refurbished and enlarged Bistro is complimented by a well balanced wine list. Our new Bar area is now open for that 'just a pint or a dram' with a wide range of Speyside Malts to sample. Shooting parties are also welcome. We offer a with a wide choice of packed lunches, and have a drying room, rod room, freezer and flexible meal times to accommodate those wanting to fish early mornings or evenings.

> See also Self Catering Accommodation

RIVER DEE

MIDDLE RIVER

Banchory Lodge Hotel, Dee Street, Banchory, Kincardineshire, Scotland, AB31 5HS. Tel 01330 822625 Fax 01330 825019 website:www.banchorylodge.co.uk email:enquiries@banchorylodge.co.uk

Banchory Lodge Hotel is privately owned and offers superior accommodation in an idyllic riverside setting. The fresh flowers and open fires are welcome features to enhance the homely atmosphere. Anglers can walk across the lawn to fish the hotel beat or other nearby beats can be rented daily or weekly. The accommodation is traditionally decorated and furnished and includes two four poster and spacious family rooms.

Many of the 22 bedrooms have river views, all are en suite with tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel bar is dominated by an ornately carved oak counter complimenting original paintings and an open fire. Here you can sample specialist malt whiskies or choose from the large selection of wines and other spirits. Relax and enjoy morning coffee, bar lunches or traditional afternoon teas served in comfortable lounges with river views. Dine in the dining room overlooking the confluence of the rivers Feugh and Dee. The daily menu offers an imaginative range of dishes including Dee Salmon and Aberdeen Angus Beef. Our welcome awaits you.

LOWER RIVER

The Marcliffe at Pitfodels Hotel, North Deeside Road, Pitfodels, Aberdeen, AB1 9YA.
Tel 01124 861000 Fax: 01224 868860 website:www.marcliffe.com
e-mail: enquiries@marcliff.com

The Marcliffe at Pitfodels is a country hotel with a five star STB rating on the outskirts of Aberdeen. It is a member of The Small Luxury Hotels of the World consortium and the Tartan Collection of Hotels and Restaurants in Scotland.

Knockomie Hotel, Grantown Road, Forres, Moray, IV36 2SG.

Telephone 01309 673146 Fax 01309 673290 email: Stay@knockomie.co.uk www.knockomie.co.uk

Overlooking the Royal Burgh of Forres, Knockomie is ideally situated
to visit castles, distilleries and golf courses, while salmon and
deer await the keen sportsman. The hotel is particularly convenient for salmon anglers fishing the middle and lower Findhorn.There are 15 bedrooms, some with four poster beds, all individually decorated with soft furnishings and period furniture.The restaurant uses the best of Scottish produce to specialise in the Taste of Scotland. This is complemented by an extensive wine list and a large collection of malt whiskies. An ideal location to visit the many castles, including Cawdor, Brodie and Ballindalloch or the unique Whisky Trail in the Spey Valley. Loch Ness is less than an hour away waiting to reveal its secret. Other opportunities include stalking and shooting in the glens, or fishing in the lochs and rivers. Local golf courses include Lossiemouth, Hopeman, Forres, Nairn (championship) and Dornoch (championship).

Weiroch Lodge, Ballindalloch

Tel: 01807 500 797
website: www.weiroch.co.uk
email: info@weiroch.co.uk

Situated in a magnificent, secluded position in the heart of Speyside, Weiroch Lodge is an immaculate 18th-century mill conversion offering exceptionally spacious accommodation and providing an ideal base for fishers, stalkers and shooters. It is also the perfect choice for those seeking a quiet, relaxing holiday in a superb location.

Adjacent to the middle section of the Spey and giving easy access to this part of the river, the accommodation is perfect for small groups of fishermen. If required, we can liaise with local ghillies to help arrange sport on your behalf. For your convenience, the Lodge is equipped with rod holders, clothes drying and deep freeze facilities.

Weiroch Lodge is mainly let on a self-catering basis but, for those who prefer, we offer a part or full catering service - from picnic hampers and evening meals, to full hospitality. Daily housekeeping and laundry service also available. The Lodge is also open to Bed & Breakfast guests, either overnight or for longer stays, subject to availability.

This wonderful holiday house provides accommodation where luxury and quality blends with the peace and tranquillity of some of Scotland's most scenic countryside, and guests can enjoy uninterrupted views over Speyside to the Cromdale Hills beyond. A superb large dining kitchen is the hub of this house where long relaxed meals can be enjoyed before retiring to the sitting room with its wood burning stove, comfortable sofas upholstered in tweed, antique furniture and original art work - the ideal retreat to relax with a dram at the end of the day. An adjoining sunroom, again tastefully furnished in traditional fabrics, adds to the already fantastic living space. Three comfortable bedrooms, all ensuite, are bright and fresh in décor, and benefit from top quality linens and furnishings throughout.

Weiroch Lodge can easily be reached by air via Aberdeen or Inverness, or by sleeper train from London to Aviemore. For overseas visitors, airport pickup can be arranged.

Weiroch Lodge is open throughout the year with lets from Sunday to Sunday. Short Breaks (minimum 3 nights) are available, subject to availability. Self-catering weekly rates are from £650 - £950 (Xmas/New Year £1,150). For further information and booking, please contact: Keith and Gillian Brown at: Tel: 01807 500797 or email: gbrown@weiroch.co.uk

Birchbank House, Craigellachie

Tel: 01494 783 777 01494 778 081
website: www.birchbankhouse.com
email: info@birchbankhouse.com

Birchbank House is situated in the beautiful Spey Valley, at the southern end of Ben Aigan, on the edge of the village of Craigellachie, 2 ½ miles from Aberlour in Morayshire. Craigellachie lies at the very heart of Speyside. This is the place where the two rivers most closely associated with the Scotch Whisky industry, the Spey and the Fiddich, meet.

Birchbank House was built in 1874 and contains many original features. It offers generous family accommodation, sleeping 8/10 people, with four bedrooms, three bathrooms and three reception rooms, one of which is a games room with billiard table, etc. plus large sofa-bed. The house is set back from the road in a large garden. Pets are welcome.

As you approach the house from Craigellachie you pass Cecil & Cycles just over the bridge on the left where you can hire bicycles. The road then carries round to the right and you will see the village pub. This is the famous Fiddichside Inn, set in a beautiful spot on the banks of the River Fiddich and popular with locals and fishers alike. Birchbank House is a few yards further on, on the left.

Whatever your choice of holiday be it fishing, walking, bird watching or whiskey sampling, Birchbank House will provide a home from home. We can also offer daily cleaning as an optional extra and the services of an excellent cook who can provide dinner at the end of the day should you require it.

For further information, please contact Mr. Peter Kyte at: Tel: (+44) 01494 783 777, Facsimile: (+44) 01494 778 081, or email:  info@birchbankhouse.com.

Glengower House, Craigellachie

website: www.glengowerhouse.com

Situated in the conservation village of Craigellachie in the heart of The Malt Whisky Trail, Glengower House was built in 1893 and retains many original features. It has beautiful views towards the Spey Valley, Ben Rinnes and Ben Aigen.The house is available from Sunday to Sunday. Just a few minutes stroll from the Speyside Way and the River Spey, it is an ideal location for anyone wanting to explore this part of Scotland. Craigellachie is well located in the old county of Banffshire.

Glengower is well sited in a third of an acre of garden mainly laid to lawn. The garden is enclosed and there is plenty of parking. In addition there is a small summer house, TP climbing frame and child's swing. Garden furniture and a BBQ are also provided.

We can arrange housekeeping/cooking for you and the River is just a short walk from the house. Glengower is just a few minutes drive from some of the most exclusive beats on the River.

Glengower can be easily reached by air via Inverness or Aberdeen, (each a scenic one hour drive) or by sleeper train from London to Aviemore.

For further information, please contact Franchesca Bex at Tel:01235 813972 / 07977 427579 or Email: francescabex@btinternet.com

We are always looking for other fishing Hotels and Guest Houses to join our ever popular Accommodation page. Therefore we would welcome any opportunity to discuss this with proprietors of establishments within the catchment areas of Rivers Dee, Spey and Findhorn. We are also looking for self catering establishments in these areas. If you would like to enquire as to costs then please contact ian@speycaster.net