FAQs

Kitchen linen and washing up supplies. Hand wash is also provided and some provide some shampoo and shower gel. All the kitchens are fully fitted with fridge, freezers, microwaves and a large selection of crockery and utensils. Hairdryers are also provided in all. Some of our lodges provide free unlimited logs for the wood burners and others will offer a starter pack (check the individual lodges web page). A travel cot and highchair are also provided (please bring your own linen for the cot).

Yes, bed linen and towels for maximum occupancy are provided in the lodges.

Rentals begin at 4.00pm on the day of arrival and end at 10.00am on the day of departure.

No, the keys for the lodge are located, in a key safe at the property. We will provide you with the code for the key safe in your arrival instructions (these details are provided when the final rental balance has been paid).

Family pets can be taken to most of the lodges but must sleep in their own beds, not those at the lodges. Pets are not allowed on the furniture at the lodges and a small extra cleaning charge of £35 per pet will be charged.

The Damage/Security Deposit is a security bond made between the client (Principal Renter) and the property owner, which is taken on the understanding that the client will take care of and cause no damage to the property rented during their stay. Please see our terms and conditions page.

If any booking is cancelled the full rental, or deposit is NOT refundable. All cancellations must be confirmed in writing and received before the due date. When booking you have the option to take out XCover (https://www.xcover.com/)

We will provide you with a contact telephone number for the property owner/manager and housekeeper, should you need to contact them during your stay. We are also contactable during office hours. Please report any issues as soon as possible as it can most likely be rectified.

It is strongly recommended that insurance be taken out for all bookings. Having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason is hard enough but the loss of deposit or total rental can come as an additional setback. As well as Cancellation and Curtailment Insurance clients are strongly recommended to take out holiday insurance to cover loss or damage to personal effects. When booking you have the option to take out XCover (https://www.xcover.com/). Please note XCover is a completely separate company from Great North Lodges.

In the event of road closure due to adverse weather conditions or any form of third party industrial action the lodge owners or Great North Lodges Ltd. cannot be held responsible for non arrival of clients at the lodges and no refunds will be given. BEAR Scotland are responsible for the road maintenance in Scotland and are used to operating in snow conditions. Roads are normally temporarily closed for a couple of hours until the snow is cleared.

Yes, Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury supermarkets deliver to the lodges via online shopping. The address and postcode for the lodge is shown on your Arrival instructions (these details are provided when the final rental balance has been paid).

All of the lodges (except Twa Hoots Lodge)  have free WIFI and details can be found in the lodges. Due to rural location of some of our lodges, WIFI can sometimes be a bit slower than you will find in cities.

The Hot tub can be a pleasurable and relaxing experience. However, there are strict rules and guidelines that must be adhered to when using the Hot Tub to ensure your enjoyment and safety.

This guidelines are an important health and safety, and legal requirement for Hot Tubs used in a commercial environment.

The Principle Renter is responsible for making sure that all members of their party, and their guests, are aware of, and strictly adhere to the guidelines. Please note that a member of staff may visit up to 3 times a week to check the water balance and quality. Water balance/chemicals will be adjusted as necessary and results recorded. This procedure is a safety requirement for Hot Tubs in holiday lodges and ensures that the chemical balance of the water remains continuously safe for your enjoyment throughout your stay.

· The Hot Tub is not be used between 10.00pm and 7.00am.

· It is vital that the pool is kept clean for your own safety. Failure to do so results in the water balance changing which seriously diminishes the effectiveness of the sanitising chemicals. This in turn can lead to nasty microbiological bacteria multiplying rapidly causing several serious hazards to user’s health.

· Always have a shower prior to using the Hot Tub. Do not submerge your head under the water, do not drink the water, or allow the water to enter your mouth.

· Rinse any swimwear before using the tub as detergents can create foam and discolour the water.

· Please report any illnesses following Hot Tub usage to the owners immediately. This is extremely important if pneumonia-like symptoms are experienced

· It is very important that the Hot Tub is NEVER switched off at the mains switch (even if you are not using it). There may be an extra charge deducted from your bond if the tub is switched off during your stay.

· Risk to Children – Extreme caution must be exercised as children cannot regulate their body temperature, so consider turning the temperature down. There is also a risk of drowning, so please do not allow use unless a responsible adult is present.

· Pregnant women, persons suffering from obesity, heart disease, low or high blood pressure, circulatory problems, or diabetes should consult a doctor before using the Hot Tub.

· Prolonged immersion in hot water can result in hyperthermia – a dangerous condition that occurs when the internal body temperature exceeds 37 degrees centigrade. Symptoms include, unawareness of impending hazards, failure to perceive heat, failure to recognise the need to exit the Hot Tub, unconsciousness resulting in a danger of drowning.

· Do not use the Hot Tub immediately after strenuous exercise.

· Test the water with your hand before entering the Hot Tub to make sure it is comfortable.

· Use the lock cover when the Hot Tub is not in use (whether full or empty).

· Always shower before use, perfumes, hair products and fake tan can contaminate the water, and you may be charged for this.

· Do not drag the vinyl cover using the cover straps, always use the handles.

· Do not attempt to open the electrical box.

· Do not use any glass wear or crockery in the Hot Tub. If glassware is broken this will result in the Hot Tub being drained, cleaned and re-filled, for which there will be a charge. Plastic glasses are provided for you.

· Do not allow any pets in the Hot Tub.

· Do not use detergent or soaps of any kind in the Hot Tub.

· The Hot Tub is very deep; do not allow anyone to sleep in it.

· Please treat the Hot Tub as it was your own as maintenance is very expensive.

· Any damaged to the cover or Hot Tub will be charged for.

· Remind everyone that wet surfaces can be very slippery. Make sure everyone takes care entering and leaving the Hot Tub.

· Do not remove suction fittings (filter standpipes) located in the filter compartment.

· Do not jump into the hot tub.

· People with infectious diseases should not use the Hot Tub; this includes fungal infections.

· Smoking is not permitted while in the Hot Tub, this includes e-cigarettes.

· Keep all loose articles of clothing or hanging jewellery away from rotating jets and other moving components. Keep long hair tied up.

· Do not stand on the Hot Tub cover.

· The use of drugs, alcohol or medication before or during Hot Tub use, may lead to a danger of drowning.

Failure to maintain a clean pool may result in the need to drain down, sanitise, and re-fill the Hot Tub. Guests should be aware that failure to maintain a clean pool could result in a deduction from their breakage bond to pay for the drain down and cleaning of the Hot Tub. Approximately 24 hours plus will then be required to return the tub to a comfortable temperature.

· No children under 4 years old are permitted in the Sauna, as they cannot regulate their body temperatures suitably. All children under 16 using the Sauna must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times. Please remember to turn all switches off once you have finished using the Sauna.

· The Sauna door must be kept closed.

· Do not stay in the Sauna for more than 15 minutes at a time

· A good average working temperature is 80°C (The Sauna will take about one hour to fully heat with the door closed to reach this temperature)

· We recommend that you do not use the Sauna under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you are taking prescribed medication, please consult your doctor before using the Sauna.

· Please do not use the Sauna if you are pregnant.

Where a trampoline is proved, guests use it entirely at their own risk. Children using the trampoline must be supervised.

The BBQ Hut is a fun enjoyable place to spend time with friends and have a get-together, but it also carries some responsibilities. The Principle Renter must be the BBQ Manager and understand the conditions of use. The BBQ Hut is available on the condition that is used entirely at your own risk. The Lodge Owners and Great North Lodges Ltd. will accept no liability whatsoever for any injury arising from the use of the BBQ Hut. The Hut should only be used on acceptance of this condition.

· To Ignite the BBQ, please clean out any old ash from the Stove, add charcoal and light the BBQ in the normal way. Initially it may be a bit smoky but once the chimney has warmed up the smoke will dissipate. For cooking you will require a large amount of charcoal.

· The Stove gets very hot when lit; please do not touch any metal parts as you may receive a burn.

· On no account leave children or pets alone in the hut when the BBQ pit is lit.

· Please respect the Hut and use in a sensible manner. Any drunken or unacceptable behaviour can result in injury or fire.