Special Needs
Outline information about the facilities that you’ll find in and around the village if you have Special Needs
Getting about
Sadly, public transport is limited in the area.
Buses
Bus service is restricted. Timetables available bustimes.org/localities/newtonmore
Trains
One redeeming feature of the transport situation is that Newtonmore is on the main railway line from Glasgow/Edinburgh to Inverness – in fact there are through services from London too. Timetables available thetrainline.com/train-times
Not all trains stop at Newtonmore but, they stop at Kingussie, 3 miles North – the sleeper service does stop at Newtonmore in both directions.
The carriages used on the Glasgow/Edinburgh to Inverness route have a space for a wheelchair to be accommodated, booking in advance is advisable, then the guard will be happy to assist in getting on or off.
If you travel on the sleeper though, you MUST be careful to ensure that someone on the train knows you want to get off at Newtonmore, particularly if you have visual impairment, as the sleeper train is longer than the platform.
Taxis
The nearest Taxi firm is Weir’s Taxis in Aviemore who have an adapted vehicle on their fleet.
The carriages used on the Glasgow/Edinburgh to Inverness route have a space for a wheelchair to be accommodated, booking in advance is advisable, then the guard will be happy to assist in getting on or off.
If you travel on the sleeper though, you MUST be careful to ensure that someone on the train knows you want to get off at Newtonmore, particularly if you have visual impairment, as the sleeper train is longer than the platform.
By Car
If you are a car driver, or your family has a vehicle to get you around and about, you will find that this particular mode of transport is a real joy in this area, compared to the urban or suburban environment.
Our roads are generally very quiet, even in the height of summer, and even then, traffic jams are virtually unheard of – we tend to take it for granted, and get annoyed if we have a 2 or 3 minute delay getting onto the main A9 on a busy Summer Saturday!
The public car park is located off Main Street on Glen Road, behind the Letterbox Restaurant.
Community Transport
The ‘Where 2 Today’ project operates Community Transport throughout Badenoch and Strathspey. Door-to-door transport is available for people by means of a car scheme; using volunteer drivers in their own cars, 2 x 13 Seat (including driver) Wheelchair Accessible Minibuses and 1 Wheelchair Accessible Berlingo. Group hire of vehicles is also available evenings and weekends. One 13 seat accessible minibus operates 5 days per week on registered routes. On Mondays and Fridays it travels locally within Aviemore but also covers Carrbridge, Boat of Garten, Rothiemurchus, Glenmore and Cairngorm. On Tuesdays and Thursdays between Aviemore and Laggan, through Newtonmore, Kingussie and Kincraig, and on Wednesdays between Aviemore and Grantown-on-Spey through Kinveachy, Boat of Garten and Nethybridge. People holding a National Concessionary entitlement card, or ‘Plus One’ are able to travel free. The Charity also loans both self-propelled and attendant wheelchairs. Website address is: www.ct4u.co.uk
In the Village
Whatever your disability, we think it’s fair to say that you will find the people of Newtonmore welcoming, friendly and ready to help in any way they can, although they are naturally reticent and won’t want to ‘interfere’ if you would rather get on with things yourself.
The pavements on the east side of the Main Street are wide and fairly flat, and there are several good spots with dropped kerbs for crossing the road. The pavement on the west side is narrower though still wide enough for a wheelchair or scooter.
For the visually impaired, there is a crossing in the village, on Main Street, outside the post office.
Facilities for folk with Special Needs vary from business to business, but, in the main present few or minor difficulties. Here we give an overview of what you might expect in some of the key places to eat, drink, shop & visit. For more details, do visit each place’s website or contact them directly.
A disabled toilet is located next to the Village Hall.
Eating Out
Balavil Hotel: Awkward steps and door at the entrance, especially if you are unaccompanied. Once inside the ground floor is level and any assistance you might need will be gladly given.
Letterbox Restaurant: No step and easy to operate door at the entrance. Once inside, you should have no problems.
Glen Hotel: Wheelchair users can easily access The Glen via a level route to the rear. Your companion should go in and ask, they’ll happily show you where the rear door is. Once inside both bar & restaurant area you will find sufficient to pass with care, though in the bar area it can be a bit of a squeeze.
The Tuck Shop: No step, door has automatic closer, limited space, but staff will always make room for a chair whenever possible.
Antlers Café: No step, easy door and staff will assist.
The Wild Flour: Level entrance but the main Café is up located up a few steps but there is a comfy seating area on the ground floor.
Newtonmore Grill: Has excellent ramped access and easy doors. Some tables can be awkward for wheelchairs as seating positions are fixed but others are fine.
OYO Braeriach Hotel: There is a short and difficult high step at entrance and awkward doors, so assistance needed, but OK inside.
Shops
Co-op: Electric sliding door excellent, easy access. The aisles are wide for easy shopping.
Post Office: Small step, easy door, access to all of the shop, albeit very small inside.
Spar at the Garage: There is a gentle ramped entrance to the Spar and good access for wheelchairs up and down the 2 aisles.
Harris Tweed Shop: No step, a nice wide opening door and lots of room inside.
Attractions
Clan MacPherson Museum: Offers assisted wheelchair access and exhibition on ground floor.
Highland Folk Museum: The Park offers excellent facilities for wheelchair visitors, including ramps where appropriate, a period bus with wheelchair lift and accessible toilets. However, a few of the buildings simply do not lend themselves to suitable adaptation, sorry.
Shinty: Wheelchair visitors are more than welcome and every assistance will be offered at games to ensure you enjoy the match.