PLANNING a summer trip to a hot tub lodge in Scotland is always going to be a bit of a risk.
Spending the extra cash on the fancy addition may feel good at the time, but you've got to remember the following: Rain, temperature ... and midges.
In June, I left my fate up to the Gods and headed for a weekend at Sauchope Links, just outside of Crail, with my partner.
Located on the East Neuk, you can at least avoid the dreaded midges most of the time. I can't make any guarantees for conditions, but as the old saying goes: There's no bad weather, only wrong clothing.
Sauchope Links
The site, operated by Largo Leisure Parks, offers a range of accommodation from glamping pods to caravans, plus regular pitch hire.
We spent three nights in a superior ensuite pod, which came with a fire pit and a wood-fired hot tub. Inside, you have a small kitchen area, bathroom, bed and sofa.
You can walk into the beautiful village of Crail within about 10/15 minutes, where there are a couple of decent pubs and restaurants to spend an evening in. For food, the highly rated Reilly and Sons seafood shack offers quick, fresh lobster rolls, right by the rustic harbour.
You have direct access to the Fife Coastal Path from Sauchope, which is a major perk of the location. The 117-mile-long trail runs from Kincardine to Newburgh, but the East Neuk section is generally its most famous, as it allows you to wander through colourful, historic fishing villages for hours on end, stopping for award-winning fish and chips in Anstruther or a slap-up meal at Elie's Ship Inn on the way.
For National readers, look out for the Saor Alba graffiti along the route too. There is actually a photograph of me in front of that, taken before the 2014 referendum.
[I snapped a fresh shot for my mum and dad to do a side by side years later. See the original below, plus some more up-to-date shots from this recent trip.]
For location, Sauchope Links is a solid five out of five. It feels pretty rural, but having access to public transport until late at night means you can easily enjoy an evening drink. The views are wonderful and for a weekend of walking and beer gardens, you couldn't really ask for more.
So, what's it like?
According to the website, the pod can sleep four. This seems extremely ambitious. Even for two guests, this pod was pretty cramped. I have stayed in other similar "pod" lodgings and found them to be significantly more spacious. Due to the design of the space, my six-foot partner was often banging his head on the curved bathroom wall or light fittings – we did not need any more obstacles.
Sauchope only provides one small bag of wood for visitors staying in the pod. I think this is quite poor. It takes three to four bags of wood to heat the hot tub – so if you want to use the facility you've already paid extra for, you need to hand over more cash for the privilege of doing so.
However, the hot tub was lovely. It's truly relaxing looking over the Forth, even though it's drizzly and a mere 14 degrees. The selling point turned out to be worth the hype. I accept the additional charges but would gently encourage the business owners to be a little more generous.
On that note ... the accommodation also only provided one toilet roll for the three-night stay, and no hand soap, shampoo or shower gel. I understand Sauchope is primarily for campers, but when something is advertised as "superior glamping", you would expect these basics to be included. For an expected cost of £600 to £700, or nearly £200 per night, I should really be able to wash my hands without trekking up to the local Co-op.
There's also no storage. One small chest of drawers could make a big difference.
Finally, the blinds were practically sea-through. This meant the pod was exceptionally bright from about 4am. We resolved the problem by putting a dark-coloured towel over the small window above the bed, but would it not be easier just to put up some curtains.
On the plus side, the bed was relatively comfortable and the kitchen was surprisingly well equipped with cooking utensils. The pod was clean.
I didn't meet any staff during my long weekend due to the limited opening hours of the site's reception, but the team left us with plenty of maps and local guides inside the accommodation, and detailed instructions on how to use the hot tub.
Verdict
This is not superior, luxury glamping, as the marketing indicates. It is, however, a well-kept camping spot in a beautiful location. Brave the elements, get your kit off and enjoy the hot tub (just be prepared to pay for it).
To learn more visit the Sauchope Links website.
