If you’re looking for wheelchair accessible holiday accommodation with a ceiling track hoist, profile bed and changing places style wetroom then you’re in the right place. I’ve stayed in multiple wheelchair accessible glamping pods across the UK, but the Crags accessible pod in Callander, Scotland offers the best facilities for disabled guests with complex disabilities in my experience. So I’m excited to share my review and tell you all about it.
This stay was part of a press trip provided by Falkirk Delivers, but this review is not part of the collaboration or sponsored. I just really wanted to share how amazing this pod is for wheelchair users.
Read more about that trip and wheelchair accessible things to do in the area:
Wheelchair Accessible Things to do in Loch Lomond, The Trossachs & Stirling
Wheelchair Accessible Glamping in Callander
Callander Youth Project Trust is a charitable organisation dedicated to improving the lives of young people. Located in Callander at the heart of the Trossachs National Park, CYP offers a range of services, activities and employment opportunities.
They also offer holiday accommodation in their Callander Hostel and new luxury glamping pods.
The four newly-built glamping pods that opened in 2021 are situated on the grounds of the Callander Hostel. They are set in the most perfect spot with beautiful views of Ben Ledi and the Callander Crags.
Callander is a popular tourist town with shops, pubs, restaurants and plenty of takeaway options as well as local accessible walks.
Less than thirty minutes away is the City of Stirling where you can visit Stirling Castle and other wheelchair accessible attractions. I can also recommend Alpaca trekking which is about eight miles away.
Glasgow and Edinburgh are only an hour away, making Callander the perfect base for visiting some of the main sights.
Read more: Stirling Castle Wheelchair Accessible Review
The Crags Accessible Pod
Welcome to The Crags pod! This is the wheelchair accessible pod at CYP and it did not disappoint.
Callander is around thirty minutes from where I live so it’s a town we often visit for a walk or while out on a scenic drive such as the nearby Three Lochs Forest Drive.
So I’m delighted there is now accessible accommodation available allowing disabled visitors with more complex needs the opportunity to explore this beautiful part of Scotland.
Kitchen / Dining
The open-plan kitchenette and dining area were equipped with everything we needed for our short stay. There was a microwave, toaster, electric hob, fridge, instant boiling water tap and dishwasher. Also provided was dinnerware, cutlery, pots and pans.
The electric hob has space underneath for wheelchair users to roll under when preparing and cooking food.
As we were only staying for one night and had dinner reservations at Mhor 84 that evening, we didn’t take much food with us. Our snacks and breakfast supplies were able to sit on the worktop.
Groceries can be bought from the local supermarket and shops selling local produce.
The dining table is attached to the wall and can be folded down when not in use. There is space for three people to sit at the table.
The fresh flowers and box of chocolates were a lovely gesture.
Lounge
The lounge was also in the kitchen/dining area. It featured a sofa bed that pulls out and sleeps up to two people and we were provided with a Z bed (fold-out) as well. This allows options depending on how many people stay and different sleeping setups. The bedding was also provided.
A small clothes rail and hangers were attached to the wall next to the sofa bed along with plug sockets and a thermostat.
A wide sliding barn door divided the lounge from the bedroom/bathroom, which ensured privacy when needed. As it was only the two of us, we kept the door open which meant I could move around easily whenever I wanted.
I loved the floor-to-ceiling glass windows in the lounge. It provides unrestricted views of the spectacular Ben Ledi and the Callander Crags all from the comfort of inside the pod with underfloor heating. Perfect for those chilly days.
Accessible Bedroom with Profile Bed & Ceiling Hoist
The Crags accessible pod has one bedroom with a single profile bed. This is where I slept and I have to say I had a really comfortable sleep. Like my bed at home, I was able to adjust my position by raising my head and legs.
It makes such a big difference having a bed like this when staying away from home. It’s the difference between having a comfortable sleep or lying awake in pain.
There is a small window in the bedroom, but as it is positioned higher up the wall it provides privacy while still letting in daylight.
I liked that there is a range of plug sockets around the bedroom which is great if you have equipment, machines, and electronic devices. And the bed is on wheels so it can be moved around the room to wherever works best for you. There is also a table on wheels which can be rolled under the bed.
The bedroom has a ceiling (y-shape) hoist installed which runs through to the bathroom.
Changing Places Wetroom Facility with Clos-o-mat Toilet
Although we have stayed in wheelchair accessible glamping pods before this is the first one we’ve come across with a Changing Places wetroom. Or any accessible accommodation with bathroom facilities like this for that matter. It’s incredible and what really makes the Crags accessible pod stand out as an accessible and inclusive holiday accommodation.
The huge wetroom has a shower, adult-sized changing bench, adjustable-height washbasin and a clos-o-mat toilet. I really wish more accessible accommodations would install these wash and dry toilets as they are vital for many disabled people to maintain their independence and dignity while on holiday.
Again it’s what I have at home and I know so many disabled people who are unable to go on holiday because they require a wash and dry toilet.
The changing bench was positioned next to the shower for guests that need to lie down whilst showering. But there is also a wall-mounted fold-down shower seat as well.
A three-tiered trolley on wheels was in the wetroom which is handy for storing toiletries and medical supplies.
All in all the wetroom in the Crags accessible pod is absolutely fantastic!
Private Outdoor Terrace with Mountain View
The Crags accessible pod has a private covered porch with a table and chairs. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to enjoy sitting out here as much as we’d hoped due to arriving late at night and leaving early morning.
But we made sure to take in the beautiful scenery and peaceful surroundings. I know we’ll love sitting out there when we visit again.
Although we didn’t see it during our stay, there is an accessible garden area within the grounds which is available to guests. I believe they grow their own vegetables in the garden.
Accessible Parking
We parked our wheelchair accessible vehicle in the dedicated parking spot at the back of the Crags accessible pod. A slabbed pathway leads the way from the parking to the pod, which provided smooth access for my wheelchair.
The pathway is lined with lighting which was helpful as we arrived when it was dark.
How to Book a Stay at The Crags Accessible Pod
The Crags accessible pod is not available to book online. Bookings must be made by contacting CYP directly. Contact details can be found on the website.
Additional information on the accessible pod is available here: www.cyp.org.uk/accessible
The Crags Accessible Pod – Final thoughts
I love that there is accessible holiday accommodation, specifically a glamping pod in Scotland with a ceiling hoist, profile bed and changing places wetroom with a clos-o-mat toilet. These facilities at The Crags accessible pod are incredible and ensured our needs were fully catered for.
The only downside to our stay was that we weren’t able to stay longer. We would love to return for another visit and highly recommend you check it out if you think it will meet your needs. The facilities, fully equipped bathroom and location get two thumbs up from us.
Have you stayed at The Crags accessible pod? If not, would you like to stay there?
You might also enjoy
Wheelchair Accessible Things to do in Loch Lomond, The Trossachs & Stirling
Wheelchair Accessible Cruises on the Iconic Steamship Sir Walter Scott at Loch Katrine
Explore The Beautiful Countryside With The All-Terrain Wheelchair
Three Lochs Forest Drive | Beautiful Scenic Drive in Scotland
Stirling Castle Wheelchair Accessible Review
A Magical Wheelchair Accessible Treehouse in the Trossachs, Scotland
Accessible Scottish Walks: Strathyre
Clober Farm – Wheelchair Accessible Holiday Cottage with Ceiling Hoist in Scotland
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4 Responses
Thanks for this,Emma, looks brilliant. Really great to hear of such excellent accessible accommodation.
Thank you so much Chris. I’m delighted you enjoyed reading about this amazing accessible pod. The facilities are brilliant and its in such a beautiful location. I hope you are able to visit sometime.
This might seem like a silly question, but how comfy is the sofa bed for the people accompanying you? I’ve slept on so many uncomfortable sofa beds that it would put me off taking my client there if it was.
This pod seems amazing I just wish there was a little more space for a carer to stay as most people who need full hoist support will always have someone with them, if not multiple people.
Hi Emma. It’s not a silly question at all. My partner found the sofa bed very comfy – he didn’t mention having any issues or disturbed sleep. I would like to say you’d find it comfortable too 🙂