Base Camp

The HQ, accommodation, and base of operations for IRW is at the Lapwing Lodge Outdoor Centre, in the beautiful setting of Gleniffer Braes, south of the town of Paisley, Scotland. Lapwing Lodge is situated 10 minutes’ drive from Glasgow Airport, Paisley Railway Station, and the M8 motorway.

IRW participants have use of the Activity Hall and Workshop, fully furnished with tables and chairs, as a Rocket Workshop and preparation facility.

Accommodation

Indoor accommodation

The Indoor Accommodation is available in both the West and East Wings of the Main Building. The West Wing has nine 4-bunk rooms, plus two 6-bunk rooms. The East Wing has seven 4-bunk rooms. Both wings have toilets and showers, fully equipped self-catering kitchens, dining rooms, and lounges. Token-operated laundry facilities are available to indoor guests.

Prior booking of Indoor Accommodation is strongly recommended.

Hobbit Houses (glamping lodges)

There are four Hobbit Houses, each sleeping up to 10 people — ideal for larger groups, student rocket teams, or families. They have electric light and device charging sockets. A Cook House provides gas burners and a Dining Hall. Kitchen utensils can be hired (£25 per box). Bring your own sleeping bag — mattresses are fitted.

Camping

• 25-acre camping area
• Toilets and showers
• Dish-washing area
• Token-operated laundry
• Alter fires and wood fuel available
• No booking required — just turn up

Directions to Base Camp

Lapwing Lodge Outdoor Centre, Gleniffer Road, Paisley. Directions from the M8 motorway are available as a PDF — download here.

Food near Base Camp

A guide to places to eat near Lapwing Lodge and the Fairlie Moor flying site, compiled by Rick Newlands, is below. All recommendations are Rick’s own.

Near Lapwing Lodge

• 24-hour ASDA supermarket (with petrol), KFC, McDonald’s, Linwood Farm pub/restaurant — A761 Phoenix Retail Park, PA3 3FE. Rick’s recommendation: avoid the Linwood Farm.
• Lord Lounsdale pub/restaurant, Lounsdale Road, Paisley PA2 9DU. Rick’s recommendation: cheap and cheerful.
• Chip shop; Lidl on B789 Johnstone High Street/Thorn Brae; Ashoka Johnstone, 3 Rankine Street, Johnstone PA5 8AY. Rick’s recommendation: the à la carte menu at Ashoka is some of the finest curry in Scotland!
• Chip shop and Wok Inn Chinese takeaway, Foxbar Road, Paisley PA2 0AY.
• Petrol station with shop, B775 Gleniffer Road, Paisley PA2 8PL.
• Morrisons supermarket, Falside Road, Paisley PA2 6JE (open till 9pm, with café).
• Red Fort Indian restaurant, 46 Cross Arthurlie Street, Barrhead G78 1QU.
• Gateside Inn restaurant, 37–39 Main Rd, Gateside, Beith KA15 2LF.
• Petrol station with shop, A737 bypass road, Beith KA15 2HH.
• The Canny Man pub/restaurant, B777 1 Beith Road, Lugton, Kilmarnock KA3 4ED.
• The Loch House pub/restaurant, A760 Largs Road, Lochwinnoch PA12 4JF.
• Xscape Braehead PA4 8XQ — several restaurants including TGI Fridays.
• S.J. at Snooks steak restaurant, Unit 12 Westbourne Centre, Barrhead G78 1LR.
• The Howwood Inn pub/restaurant, Main Street, Howwood PA9 1BQ.
• East End Tandoori, 3/5 Ladyburn Street, Paisley PA1 1PH. Rick’s recommendation: their small Shashlik kebab with ‘everything on’ — tender marinated lamb in a spicy sauce with lots of salad. Last year they delivered to Lapwing Lodge.
• LaRambla Mexican/Italian/Spanish restaurant, 9–11 Renfrew Road, Paisley PA3 4AF. Rick’s recommendation: chipotle mushrooms starter followed by house-chilli-filled tacos. Very yum!
• Domino’s Pizza pickup/delivery, 41 Gauze Street, Paisley PA1 1EX. Tel: 0141 842 1331.