A creative spin on a traditional bothy, in the heart of Cairngorms National Park (sleeps 2)
Space & setting.
*Brand new*
Surrounded by the breathtaking wild beauty of Cairngorms National Park, this cabin has you perfectly placed to explore snow-capped mountains, ancient pine forests and heather-clad moorland. The owners moved here to raise their family, and found an incredible house with a bothy in the back of the garden, full of old artefacts, newspapers and a note claiming it as the old village cinema. Overrun with moss and pine needles, timbers wearing away, they decided to give it a new life — and as creatives themselves, they had some really unique ideas to make it extra special, such as an enormous OS map of the park, which covers an entire wall.
Foot trails lead straight into nature (you’re 50m from 125km2 of ancient Caledonian woodland), while endless loops of bike trails will take you all the way up to the mountain tops and back without touching a road. In winter you can ski and snowboard; wild swimmers can find their cold-water fix at local lochs (where you can also kayak, paddle board, fish and sail). Between adventures, the cabin is a sanctuary of calm. Mornings can be deliciously slow, lying in bed watching clouds drift past the overhead rooflight, breakfasting out on the patio and watching red squirrels scamper past into the pines. Star-speckled nightfall calls for romantic evenings toasting marshmallows over the chiminea — or stroll to the village pub for a sociable pint or 2.
Getting here: train to Aviemore then taxi (20 mins)
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Sustainability.
The building is clad with local larch, in keeping with the natural surrounds. Heating and hot water come from an air-source heat pump and electricity is from a renewably sourced provider. All cleaning products are consciously sourced.
Surrounds.
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Loch Morlich -
Jewellery-making workshop -
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The on-site art gallery -
Abernethy Forest -
Aurora Borealis above the cabin -
Autumn in the Birch woodland -
Heather Bloom in Rothiemurchas Forest -
Heather Bloom in Rothiemurchas Forest -
Loch Garten Pines -
Red Squirrell from the cabin -
Winter mist over Abernethy Forest
- Hike or bike your way through the national park — there are miles and miles of woodland trails, mountain tracks and riverside strolls.
- Climb the craggy Cairngorm mountains and The Lecht for incredible panoramas. In winter they offer all-levels skiing and snowboarding; the owners can connect you with expert guides if you want to venture off-piste.
- Swim in the many lochs and rivers of the area. There are local guides who can coach cold water newbies if you’re nervous about making the plunge!
- Budding photographers can spend a day capturing the wild landscapes with award-winning photographer Graham.
- Or learn the art of silversmithing and make a piece of jewellery with Amy in her on-site studio. Couples can even make their own wedding rings using recycled silver or gold, in a bespoke workshop.
- Whisky distillery tours are a-plenty in the Spey Valley; the closest is The Cairn, just 10 mins’ drive away.
- Further afield, there’s clay shooting, quad biking, archery, pony trekking, fishing and golf (all around 30 mins’ drive).
Specifics.
- Standalone bothy on the owner’s plot of land
- 1 bedroom with super-kingsize bed and overhead Velux window
- Bathroom with rainfall shower; toiletries provided
- Fully-equipped kitchen including oven and induction hob; basics provided
- Living area warmed by a woodburner; screen and projector for film nights
- Books, board games and binoculars
- WiFi (note no TV)
- Outdoor patio with hammock chairs, dining furniture, yoga mats, garden games and chimenea
- The owners are available by phone and live next door should you need anything
- Walk 5 mins to farm shops, deli, café, pubs and restaurant
- Weekly fishmonger visits the village on Wednesdays; fish and chips van on Mondays
- Hire bikes and e-bikes locally
- Sorry no pets
- Booking conditions: 2-night minimum stay Fri-Sun, 4 nights Mon-Fri
- Remember to pack: towels for swimming in the lochs and a torch for evening strolls
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30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations
8+ weeks prior to stay: deposit refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
6-8 weeks prior to stay: deposit retained, 70% balance refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
4-6 weeks prior to stay: 50% of the total booking fee retained, 50% refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 4 weeks of stay.
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