Cairngorm Lodges

Wildlife outside and luxury inside – that’s the tempting mix on offer at Cairngorm Lodges, a smart rural glamping site on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park.

This secluded spot 10 minutes’ drive from the village of Aboyne (and about an hour from Aberdeen) is a place where you can really immerse yourselves in the gorgeous Aberdeenshire countryside: the eco lodges are tucked away among the woods, each in its own little patch for peace and privacy.

To preserve the surroundings, they’ve all been set up to have minimal impact on the landscape and environment, with lots of nifty touches including top-notch insulation, low-energy light bulbs and eco-friendly cleaning products.

Much effort has also gone into protecting the local wildlife too, including projects to replant trees and feed birds; keep your eyes peeled as you stroll around (or sit outside your lodge) and you may catch a glimpse of the red squirrels that live around these parts.

You can easily get out for a wider exploration of the area on woodland walks that start from the site, or head out hillwalking nearby. Fishing, cycling routes, skiing, horse riding and golf are all available in the vicinity too – along with several castles and whisky distilleries if you need a rest from all the activity.

And that aforementioned luxury? There’s a plentiful supply of that, as the lodges all have smart bathrooms, fully-fitted kitchens, Freeview TVs, comfy sofas and beds made up with high-quality organic linen (along with a raft of extra touches like books and hair dryers, plus barbecues in the summer months).