Northern Cairngorms self-catering.

[Richard G.]

Looking for some recommendations for a self-catering cottage in the northern Cairngorms, especially one with good garden wildlife visitors, and was hoping there might be some good knowledge here?

I’m thinking Aviemore, Boat of Garten, Nethy Bridge, Grantown, even as a far as Tomintoul at a push and any villages in between. For 2 people only, so ideally small and quiet and hopefully within walking distance of a good pub? I know, not asking much am I…

[kiyasmum]

I can't help with details, but there are some log cabins near the RSPB reserve at Loch Garten. The area does get good visiting wildlife, red squirrels, badger, pine marten and plenty of birds. Sorry I could not be more helpful but we use our caravan when visiting that area.

[earthdragon64]

I'm not really sure about accomodation, I don't need it as I live here. I've found a couple of possibly useful websites though. The first one has quite a bit of information, including accomodation.

Visit Cairngorms: The Official website for Accommodation and Activities in the Cairngorms National Park | Visit Cairngorms

There are some timeshare places locally as well, you can often get a week or so in them, although I've no idea of cost. The first link is Lochanhully, which is just east of Carrbridge, and is in a rural setting. The 2nd is for Dalfaber golf and Country Club in Aviemore, which is near the Spey and has fantastic views over the Cairngorms.

Lochanhully Holiday Resort - UK Holiday Resorts - Macdonald Resorts

Dalfaber Golf & Country Club - UK Holiday Resorts - Macdonald Resorts

The Hilton Hotel at Coylumbridge has timeshare lodges as well, again, I've no idea of cost, but here's the link for more info.

Timeshare Resorts | Hilton Grand Vacations Club | Hilton Coylumbridge

Lastly, here's a link to the Visit Scotland accomodation search, I've found it very useful for finding accomodation of all types.

Visitscotland Search

Regards, Audrey.

[Richard G.]

Thanks for the replies.

In fact, Visit Cairngorms have created a very neat and free little iPhone app that I've been browsing, very useful.

No doubt that I'll find something to suit, there appears to be plenty of choice, but still interested to hear from anyone with personal experiences, favourite little cottage on the edge of the woods with lots of garden visitors etc.

[earthdragon64]

Ask Pauline, PMG, I know she usually stays self-catering when she is up here, I've a feeling she stays in Nethybridge. Actually, as long as you have your own transport, Nethy would be a good place for a base. There is at least one pub or hotel and there is quite a lot of good wildlife locally. Nethy village hall has a part-time ranger service and is a good place for info about what to see locally.

Boat-of-garten would be a good 2nd choice, again there are a couple of pubs doing food in the village, and there is a lot of wildlife within walking distance. Anywhere backing onto the forests would give you a great chance to see Red Squirrels, and a large panther-like cat according to some inhabitants!

You might find the following thread of interest.

Pauline & Ian's Cairngorms March 2010

Regards, Audrey.

[Jim Ford]

Rothiemurchus Camping and Caravan Park has cabins. I believe most of them are privately owned, but IIRC some of them are rented out. I've camped there a lot and it's a lovely site, well placed for the forest and hills.

Rothiemurchus, Aviemore, Scotland for Walking, Outdoor Activities, Camping and Shopping - Camp & Caravan Park

Jim

[Richard G.]

Originally Posted by earthdragon64

Ask Pauline, PMG, I know she usually stays self-catering when she is up here

I'll do that, thanks Audrey. Don't know why, but I'd got it in my head that Pauline stayed in the camper.

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

Rothiemurchus Camping and Caravan Park has cabins.

Noted Jim, thanks, I'll have a browse at that later.

[AndrewA123]

Hi Richard,

A Little while since you last posted on this thread so you may well be sorted now, but here goes.....


My parents often stay here:

Highlands holiday cottages Cairngorms Park self-catering

and love it, even staying there for Christmas a couple of times


A Little further afield from your immediate area, but I've stayed in Spean bridge a number of times (nearer Fort William) and can vouch for the wonderful accommodation here:

Self-Catering Holidays Scotland. Lodges to rent for two, The Highlands of Scotland UK

Both very good for wildlife.

I have no reason for posting these as suggestions apart from many very happy experiences staying here