The Best Cosy Cabins in Scotland

Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands is the largest park in the UK and is a natural wonderland with plenty to offer year round: from snowsports to watersports, fishing, hiking and golf courses. Want to holiday here on a budget? Lurchers Cabin is a quaint two-bedroom log chalet, just a five-minute walk from the village of Aviemore. It’s also just minutes from the main train station and coach stop, so is perfect if you’re coming by public transport. The touches of tartan throughout the interior add a bit of Scottish flair.

Looking for cosy cabin vibes but travelling with a larger group? Killin Log Cabins is a collection of four cabins that comfortably sleep up to eight adults – and they’re pet-friendly, so your furry friends can come along too. The self-catering cabins are located within walking distance to the village of Killing, Loch Tay, which is a great base for exploring Perthshire. The Oak and Alder lodges have log burning stoves that make them ultra cosy in winter, and there’s a communal summer house with views over Killin.

This collection of cabins on the banks of Loch Tay is ideal for large groups, hen and stag dos and corporate events, with a variety of cabins, cottages and farmhouses that can sleep up to 25 adults. There’s a private beach just down the road, and plenty of adventurous activities on site: think clay pigeon shooting, zorb football, and a woodland battle zone for airsoft games with high-powered BB guns. Looking for a Scottish-inspired activity? Take part in the Boreland Highland Games, which includes caber toss, hammer throw and royal rumble with a bottle of whisky for the winner.

For serious relaxation, escape to this luxurious log cabin surrounded by mountains, moorland and picturesque lochs. Located just 50m (164ft) from the shore of Loch Garry in the Scottish Highlands, Caledonian Cabin feels like another world but is just an hour’s drive from Inverness airport. The cabin has been handcrafted in Canada from giant western red cedar logs and features cosy sheepskin rugs and beanbags, tartan carpets and a stone fireplace. There’s also an outdoor hot tub on the deck.

Immerse yourself in nature with a visit to these log cabins at Loch Awe in Argyll. The area is home to some of the country’s best wildlife – think pine marten, red squirrel, nesting osprey, golden eagles and deer – and there is also excellent birding as well as walking and cycling trails to explore. Cabin rental includes free fishing on Scotland’s premier wild fishing loch. For a truly relaxing touch, opt for a cabin with a log-burning hot tub.

Set in the Cairngorms National Park in the village of Ballater on Royal Deeside, these luxe one-bedroom cottages have been converted from the old servants’ quarters in the grounds of Glenernan House. Ballater is within easy walking distance and boasts royal-appointed shops and plenty of pubs and restaurants. After a round of golf at the Ballater Golf Club, enjoy a hearty meal from Rusty Putter Catering, run by George Smith and his wife Aileen – think steak pie, haggis bon bons with whisky glaze, and baked jacket potatoes.

The sprawling grounds of this Highland estate near Crieff in Perthshire are protected by Historic Scotland, and feature hiking and biking trails, a loch for boating and fishing, a playing field, a zip line, waterside fire pits and self-catering lodges. There’s a stone Gamekeepers cottage that sleeps up to six guests as well as six different types of modern, Scandinavian-built cottages that sleep from four to eight guests. Several of the cottages even have saunas, so you can unwind after a day of outdoor activities.

Set in the East Lothian countryside, this four-star, three-bedroom chalet is fully inclusive and accessible. The master bedroom features electric lifting beds and a removable ceiling track hoist that runs into the adjoining wet room, and the kitchen has removable units to allow for wheelchair access. There are beach wheelchairs available to book at the nearby seaside town of North Berwick. The spacious living area extends out onto the deck, which has expansive views over the coastal town of Dunbar. All guests are invited to visit the farm to meet the animals.