Loch Garten Lodges

27/05/2025

☀️ Summer availability update! ☀️
Looking for a peaceful getaway surrounded by nature, wildlife and wide open skies? We still have a few weeks available this June, July and August.

Tap through the images to see what’s free – and get in touch if you’re ready to plan your summer escape.

📍Cairngorms National Park
🛌 Self-catering lodges
🦌 Wildlife on your doorstep
🚲 Ideal for walking, cycling and unwinding

Stay. Explore. Return.

24/05/2025

🌲 Reflections at Loch Mallachie 🌲

Just a short walk from the lodges, the trail to Loch Mallachie is one of those hidden gems that’s easy to miss – but absolutely worth the wander.

Pine forest, peaceful lochside views, and on a still day, the reflections are something else. It’s a favourite spot for an afternoon stroll – quiet, scenic, and full of birdlife.

🔗 Route details here: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/cairngorms/loch-garten.shtml - link in bio!

This loop takes in Loch Garten and Loch Mallachie – two for the price of one!

Stay. Explore. Return.

22/05/2025

These gorgeous Highland coos were enjoying the evening sunshine just a short stroll from the lodges. Always a treat to see — especially when there's a calf involved!

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Keep your eyes peeled on your walks — you never know who you’ll meet.

20/05/2025

🐝 Happy World Bee Day! 🌸

Spotted this busy little bee making the most of a garden rose in Boat of Garten this week — head down, legs covered in pollen, and not a care in the world!

Bees might be small, but they’re a big deal when it comes to keeping things growing. Whether it’s wildflowers or garden blooms, they’re the unsung heroes buzzing quietly in the background.

Here’s to the pollinators doing all the hard work — and looking good while they’re at it. 💛

19/05/2025

A Highland Walk (With Cake on the Way) 🥾🍰

The Speyside Way passes right by Loch Garten Lodges, and the stretch between Boat of Garten and Grantown-on-Spey is a beauty. Whether you’re walking the full route or just out for a wander, it’s a great way to enjoy the fresh air and take in the views.

These photos were taken along the River Spey on a particularly lovely day — wildflowers starting to bloom, the water sparkling, and barely a breeze.

📍 Don’t forget to stop in at Nethy House in Nethy Bridge for lunch, coffee or some excellent home baking. You’ll have earned it!!

https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/cairngorms/grantown-boat-of-garten.shtml

Stay. Explore. Return.

18/05/2025

Yesterday, the ranger team put out eight BBQs near Loch Morlich whilst on patrol, and the police and fire service were called to Muir of Dinnet when people who lit a fire didn’t cooperate with the ranger team.

Police also attended Glenmore last night as further campfires were lit there after the ranger team left the area.

⚠️ The ranger service and partner ranger services are on patrol during the day and late into the evening across the Cairngorms National Park during this period of extreme wildfire risk - Thursday 15 May until Monday 19 May.

🔥 You can help by not lighting a BBQ or fire, always ensuring ci******es are fully extinguished and taking your litter (including glass) away with you. It only takes one spark to cause devastation.

🚒 If you see a wildfire, dial the emergency services on 999 and provide them with the location.

🔁 Share to stories to help spread the word.

Please take extra care when enjoying this warm weather and play your part to protect the Cairngorms National Park 🧡

Find out more at ➡ https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/news/firefighters-issue-no-flames-warning-as-renewed-wildfire-alert-issued

17/05/2025

"The best place we’ve stayed in 13 years of visiting the Highlands..."

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We love this review from Russ & Mandy, who stayed in Pine Marten Lodge just a few weeks ago. From pine martens and red squirrels to Highland cows and red stags nearby — they soaked up everything that makes Loch Garten Lodges so special.

They’ve already rebooked for next year, which says it all really 🦌🐿️

Thanks again for the kind words — we’ll see you next year!

Stay. Explore. Return.

15/05/2025

It’s International Day of Families — and honestly, there’s nowhere better to spend quality time together than here in the Cairngorms.

From paddling in lochs and spotting red squirrels, to hopping on a steam train or getting muddy on the trails, family time hits different when you’re surrounded by this kind of wild beauty.

We loved this guide from The Highland Times — packed with brilliant ideas for days out that are all within easy reach of Loch Garten Lodges.

https://thehighlandtimes.com/ten-unforgettable-family-days-out-in-the-cairngorms-this-summer/

So whether you’re planning a multi-gen adventure or just a wee getaway with the kids (and the dog!), this is your sign to book the trip, make the memories, and come back for more.

Stay – Explore – Return.

13/05/2025

What’s Growing on the Trees?

You don’t have to go far to find fascinating things in the forest here — sometimes it’s all about slowing down and noticing what’s growing quietly on the trees.

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The pale, wispy strands you’ll often spot hanging from branches are Usnea, commonly known as Old Man’s Beard. It’s actually a type of lichen — not a plant, but a mix of fungus and algae living together. It's also a sign of clean air, as it's incredibly sensitive to pollution. The Cairngorms, as you'd expect, are full of it.

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The bright orange you can see here is juniper rust fungus — not quite as friendly! It affects juniper bushes and has a striking jelly-like appearance when it's active, usually after damp weather.

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There’s always something interesting to see if you take a minute to look a little closer...

11/05/2025

Elspeth braved the chill for a dip in Loch Garten… in April! Flat calm, blue skies, and not a midge in sight — Yes please!!

Here’s hoping for more days like this as we roll into summer.

09/05/2025

🐾 Look who popped by! 🐾

These stunning shots of a curious pine marten were taken by guest Graham Perkin during his recent stay at Loch Garten Lodges.

We’re so lucky to share the site with amazing local wildlife — and pine martens are one of the real stars. Often spotted at dusk (if you're patient and quiet!), they sometimes make a special appearance right outside the lodges.

Huge thanks to Graham Perkin Photography for letting us share these brilliant photos!

Stay. Explore. Return.

08/05/2025