Kirkstone Lodge

Fantastic Family and Dog-Friendly Lodge!

Fantastic family and dog-friendly lodge set amongst wonderful scenery in the Cairngorms National Park. Sleeping six (or eight using the double sofa bed), with hot tub and outdoor sauna.

Surrounded by hills and forests, Kirkstone Lodge is a perfect base for a wide range of outdoor activities: walking, cycling, watersports, and skiing and boarding in the Cairngorms. It’s only 20 minutes’ drive to Aviemore. There are lots of fab dog walks along the forest trails that start right outside the door.

The lodge was originally built in the 1980s, but has recently been refurbished and upgraded to a high standard. It’s carefully designed with outdoors activities in mind; there’s a purpose-built boot/drying room complete with ski and snowboard racks, doggy station and tiled, heated floor. The front entrance also has a covered bike storage area.

This is a great place for a family holiday, with plenty of space, and close to lots of activities. There’s a high chair, cot, stair gate and toys for younger families.

Hot Tub and Barrel Sauna

Stylish, quality interiors are complemented by relaxer chairs, a woodburning stove and a well-equipped kitchen (dishwasher, oven, hob, microwave, and coffee machine). The large open-plan lounge and dining area has breath-taking views across to the Monadhliath Mountains. If the weather is poor, there is Sky TV with sports and movies and Bluetooth iPod station. There is also free WIFI throughout (typical rural speeds).

One of the highlights is the outside decking area with hot tub and barrel sauna – great after a day walking or skiing, and lots of fun anytime, even in the snow or rain! You could even try star gazing by night from the tub.

In terms of accommodation, there are two bedrooms downstairs, both with televisions. One is a large double room with fitted wardrobes and a dressing table, and three large Velux windows with views over the mountains. Off this, there is a good sized family bathroom with bath and power shower.

The second downstairs bedroom is a bunkroom with a shower room next door. There is a useful utility room with washing machine and tumble drier. Upstairs, via the spiral staircase, is another good sized double bedroom (again with TV) and ensuite shower room. There is also space for two to sleep in the large landing area, using the inflatable double air bed.Outside, as well as decking, hot tub and sauna, there is a large enclosed garden and, plenty of car parking space.

Stunning Scenery in the Cairngorms

Kirkstone Lodge is a well-designed and comfortable dog-friendly holiday house set amongst stunning scenery in the Cairngorms National Park. It has great facilities, including hot tub and sauna, and is a fantastic base for loads of outdoor activities all year round.

Perfect Days

Explore the superb (and free) Highland Folk Museum, on a massive outdoor site at nearby Newtonmore – you could easily to spend the day. Highlights include a costumed presenters at a Blackhouse village, attending class at a Highland school, making a purchase at the traditional sweet shop, seeing a water-powered sawmill and exploring a reconstruction of a 1930s working croft.

Take the hound for a long walk and explore the forest trails around the lodge or head over to the fantastic trails at Glenmore near Aviemore. The walk to the green lochan is a favourite.

Try watersports at nearby Loch Inch or, if it’s a sunny day, enjoy a day on the sandy beach at Loch Morlich.

How about trying the high wire Zip Trek Park near Kincraig? Lots of fun for kids!

Enjoy a picnic overlooking the atmospheric Ruthven Barracks.

Take the kids to the nearby Highland Wildlife Park. Loads to see, including Mercedes the Polar Bear!

Head for the hills. Outstanding hillwalks available to the well prepared on the Cairngorms plateau – popular peaks include Braereich (1296m) or Ben Macdui (1309m) the second highest mountain in Scotland.

In winter, visit Cairngorm Mountain with great skiing and boarding available. Or, summer or winter, take the funicular just for the view.

Sample the awesome cake and coffee at The Potting Shed Tearoom at Inshriach Nursery. See the incredible viewing gallery with a multitude of birds and squirrels hanging off the feeders.

How to book our cottage?

Call 0794 775 4454 or use contact form.