If recent bank holidays have left you dreaming of your next getaway, one of these glamping holidays in Scotland might be just the escape from normality you’re looking for!
More and more people are forgoing travelling abroad for ‘staycations’, and it’s glamping and unusual stays in the likes of yurts and wigwams catching their eye.
It’s not hard to see why – whether it’s a romantic weekend away, an outdoor escape or a family adventure, glamping offers lots to individuals, couples and families of all ages.
Here are five of the best places to go glamping in Scotland…
Escape to the coast at Black Isle Yurts
Discover locally crafted self-catering yurts, sited in ancient cliff-top woodland with breathtaking views overlooking the Moray Firth. The yurts are run as part of a small working farm so visitors can ‘meet the animals’ when staying, plus there’s direct access down to beautiful secluded sandy beaches and mountain bike tracks next door at Learnie Red Rock.
Much of the farmland is a haven for wildlife and nature, making Black Isle Yurts a favourite amongst outdoors enthusiasts who enjoy a little luxury! The perfect escape from the rush of everyday life, each yurt has comfy beds with linen and towels provided, a wood burning stove to stay cosy, access to luxury washroom facilities and free WIFI at the Hub. Dogs are also welcome for a small supplement.
Home-reared meat (lamb and beef) is available on site, and guests benefit from amenities and attractions of the nearby historical coastal villages of Fortrose, Rosemarkie and Cromarty. Check out Black Isle Yurts’ great reviews on Facebook or TripAdvisor.
Find out further information, check availability or book Black Isle Yurts online.
Explore the Isle of Skye at Wigwam Holidays Shulista Croft
Glamping on the Isle of Skye doesn’t get better than this! You’ll find Wigwam® Holidays Shulista Croft on the northern tip of the island in the heart of a Highland crofting community, with breathtaking views of the Trotternish Peninsula.
Surrounded by 16 acres of stunning rural landscape and home to a flock of inquisitive Cheviot sheep and curious chickens, Shulista Croft offers four Running Water Deluxe and four Big Chief Wigwam® Cabins.
Each cabin is fully insulated, with lighting and heating as standard. The Deluxe Cabins are en suite with kitchenette, dining area, flat screen TV, DVD player and sleeping arrangements for a family of four. Big Chief Cabins are spacious with comfy mattresses, DVD player and easy access to excellent shared facilities.
Each cabin also has its own outdoor picnic table, a firepit and one parking space.
Wigwam® glamping at Shulista Croft allows easy access to many of Skye’s natural wonders, such as the Fairy Glen, the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing and Rubha Hunish. After a busy day exploring all that Skye has to offer, you can head back to your comfortable, cosy cabin to relax as the sun sets. Shulista is one of the best places to see the awe-inspiring Northern Lights (October to April), spot magnificent golden eagles, experience the Museum of Island Life and see the world-famous dinosaur footprints at Staffin Beach.
Wigwam® Holidays Shulista Croft offers the warmest of Scottish welcomes, incredible scenic backdrops and the chance to create holiday memories to last a lifetime.
See more of Shulista Croft and book your Isle of Skye glamping break.
Stay at Caledonian Glamping and tackle some Munroes
You’ll have plenty to see and do during a stay at Caledonian Glamping at Westward Bed & Breakfast! It’s set in the small village of Cannich at the gateway to the spectacular Glen Affric National Nature Reserve, near Glen Cannich and Glen Strathfarrar with their numerous Munroes. Loch Ness is also just a 20-minute drive away.
It’s the perfect base for exploring the beautiful surrounding area, or maybe taking part in more energetic outdoor activities such as walking, fishing, climbing or canoeing.
Caledonian Glamping offers post and beam timber-framed en suite Eco Huts, each with heating and mini kitchens.
The huts were designed and constructed using sustainable, locally sourced timber, which was sawn on site using their own band saw mill. The beams were then used to create the timber frame for each hut, which are topped off with a turf roof.
Each hut contains:
·        Two small single beds
·        A fully equipped mini-kitchen with fridge, hob, microwave and sink
·        An en suite shower/toilet
·        Free wifi
·        Heating
·        Bed linen and towels.
The Eco Huts are set in the land adjoining Westward B&B, which is covered by wild meadow. Each hut has a deck on which to sit and relax after a busy day at the nearby Lochs and Glens, and there’s also an area for BBQs or campfires. The well-stocked village shop and pub are just a 5-minute walk away.
For more details and to reserve a hut visit Caledonian Glamping’s website.
Enjoy some peace at Kennacoil, near Dunkeld
Situated on a hill two miles west of Dunkeld, at the top of the Hermitage walk, Kennacoil has stunning views of the unspoiled Perthshire countryside.
The six glamping pods are fully insulated, with their heaters keeping them cozy even in freezing conditions. Besides heat and light (and the all-important USB charging ports!), each one is equipped with camping mattresses, a picnic bench and a fire bowl that serves as BBQ and campfire.
The owners have charcoal and logs for sale if you need them, but you will need to bring your own bedding and towels. Modern shower and toilet facilities are a minute’s walk away in the recently converted steading. There’s also a utility room with sinks for washing dishes, and a fridge, kettle, toaster and microwave.
The site includes a stretch of hillside behind the pods which is the perfect place for children and animals to let off some steam (two of the pods are pet-friendly).
There are several beautiful walks close by, one of the most popular being the Hermitage, which will be right on your doorstep. If you like a peaceful spot to come back to, it’s an ideal jumping off point for the many activities available in and around Dunkeld.
Visit Kennacoils website to book one of their glamping pods.
Go for a unique break at Marthrown of Mabie
For ‘Simply Something Different’ why not try Marthrown of Mabie, in Mabie Forest near Dumfries? They have a selection of unusual accommodation sites. As well as a bunkhouse which sleeps 26, there are two yurts (sleeping two and four), a North American Tipi (sleeps four) and the unique Celtic Roundhouse which sleeps 16.
A wild camping style area with the most amazing views is also available; a previous guest said it was like real wild camping but without the fear of being moved on! It has its own fire pit and logs are available to buy.
It’s the ideal place for a really special get together, be it an outdoor wedding, birthday party, family or friends gathering, or even a stag or hen party.
On site, they have a wood-fired hot tub and traditional Finnish sauna, a covered BBQ area and the ‘Marthrown Challenge Course’ for you to compete against your friends and family.
They welcome well-behaved dogs with responsible owners.
It’s possible to book the whole site for exclusive use and for larger groups catering is available – the Marthrown team are very flexible and always happy to discuss your requirements.
Marthrown is a very special place – find out more on their website.