Royal Deeside Woodland Lodges - Lodge F

Lodge F opens straight onto a combined living, dining and kitchen space on a single floor—no stairs to negotiate, just a handful of steps from the car. The kitchen has everything needed for self-catering, from hob and oven to dishwasher. Two bedrooms sleep four: one with a double bed, the other with two singles. A bathroom with bath and shower completes the layout. Wi-Fi, heating, bed linen and towels come as standard.

The lodge sits within the grounds of Loch Kinord Hotel, which guests can use—its restaurant, bar and whisky lounge are available if you want an evening out. More significantly, the property backs onto Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve, part of Cairngorms National Park. The reserve is a mix of wetland, moorland and woodland where you might spot red squirrels, pine martens and various bird species from the hides scattered throughout. The geological centrepiece is Burn-o-Vat, a massive granite bowl carved by glaciers, where you can walk through a narrow rock passage and experience the acoustic effect of water flowing through stone.

The area supports numerous outdoor pursuits: fishing, pony trekking, mountain biking, archery, and skiing at the Lecht and Glenshee are all within reach. Ballater village, with its shops and restaurants, is nearby. One pet is welcome. No smoking inside.