Lazy Duck Hostel
Fresh, Colourful
& Snug.
An independent, mountain-hut style hostel sleeping up to 8 people, and one of the smallest in Scotland.
Surroundings
This tiny hostel nestles amongst ancient pine forest, with waterfowl and wildlife the nearest neighbours. It looks south across a neighbouring 100 acre grazing moor of heather, peat moss and Caledonian woodland to Cairngorm (1245m) and Bynack More (1090m) nine miles away.
Outside
A sheltered, lantern-lit, covered garden where you can cook, eat and enjoy an evening around the fire, whatever the weather. Red squirrels like to join the party from their spectacular feeding station, watched from the windows or the basket chairs.
Inside
A snug all-in-one living area with Norwegian wood-burning stove and effective drying rails above. Well equipped kitchen with everything provided for 8 people.
Upstairs
Reached by a ship’s ladder, a sleeping gallery for 4 includes a double bed. Bright and airy by day, warm and mellow by night.
Downstairs
Two 2-tier cabin bunks, each with bed-light and window, two with curtains. Storage space for luggage. A shower room with basin & toilet, all-in-one.
Sleeping
When we have parties sharing we leave two bed spaces vacant so that 6 is our maximum occupancy and couples can usually have the gallery to themselves.
Eating In
We can usually offer home-baked bread, new-laid eggs and salads from the poly-tunnel in summer with proceeds currently to Cairngorm Mountain Rescue. It’s just 1 mile to Andy & Kate’s grocery shop/post office/ATM and to Mike Mustard our legendary village butcher, both open until 6pm.
Relaxing
On your way to the moor, just off the path, you will find a hammock looking to the hills. Indoors there’s no TV but a music player, radio, free wi-fi and an eclectic selection of CDs, books and board games.
Deep Heat
Under the poppy-red woodshed roof there’s a tiny dry-heat sauna with music, a deeply relaxing 2-person space, perfect after a big day out. And coming soon, a wood-fired hot tub in a quiet spot looking through the trees to Bynack More.
Ask Us
Ask one of us if you need a washing line or drying space for wet gear, or if children would like to help feed the ducks in the morning.
Category 2 Access for Wheelchair Users with Assistance.
Annually inspected and graded by VisitScotland to ensure wheelchair access to and within the accommodation.
The Details
We can provide a short entrance ramp if required and a self-wheeling shower chair on request.
There are horizontal handrails at the side of both the shower and the toilet, as shown.
Wheelchair turning space is provided in the shower room, kitchen and bunk room.
One lower bunk offers lateral transfer without obstruction.
The family summerhouse, with its accessible deck overlooking the pond, can usually be made available to wheelchair users on request.
Bathroom
£15.00/person/night
Sunday to Thursday
£17.50/person/night
Friday and Saturday
Book 6 places (8 at weekends)
for a private booking
2 nights minimum
10% discount for bookings of
7 nights or longer
10% Green Discount for those travelling on foot or by bicycle
Booking Terms
Book in Advance
We’re very small, so to avoid disappointment please be sure to book in advance.
Deposit
A non-returnable deposit covering 50% of the cost of your stay will guarantee a booking, otherwise we’ll do our best to fit you in.
Arriving & Leaving
You can arrive any time between 4pm and 9pm. Checking out can be any time up to 10.30am. Private weekend parties can stay until 12noon on Sunday.
Kit List
Please bring personal towels.
Sheet sleeping bags and pillow cases are provided and no personal sleeping bags should be brought into the
hostel.
Some charcoal (and marshmallows?) for a BBQ and perhaps fire-lighters, – but no coal or equivalents please.
A torch may be useful except perhaps in high summer.
Safety
We recommend that children under 5 years old do not use the ship’s ladder to the gallery and should sleep downstairs
If you bring a toddler we can provide a fire guard for the wood stove
Please do not approach the pond or wander amongst the ducks
Do though enjoy the Welcoming Seat overlooking the pond
Dogs
We regret that with wandering waterfowl on the loose we are unable to accommodate even the most wonderful visiting dogs.
Housekeeping
With regard to housekeeping,
“ We do a bit.
You do a bit. ”
and we ask you to kindly leave the hostel in as near as possible the condition you received it on arrival.
Considerate Guests
Please be mindful of the need for all guests at The Lazy Duck to get a good night’s sleep. This consideration is particularly welcome between 11pm and 8am. Thanks.
Be assured, Lazy Duck is a non-smoking environment.
Extra Visitors
We are very small here. Visitors from outside may be possible but please discuss with us first. Such a visit may be possible providing we feel happy there is no danger of overcrowding other guests staying in the hostel, house, cottage, hut and on the camping ground.
Sauna & Hot Tub
These can be booked once you are here, subject to availability. A charge will be made to cover costs.
Making a Reservation
- CHEQUE – Payable to ‘David Dean’. LDH and your DATES on reverse please. Post to ‘Lazy Duck, Nethy Bridge, Inverness-shire PH25 3ED’.
- CARD – On receipt of our PayPal invoice sent to your e-mail (except hotmail) address. 3% added to share the cost of this service.
- BANK TRANSFER – Sort Code 83-22-19 Account 00140633 with LDH and your SURNAME as our reference.
The remaining balance is due on arrival please, by cheque or cash only as we cannot process cards in the hand.
Say
Hello
The next step is for us to talk by e-mail via the form below. If you ring us on 01479 821642 we may well be out and about, so it is better by far to submit this form. Thank you.