The
Lazy Duck

A stylish, adventurous place to be

Tucked away deep in Abernethy Forest in the Highlands of Scotland. Three unique off grid huts, a small group bunkhouse and a picturesque forest cottage, all nestled in the Cairngorms National Park.

Check availability

Start your adventure on Mondays, Tuesdays or Fridays

What our guests say

From the stream fridge to the wood burner, the box bed to the rocking chair, the porch to the outdoor shower... there isn’t a single part of the hut that isn’t well thought out, laid out and carried out

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taintedrainbow

The Woodman’s Hut

The bed felt like a cloud and our stay was very comfortable. I was nervous about the shower and composting toilets but they made our experience that much better. Both evenings we ate dinner outside. Our walk up to Poet's Seat was magical.

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ScoutGirl_93

The Homestead

What an absolute treat! We got to live in a cozy lodge, kept incredibly warm by a wood stove during the gently falling snow. If you are a bird lover, this is a great place: tree creepers, great spotted woodpeckers, a variety of tits, and other regular garden birds.

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Snichols14

The Duck’s Nest

Enjoy a holiday that is:

UNFORGETTABLE

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Days out on the hill, on the water, connecting with people and place.

Sparkly mornings and blissful evenings in this most peaceful clearing in the forest. Revive in our newly built sauna, or cozy around your woodstove.

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RESTORATIVE

If you need to do a bit of the day job too, our small, friendly community co-working space lets you get your stuff done on the side.

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BALANCED

A wooden bench on top of a field of heather, with an old Scots pine tree standing tall behind it.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Lazy Duck is a stylish, adventurous accommodation nestled in Abernethy Forest in the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland. We offer off-grid huts, a small group bunkhouse, and a picturesque forest cottage, perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers and anyone looking to escape the city.

  • We are located just outside Nethy Bridge, Inverness-shire, PH25 3ED, deep in the Scottish Highlands. Surrounded by forests, rivers, and hills, it’s the ideal base for hiking, wildlife watching, and peaceful retreats.

    • The Woodman’s Hut – a cozy, self-contained off-grid hut for 2

    • The Duck’s Nest – romantic pond-side hut with forest views

    • The Homestead – perfect for a couple looking for a gentle introduction into off-grid living

    • The Lookout Bunkhouse – shared accommodation for small groups

    • Traveller’s Cottage – charming forest cottage for families and friends

    Each accommodation is carefully designed to combine comfort with a connection to nature.

  • The huts and bunkhouse offer a range of levels of off-grid living. From completely off-grid to something a wee bit more gentle. Think wood-burning stoves, compost toilets and outdoor bucket showers.

    Travellers’ Cottage is our more ‘conventional offering.

    • Local forest walks and hiking trails

    • Wildlife and birdwatching

    • Sauna sessions

    • Co-working space for remote work

    • Nearby lakes for fishing, kayaking, or swimming

    We provide guidance for local adventures and hidden spots in the Cairngorms.

  • Absolutely! The Lookout Bunkhouse, and Traveller’s Cottage are family-friendly. Children will love exploring the forest, spotting wildlife, and enjoying the outdoor spaces.

  • You can check availability and book directly on our website. Bookings are available starting Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, and we recommend booking early during peak season.

  • Join our newsletter ‘Down by the Pond’ to receive gentle updates, local news, and occasional promotions. Subscribers get a 5% discount code for stays during selected periods.

  • By car: Approximately 25 minutes from Aviemore.
    By public transport: Train to Aviemore, then local bus or taxi service.

  • Sorry, as much as we love pets, we do not allow them on-site during a stay. This is because we are surrounded by a sensitive landscape and forest, which includes rare ground nesting birds.

  • Email Matt at mattlazyduck@gmail.com or send him a message at (+44)7798 512732. You can also follow us on social media: Instagram | Facebook.

  • Our huts and bunkhouse are off-grid, featuring wood-burning stoves, composting toilets, and rainwater systems, meaning you will use less water and electricity, making your stay as eco-conscious as it is relaxing.

  • Yes, depending on availability. We recommend checking our booking page for up-to-date availability, especially during peak Highland tourist season.

  • Yes! The Duck’s Nest, Homestead and The Woodman’s Hut offer intimate, off-grid escapes perfect for couples seeking privacy and nature immersion.

  • Guests often spot red squirrels, deer, woodpeckers, owls, and a variety of Highland birds. If you are lucky you may even come across a carpercaille.

  • Absolutely! We’re perfectly located close to Aviemore, Grantown-on-Spey, and other Cairngorms attractions like skiing, biking, hiking, wildlife tours, and so much more.

Where to find us

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The Lazy Duck

Nethy Bridge
Inverness-shire

PH25 3ED