The
Duck’s Nest

Wi-fi & electricity

Line drawing of a bed with a headboard.

Sleeps 2

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Stay in the Duck’s Nest

Embraced by ancient forest and mirrored in the still waters of a woodland pond, our almost off-grid hut in the Cairngorms National Park is both a sanctuary and a starting point for adventure.

Share your mornings on the veranda, where the sun filters through the trees and the murmur of the stream sets a gentle rhythm to the day. Watch red squirrels leap through the branches, and keep an eye out for otters or herons as they fish the pond.

By day, step straight from your door into wild beauty: hike through Caledonian pinewoods, paddle the nearby lochs, or venture into the mountains for panoramic views. By night, return to the warmth of a hand-crafted Hebridean box bed, its windows framing the forest canopy and star-filled sky. Fall asleep together to the hush of water slipping by, wrapped in the romance of seclusion and the thrill of the wild.

To unwind and relax a little more, fire up the Toast sauna just across the pond, or see what’s on in Breathing Space, our purpose built well-being hut.

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We were looking for an escape and we got it. We met a lovely red squirrel and some roe deer too!A fabulous retreat for couples who either want to just hibernate away from the world or to use as a base for more adventurous activities.

Susan
November 2022

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A snowy cabin by a river with a snow-covered roof, trees around, and warm lights inside.
A rustic wooden cabin in a snow-covered forest with snow on the roof and surrounding trees.
A snow-covered wooden house by a river surrounded by snow-covered trees.
Wood-paneled interior of a cozy room with a small kitchen area, a plaid skirt hanging on the wall, a doorway leading to a bedroom with a window, a sheepskin chair, and shelves with decorations.
Cozy bedroom with wooden paneled walls, a large bed with plaid bedding and a plaid pillow, and two windows showing a snowy forest outside.
Cozy wooden cabin interior with a round dining table, two chairs, window view of snowy trees, and a built-in bed partially visible on the left.
Close-up of a hanging bird nest in the foreground, with a wooden shelf holding a vintage radio and a black-and-white photograph of a house with trees in the background, all against wooden paneled walls.
A cozy kitchen with wooden walls and shelves displaying decorative plates, teapots, and jars, decorated with string lights. There is a wooden counter with a green teapot, red kettle, and a vase with artificial flowers. A tartan skirt hangs on the wal
A stainless steel kettle on a stove with a wooden table and a blurred background in a cozy kitchen or dining area.
Cozy living room with wooden paneled walls, a leather couch with tartan pillows and a throw blanket, a small round wooden side table with candles and flowers, windows with curtains and a stained glass window, and open shelves with dishes and glasswar
A cozy living room with light wood-paneled walls, two windows with wooden shutters and vases, a wood stove with a kettle, a small table with flowers, and a lantern on the floor.

Facilities & Amenities

KITCHEN

HEATING

Potted plant with a leaf, inside a rectangular container.
A bed with a headboard

BATHROOM

SLEEPING

Bush shower
Compost loo
Linens, towels
Dressing gowns & sandals

Sleeps 2
Hebridean box-bed

Icon of a fireplace with flames.
A fork and a knife placed next to each other.

Wood-burning stove
Unlimited firewood
Background electric heat

Self-catering
Gas cooker
Small fridge
Larder essentials

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Hot steaming bowl of soup

Wi-fi
Electricity

ENTERTAINMENT

Hot tub
Radio
Games
Books

ELECTRICITY

Key Information

Check-in
4pm-10pm

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Door with an open latch

Check-out
10am

HOW WE WORK

  • Quiet hours from 10pm-8am

  • No smoking

  • No pets, sorry

  • Self-catering; groceries from our own wee Dell Grocer, the (real) Dell Grocer across the river, Nethy Store, Balliefurth Farm Shop and the Co-Op.

  • Now that the Scottish grid is overwhelmingly renewable, background heat comes from green and smoke-free storage heaters. There’s nothing quite like a wood stove though, so we provide firewood too.

  • We recommend packing a head torch, sturdy footwear and easily carried luggage is advised.

FIND YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

This is your place. Find your hut and explore.

The Lazy Duck is not ‘hosted’ like a hotel is, it’s different. Roger and his family may be around, or we may be away. If this is your first time here, we’ve made it easy to find your feet and you’ll receive a self check-in video before you arrive.

PAYMENT & CANCELLATION

A 30% deposit secures your stay, with the balance due six weeks before your arrival.

If your plans have to change, please let us know as soon as you can. We can only refund payment if we are able to re-let your booking, but we will do our best to promote it on our website and on the socials.

Travel insurance is a good idea too.

Full terms & conditions

Where to find us

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The Lazy Duck


Nethy Bridge

Inverness-shire


PH25 3ED

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