Loch Ken Eco Bothies and Glamping

• Sleeps: varies
• Bedrooms: up to 2 per unit
• Minimum stay: 3 nights

For an off-grid holiday featuring maximum style and comfort, make your way to Loch Ken Eco Bothies. Set in the heart of Southwest Scotland, these beautifully crafted homes sit on the shores of Loch Ken, surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery, magnificent wildlife, and ultimate tranquillity.

There are four bothies to choose from, all of which come fully furnished with everything you could possibly need for your escape from urban life.  Each one even has with its own wood-fired hot tub and dedicated kayak – perfect for making the most of Loch Ken, whatever your preference may be.

The Loch Ken Eco Bothies have been designed to make the most of these beautiful natural surroundings without unnecessary negative impact. Clad in sustainable timber and topped with solar panels, every effort has been taken to create a cosy, yet sustainable, holiday hideaway. Otter Bothy even has a living sedum grass roof!

Inside, each bothy is furnished with completely recycled and refurbished materials. The lights and small fridge are powered by the solar panels, while bottled gas heats the hot water, shower, and cooker. Wood-burning stoves keep each bothy warm and cosy, as does superb sheep wool insulation. You won’t find additional plug sockets here or a hairdryer – it’s all part of the simpler way of living, with respect for the environment central to it all.

Red Kite is the largest Eco Bothy, sleeping up to six between a double bedroom, a twin bedroom, and a sofa bed in the open-plan living area. Nature lovers will enjoy making the most of the large patio overlooking the loch, perhaps to spot red kites overhead or even otters playing in the shallows! The outside seating area is the perfect spot to start the morning with an alfresco breakfast, or instead to enjoy a glass of wine as the sun sets in the distance.

Red Squirrel sleeps three adults comfortably, or four with an additional camping bed. It’s also perfectly sized for a small family, sleeping two adults and two children. You’ll find a double bedroom, and a single sofa bed in the open-plan living area which two little ones can share. You’ll soon see why Red Squirrel is so named; situated beside the trees, you may see a few of its namesakes scampering in nearby branches!

Otter is a romantic retreat with eco credentials. Sleeping two in its cosy double bed, this circular nook offers comfort and luxury in spades. Otter sits in its own secluded part of the grounds, and you could even be fortunate enough to spot a red deer or two from the comfort of your bothy or hot tub.  Finally there is The Osprey, the newest addition and an architect-designed off-grid retreat with a unique domed roof and this even comes with stand-up paddle boards – perfect for making the most of Loch Ken.

At a glance

• Four beautiful eco bothies on the shores of Loch Ken, in Dumfries and Galloway
• Red Kite sleeps 6; Red Squirrel sleeps 3-4; Otter sleeps 2. Also available is The Osprey, a spectacular domed retreat sleeping up to 8 guests.
• All bothies come with private wood-fired hot tubs and designated kayaks
• Solar panels and bottled gas provide power for essentials; wood burners for heat
• Alternative accommodation also available, including stunning Mongolian Yurts, sleeping up to 6
• Enjoy outdoor activities both on and around the loch at Galloway Activity Centre

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Hot Tubs
• Large Groups
• Off-Grid

More information

For a more exotic experience of Loch Ken, there’s also the option to stay in an authentic, handcrafted yurt, sourced all the way from Mongolia! Sleeping six apiece, each beautifully painted yurt comes complete with pull-out beds around a wood-burning stove, a small cooker and utensils, and solar-powered lighting and charging facilities. All you need to do is bring your sleeping bag!  And for a more secluded experience for two to four people, there’s the Yurt on the Hill, set away on its own private decking overlooking Loch Ken.

In addition to the Eco Bothies and yurts, guests can also select from a range of alternative accommodation, comprising a bunkhouse, cabins, tipis and a traditional campsite.

Wherever you choose to stay, take the chance to try some of the many activities available to you on and around the shores of Loch Ken. With links to the Galloway Activity Centre, guests can try their hands at activities on the loch, including sailing, kayaking and fishing, as well as adrenaline-pumping choices on dry land, such as zip-lining, archery and Laserquest!

You’re also perfectly placed for exploring the stunning area of Dumfries and Galloway and all it has to offer. Trek the Galloway Red Kite Trail and look out for graceful birds as they soar above, or head to the Galloway Deer Range to get closer to these noble beasts in their natural environment.

With the chance to enjoy such an abundance of nature in environmentally friendly accommodation, Loch Ken Eco Bothies really is the ultimate eco retreat. So whether you’re a nature lover, a thrill seeker, or you simply love gorgeous accommodation in a beautiful location, your next holiday waits on the shores of Loch Ken!

Things to note

Dogs are welcome and are charged at £20 per dog per stay, the bothies have no sockets, hairdryers, WiFi or TVs as they are true off-grid eco retreats, stays are usually minimum 3 nights (Fri – Mon or Mon – Fri or Fri-Fri or Mon-Mon), but please enquire about short breaks.