Beach and dog-friendly campsites in Mar Lodge Estate National Nature Reserve

This is a gateway to the wild natural landscapes of the Cairngorms.

United Kingdom
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Scotland
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Mar Lodge Estate National Nature Reserve

Popular camping styles for Mar Lodge Estate National Nature Reserve

2 top beach and dog-friendly campsites in Mar Lodge Estate National Nature Reserve

The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

Our Huts are located within the Moss Wood area of Bute Forest - a mixed birch and alder wood that extends up the hillside to the west of the A886 that connects the Rhubodach Ferry to Port Bannatyne and Rothesay. Moss Wood has a range of facilities. Park on the shore-side where the coast can be enjoyed or at the main entrance, and take a walk up through Moss Wood along the Poetry Trail. A steep walk in places, the Poetry Trail is a loop punctuated with places to stop and read, to stop and think. Read nature poetry from throughout the ages, stop at the Blether Stane, or taking the spur to the Viewing Point back south across the Kyles. Moss Wood connects to the West Island Way – take the Poetry Trail and the spur to the Viewing Point – and then take the Stag’s Trod further up (steeply) till you reach the West Island Way. From there, head south towards Port Bannatyne or north along the boundary of the Community Forest. From the viewing point, you can also explore interesting heritage features such as the old WW2 bunker, kayak shelter, Balnakailly settlement, and the SSSI oak woodland.

Mongolian Yurt in Stunning Highland

1 unit · Glamping1 acre · Lochearnhead, England

When travelling in Scotland, you will want to have the confidence in the quality of your accommodation, knowing that it will play a big part in the whole pleasurable experience of your holiday. Our location in Lochearnhead provides an ideal base for walking, water-sports, cycling, with flora & fauna and wild life in abundance. There are many local historic places to inspire you and bring the history of the highlands to life. Or perhaps you'd simply choose to curl up with a good book and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a slower pace of life. Wester Auchraw is located on the A84, Cycle Route 7 and the much loved walk 'Rob Roy Way'. It sits amongst spectacular scenery in Highland Perthshire yet is only 1 hour's drive from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach and dog-friendly campsites in Mar Lodge Estate National Nature Reserve guide

Overview

Britain’s largest National Nature Reserve doesn’t do things by halves. On the eastern borders of the wild, wind-lashed Cairngorms, it’s home to four of Scotland’s highest summits, including the often Arctic-like Ben Macdui, and a haven for wildlife such as red deer, red squirrels, golden eagles, and black grouse. Through this landscape of heathery moorland and Caledonian pine flows the Linn of Dee, a beauty spot with waterfalls, low-level trails, and picnic spots favored by Queen Victoria. The estate’s showpiece is 19th-century Mar Lodge, a former sporting manor now home to self-catering apartments, cottages, and a bunkhouse. Area campsites can be found around Aberdeenshire, by the River Dee, and in Braemar. Most offer plenty of pitches with electric hookups or glamping pods.

Tips for snagging a campsite

With more than 29,000 hectares of unsurpassed Scottish landscape to explore, wild camping is the top option in the nature reserve. This is a crucial habitat for conservation, so a leave-no-trace ethos is mandatory.
There are several free mountain huts scattered throughout the nature reserve. Corrour Bothy, a day’s walk from Mar Lodge, has a single room with a fireplace and is ideal for Munro ascents.
Booking is recommended for all campgrounds and caravan parks in the wider Cairngorms area, particularly in September during the Braemar Gathering, the town’s world-famous Highland games.

When to go

Winter is unbeatable for Narnia-like hikes, ice climbs, and ski touring, especially with Glenshee Ski Centre right on the doorstep. Nevertheless, certain campsites only open from spring to autumn—check before travelling that your preferred option is open. There are no less than 24 Munros (Scotland’s highest peaks) in the near vicinity, and these are best tackled during summer when you have the greatest chance of sunshine and clear skies.

Know before you go

Wild camping is permitted throughout Mar Lodge Estate, but campfires are prohibited ,as the estate is made up of a mixture of peaty grounds and Caledonian pine forests.
Should you have any on-the-ground questions, a small information booth is sometimes manned at the Linn of Dee. Otherwise, ask at Mar Lodge for one of the rangers.
Unless travelling by bike, the nature reserve can only be accessed from one of two car parks: at Quoich or at the Linn of Dee. From these points on, there’s only wild mountain tracks and the great outdoors.