Perthshire
The Bothy
Introduction
Hunkered down in a farm courtyard two miles east of Kinloch Rannoch, and gazing out to the loch-fringed flank of Schiehallion, this snug, restored bothy is a characterful Highlands hideaway for two. The tiny stone building, once used by estate workers, retains much of its original 19th-century charm – thick stone walls, low-pitched roof, and age-darkened pine cladding that still carries the scent of peat smoke. A pair of armchairs face the wood-burning stove, while a green-painted kitchenette (complete with hob, fridge-freezer and a few well-thumbed cookbooks) makes simple suppers a breeze.
A steep ladder leads to a loft bedroom clad in warm timber, where a king-sized bed sits beneath a dormer window that frames the shifting weather over the loch. Come nightfall, you’ll want to venture out (torch in hand) to reach the bothy’s separate shower room, a well-heated timber hut tucked around the back – and if you’re lucky, you’ll be accompanied by the Milky Way and the echoing roar of red deer. It’s all part of the charm.
Owned by Kate and Andrew Duncan – who live and farm nearby – The Bothy is part of their wider project, A Highland Life: a thoughtful blend of conservation-minded grazing, stylish restoration and warm, unhurried hospitality. Guests can head straight into the hills from the front door, watch swallows skim the yard in summer, or simply curl up with a dram while the fire crackles on.Tucked into a quiet corner of the farm, The Bothy is a modern off-grid retreat built for rest and reset. Once a working building, it’s been carefully reimagined with natural materials, thoughtful design and big views across the surrounding hills. Inside, it’s warm, bright and pared-back, with a wood-burning stove, handmade kitchen and cleverly designed sleeping loft. Outside, you’ll find wide skies, a trickling burn and space to breathe. It’s remote but not cut off, with walking routes from the door and a café and shop a short drive away. Perfect for slow mornings and early nights.
Facilities & Services
Step inside and it’s clear The Bothy was built for pared-back, fireside comfort. The open-plan living space comes with two armchairs, a wood-burning stove (logs provided), a compact kitchenette with a two-ring hob, fridge-freezer, kettle, toaster and microwave, plus all the cookware and crockery needed for simple suppers or a slap-up breakfast. There’s no oven, but there is a table for two beside the window and a Bluetooth speaker for a soundtrack to your evenings.
Up the steep, original ladder (not one for the faint-hearted), the sleeping loft houses a king-sized bed dressed with crisp linen and wool throws. A skylight and dormer window let the early light in or frame a star-sprinkled night sky. Heating is electric throughout, though most guests rely on the stove to keep things toasty. Fast Wi-Fi is available if you need it, but many switch off and settle in.
The bathroom is separate, around 20 paces from the door, in a private, heated timber hut with a hot shower, loo and basin. It’s kept spotlessly clean and stocked with fluffy towels and Highland-scented toiletries. The Bothy also comes with a few handy extras: indoor storage for bikes, an outdoor hose for muddy boots (or paws), and a welcome for dogs (just keep them downstairs and off the bed). Board games, books and a few local guides round things off. You won’t find a TV. You won’t miss it either.
Location
The Bothy sits on a working Highland farm just east of Kinloch Rannoch, surrounded by a patchwork of pasture, pine woods and open hill. Schiehallion rises behind the ridge line, while the River Tummel meanders through the valley below, drawing in deer, herons and the occasional golden eagle. It feels remote, yet remains within easy reach of local essentials.
The final approach is along a quiet single-track road, past dry-stone walls and weathered barns. The estate entrance is marked only by a small sign, so keep a sharp eye out. Once inside the courtyard, the Bothy is tucked beside the original steading, facing west towards the last of the evening sun.
Kinloch Rannoch is a five-minute drive, Aberfeldy around forty minutes, and Pitlochry just under an hour. For those arriving by public transport, there is a train to Rannoch Station from Glasgow or Fort William, then a taxi or lift arranged in advance. That said, a car is useful. This is Highland Perthshire and distances stretch out.
The setting is hard to beat. You get wild walks from the door, lochs within striking distance, and access to some of Scotland’s best scenery without the crowds. It is quiet, weather-swept and full of light. Come for the view. Stay for the stillness.
Good to know
Check-in is from 4pm, check-out by 10am. You’ll receive a keycode for the lockbox a few days before arrival, along with directions (GPS can be flaky near the farm so it’s worth following the written ones). Parking is right beside the Bothy on a gravel track.
The ladder up to the loft is steep and narrow. It’s the original stair and very much part of the charm, but not ideal if you’re unsteady on your feet or prone to midnight wanderings. The bathroom is outside, around the back of the Bothy, and while it’s private, heated and well-lit, it’s still an outdoor dash in the dark or rain. Torch provided. Dressing gown optional.
Wi-Fi is decent for emails and browsing. There’s no TV, but there is a Bluetooth speaker and a small stash of board games and books. Mobile signal is patchy depending on network. Heating is electric and the stove does most of the heavy lifting. Firewood and kindling are stocked beside the hearth.
Dogs are welcome, just keep them downstairs and off the bed. There’s a hose for muddy paws and a throw to cover the armchair if needed. The farm is home to free-roaming hens and livestock, so dogs should be kept under close control outdoors.
The honesty larder, just down the track, usually has estate-reared beef and a few local extras. Bring most of your groceries with you — Kinloch Rannoch village shop is handy but small.
What's nearby
Kinloch Rannoch, the nearest village, is 2 miles away. It has a well-stocked shop, a friendly café (The Riverbank) serving home baking and lunches, and a community-owned pub (The Cornerstone) that does good local ales and hearty dinners a few nights a week. There’s also a hotel with a restaurant open to non-residents — best to book ahead if you’re visiting in summer or at weekends.
Schiehallion, one of Scotland’s most recognisable Munros, rises directly behind the estate. The main path starts about 10 minutes away by car and makes for a popular half-day hike. For something shorter, walk straight from the Bothy into the hills or down through fields to the river. The hosts can suggest routes.
Further afield, the road around Loch Rannoch offers big views, wild swimming spots and picnic laybys. For a longer outing, follow the single-track west to Rannoch Station, one of the most remote on the UK rail network. From there, take the train across Rannoch Moor to Corrour for lunch, then loop back — or just stop at the station tea room for sponge cake and a strong brew.
Other day trips include Aberfeldy (whisky distillery, bookshop, galleries), the Falls of Bruar (scenic gorge walk plus posh picnic shopping at House of Bruar), and Pitlochry for theatre, woodland trails and a choice of places to eat. You’re well placed for access to Highland Perthshire — if you can tear yourself away from the Bothy.
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