My Scotland: Cosy cabins, movie magic and wonderful watersports with Ross Cairney

Ross Cairney loves getting out and about in Scotland. Image: Ross Cairney

Angus-based Ross Cairney enjoys discovering and showcasing the best Scotland has to offer.

He shares his top places to stay, hike and explore on his Instagram page, @my.scottish.journal.

With spring just around the corner, here are Ross’s favourite spots to make the most of the Scottish great outdoors.

Stonechat Bothy

The perfect place to escape the everyday. Image: Ross Cairney

I love wild places and cosy cabins, and Stonechat Bothy ticks both boxes beautifully. Located on Skye’s Sleat peninsula, the cabin sits happily isolated without any other human presence in view. With ceiling to floor windows and a coorie interior, it’s the perfect place to sip your coffee (or wine) by the wood burner, with Skye’s untamed wilderness on the other side of the glass.

The Hermitage

This short woodland walk in Dunkeld will make you feel like you’ve strayed into a scene from Lord of the Rings. There’s magical mature woodland, the roaring Black Linn Falls, and enchanting 18th century structures nestled amongst the trees, including a stone bridge and Ossian’s Hall overlooking the falls below. I’ve been to The Hermitage countless times, but the magic around this place never fades.

Loch Tay Highland Lodges

Make sure to schedule in a day on the loch. Image: Ross Cairney

This one is ideal for loch-lovers. My favourite spot is Loch Tay Highland Lodges at Milton Morenish. The beach offers easy access for wild swimming and paddle boarding, and you can even hire a boat for few hours to explore Loch Tay and scout out otherwise inaccessible coves for picnics or swimming. Afterwards, a drink and bite to eat at the Lochside Boathouse Bar and Kitchen is an idyllic way to round off the day.

For more travel tips, follow Ross at @my.scottish.journal on Instagram.