The Lazy Duck
Tomintoul Road At the village boundary, Nethy Bridge PH25 3ED Scotland
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About
#1 of 1 campsite in Nethy Bridge
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A 6 acre oasis in the Cairngorms National Park where nestle 3 off grid 2 person eco cabins and a 4 pitch lightweight camping ground. Waterfowl ponds, cultivated areas, sheep and hens are to be enjoyed with views straight to the mountains. There is nothing but moorland and forest in between. The Lazy Duck is close to mountain bike trails, skiing and snowboarding, climbing and plateau treks, rafting, kayaking, fishing, golfing and plenty of whisky distilleries. Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Highland Folk Museum, Highland Wildlife park and the leisure pool at the Aviemore Centre are all within easy reach and of top class quality for visitors. Small is beautiful at the Lazy Duck. We say 'Been Active? Come home to slow living' with our hot tub, sauna & visiting Swedish massage practitioner.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Hot bath
Bicycle rental
Boating
Canoeing
Hiking
BBQ facilities
Currency exchange
Horseback riding
Skiing
Bicycle tours
Canoeing offsite
Fishing
Board games / puzzles
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
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Room features
Bathrobes
Fireplace
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Seating area
Sofa
Kitchenette
Extra long beds
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Private bathrooms
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Room types
Mountain view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Hidden Gem
Charming
Location
Tomintoul Road At the village boundary, Nethy Bridge PH25 3ED Scotland
Getting there
Car HireSee all Nethy Bridge car hire
261Reviews4Q+A33Room tips
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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We spent our honeymoon in the Woodman's Hut at the Lazy Duck in August 2023 and the best way to describe it is that before we'd even gone to bed on the first night we were planning when we could come back. The hut itself is perfect - everything is so thoughtfully done, from the tiny kitchen that had everything we needed to cook, to the stream cooler, to the dressing gowns & crocs for after a shower, to the reading lights & power banks. It's in its own little spot in the woods so it felt really peaceful and quiet, and the view is absolutely incredible - just a constantly changing view of the hills. The location and the rest of the site was amazing too: we saw deer, a red squirrel or two and tons of birds, and of course the ducks themselves :) We also used the gorgeous woodfired hot tub - again, so thoughtfully planned in a cosy spot away from the rest of the site - which was a perfect way to spend an hour. We'd recommend this to anyone wanting somewhere to really recharge and switch off - we ended up doing hardly any of the activities we'd planned because we just wanted to enjoy the peace and quiet at the cabin, which was just what we needed. Thank you so much …
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
My Husband & I had the most relaxing, incredible time staying here! Sarah, Phil & Team were superb at looking after us and our home (The Homestead) was just perfect. The bed was incredibly comfortable and the kitchen was well equipped. Having the hens around us each day just made our trip! I have recommended The Lazy Duck to many of my friends, family & work colleagues as it really is fantastic! I booked in for a massage and it was the most relaxed I had felt in a long time - no need for a CD player when you have the beautiful woodland nature sounds above. We also booked the Hot fire tub which was also fab and well looked after. Thanks again for making our stay so welcoming!
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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The Lazy Duck was outstanding on every level. As well as being a wonderful off grid retreat it offers a welcome touch of luxury with the thoughtful touches and the delicious hamper (my husband said it was the best breakfast he had ever had :)) The duck keepers were readily available if needed whist giving privacy and space at all other times. We stayed in The Woodmans and it was so utterly peaceful and well equipped We also in a dreamy hot tub under the Cairngorm starry sky. I could literally wax lyrical about our stay for a very long time but suffice to say it was deeply nourishing and restorative and an experience that will stay with us forever. Thank you so much duck keepers for creating this little slice of paradise.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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+1
We have just arrived home having spent the most amazing 3 nights of precious, peaceful family time in the amazing safari tent basecamp. We were travelling as a family (mum, dad and our 3 children aged 9, 5 and 3). Our whole weekend was like an exciting adventure for our children. The whole of the Lazy Duck has the most calming relaxing atmosphere. The Duck Keepers were all super friendly and helpful and my children loved feeding the ducks. The safari tent was equipped with everything we needed for our stay and it was clearly stated on the website when booking what we needed to bring. We also had access to a small utility area with fridge, toaster, sink and a toilet and shower which was super handy. The outdoor shower was recommended and I was so glad I had one. It was such an amazing experience. The whole family enjoyed the wood burning hot tub on Sat evening which was super relaxing situated in the field beside the woods and was so idyllic. As a family we try and spend time outdoors as much as possible but it was brilliant for us and the children to have a no electronic weekend of family fun with traditional card games and outdoor play for entertainment. We spend the whole car journey home talking about how we want to come back to basecamp again. Thanks again to the Duck Keepers for a wonderful experience. You were all so helpful and super friendly. Love and best wishes Lauri, Martin, Matilda, Albie and Etty Bruce…
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
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Room Tip: As expected in Scotland in an off grid environment come prepared for the midgies!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Can not recommend this place enough.....everyone should experience the Lazy Ducks! From start to finish just a beautiful experience...back to basics... in a stunning setting Hot tub a must... This was my 5th time at the lazy ducks and will definitely be back.
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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+1
We stayed in the ducks nest. We were looking for a complete escape and we got it. The cabin has everything you need. Initially we were dubious about the compost toilet and outdoor shower, but they really weren’t a problem. The shower was actually a fabulous experience. The little wood burner kept the well insulated cabin toasty warm. Stargazing from the hot tub was an experience we will never forget and 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.
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Bring layers to wear. The wood burner keeps the cabin really warm so you’ll probably only want a...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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This place is magical. Spent 4 nights in the ducks nest and was surrounded by wildlife and tranquility. The duck keepers are brilliant on hand if you need anything. Showering outside in the open is mind blowing and the composting toilet is easy to use. If you are looking for peace and quiet this is the place for you. Will be booking for next year with out a doubt. Thank you for an amazing stay.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: You need to be open minded to stay here
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
We stayed at the woodsman's hut for 4 nights in April to celebrate a special occasion. We loved our visit, the hut is a very relaxing place to stay in beautiful surroundings. Staff were friendly and helpful. We can't wait to come back for another visit!
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Myself and my partner are not long back from a week spent at the Lazy Duck together at the end of April. First off, I can’t thank the Lazy Duck team enough for moving our booking! We were initially meant to stay in January, and I had shared my plans to propose to my partner (spoilers - she said yes)! Anyway, we unfortunately contracted covid, and were not able to travel. We were both gutted, but I was devastated that my plans had gone awry. The duck keepers allowed us to move our booking and head away in April instead. I am so so grateful that I got to execute my plans as I’d imagined them and that myself and my fiancé (!!) got to enjoy the most fantastic trip we could ever have imagined. We both work extremely busy jobs, alongside being full time students just about to graduate, and raising a ten year old. Five days of absolutely blissful quiet living was exactly the reset we have been needing. If you are looking for complete rest and relaxation, and you find that in nature, then the Lazy Duck is for you. The Homestead was clean, cosy, and full of everything we could need including plentiful drinking water, logs, kindling, comfy bedding, plenty of tea lights, the list goes on and on! The outdoor shower and composting toilet are an experience, but nothing we weren’t prepared for! You know what you’re getting into! You get plenty of run time from the shower and it’s a tiny three second run back in your front door. We barely seen another soul but when we did bump into the team they were so friendly, chatty and really made us feel that we were at a home from home. I can’t fault our stay whatsoever. I’ve seen a few reviews on here talking about militant rule following and I’m honestly not sure what that’s about. Perhaps it’s because we were looking for a quiet getaway and we weren’t wanting to do anything that would get us in the bad books but honestly I didn’t get that vibe at all and it feels a bit like those comments might be from people who were staying in the wrong place! If we had one comment to make (and it’s not something that would stop us returning) it’s just to say that there is no rainwater tap in the composting toilet. The Lazy Duck is a getaway that’s likely to attract the more eco conscious visitor and therefore people who use a menstrual cup rather than other sanitary products. My partner was not able to rinse her cup in the toilet and we therefore did pop out and buy some other sanitary products therefore creating waste we’d normally avoid however I’m sure there’s a reason for this! It absolutely won’t keep us from coming back, and we are in fact already looking at booking a return trip. We would give the Lazy Duck ten stars if we could. Can’t wait to see you again! Thanks for being the backdrop to the trip that changed our lives - the soon to be Mrs & Mrs! X…
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
We stayed in The Homestead for 3 nights in November 2021. Sarah and Phil were incredibly welcoming and friendly, and the accommodation was incredible - small, but had absolutely everything we needed. I was worried about being cold at night, but can confirm we were SUPER warm - it really doesn't take long at all to warm the place up once you get the fire going!! We used the hot tub on the Saturday night, and despite being a cold evening, we were toasty in there, and it was amazing to just be able to sit, have a drink and watch the stars, magical! Couldn't recommend it enough! We will absolutely be returning, the welcome and hut were just perfect.
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Date of stay: November 2021
Location
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from The Duck Keepers Lazy Duck, Owner at The Lazy Duck
Responded 10 Feb 2022
Wonderful! Thank you so much for the review and look forward to welcoming you back.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandScottish HighlandsAviemore and the CairngormsNethy Bridge
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
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Claim Your ListingTHE LAZY DUCK - Updated 2023 Reviews (Nethy Bridge)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Lazy Duck
Which popular attractions are close to The Lazy Duck?
Nearby attractions include Anagach Woods (4.7 miles), The Bookmark Bookshop (4.7 miles), and RSPB Loch Garten (2.8 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Lazy Duck?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free parking, a hot tub, and barbeque facilities.
Which room amenities are available at The Lazy Duck?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, extra long beds, and a fireplace.
What food & drink options are available at The Lazy Duck?
Guests can enjoy barbeque facilities during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to The Lazy Duck?
Conveniently located restaurants include Nethy House, High St. Merchants, and The Wee Puffin.
Is The Lazy Duck located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 1.0 miles away from the centre of Nethy Bridge.
Are there any historical sites close to The Lazy Duck?
Many travellers enjoy visiting The Old Packhorse Bridge (6.6 miles), Aviemore Railway Station (8.7 miles), and Aviemore Ring Cairn & Stone Circle (8.6 miles).