Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.
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.
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.
The stay in the Lambing Bothy was tremendously cosy, quiet and refreshing. Even in the midst of winter the outdoor shower and toilet were quirks that brought value to the experience.
The duck keepers are most helpful and friendly. Whilst the surroundings are all wooded Highland fare, sequestered away on the edge of Nethy Bridge.
We'd love to return, especially in a summer to see the contrast.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020Trip 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.
Response from eco_lazyduck, Owner at The Lazy Duck
Responded 8 Mar 2020
We are delighted that you enjoyed the quirks, both the shower and compost loo with a view are a short hop and a skip from the cosy comfort of the hut. Invigorating but not uncomfortable, we hope. Helpful and friendly is our aim so we got it right, thank you! We'd love to see you both again. Summer is a different experience, more porch, chimenea and soaking up the sun than cozied in by the fire with a great book/game and company. all the best, Sarah & Phil
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed three nights in The Woodman's Hut at the beginning of October and it was so magical. Although the weather wasn't particularly on our side, we still managed to sit out on the porch with the chimenea (and wine!) and it didn't dampen our experience at all.
I was a bit nervous about the outdoor shower but it was brilliant. Once you've filled the bucket up with hot water from the kettle you get about 2-3 mins in the shower- and the steam means you barely feel the cold, honest! Even the compost toilet wasn't as scary as I had imagined, just make sure you bring a headtorch for the walk from the cabin at night.
Phil and Sarah have though of everything to make the stay comfortable, including crocs/dressing gown for the shower, all the cutlery/plates/bottle opener etc, woolly blankets and all the logs/kindling you'd ever need. We also ordered a larder basket which had gorgeous homemade bread, jams, butter, milk, porridge, potato scones and bacon in and it was all delish.
The kitchen has a small gas stove/oven/grill which meant that will forward planning we could easily dine in and make the most of the cabin on an evening. The stream fridge was great and really kept bottles cool, but after a heavy downpour we lost our basket and had to retrieve everything further downstream. There are candles dotted around and a 'big light' for when you need something a bit brighter but we hardly used it.
Phil and Sarah have created a truly enchanting experience and we can't wait to return again!
Read more
Date of stay: October 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
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.
Response from The Duck Keepers Lazy Duck, Owner at The Lazy Duck
Responded 12 Dec 2020
Hi Chloe, Thank you for such a wonderful review and highlighting the elements that make our hospitality slow and weather-proof! Nothing like an excuse to cosey up with a book and afternoon to lazily dream away. All our little touches like Knockando blankets and fleecy dressing gowns are presented to ensure luxuary but in a quirky way. Can't wait to host you again! all the best, Shara, Phil & Brodie
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Date of stay: August 2020Trip 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.
Response from The Duck Keepers Lazy Duck, Owner at The Lazy Duck
Responded 11 Oct 2020
Thank you for the review and for sharing the essentials; our site and what is around us and a lazy stroll stroll away. all the best, Phil
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We have just returned from a 4 night stay at The Lazy Duck. We've recommended it to all our friends. It's such a wonderful place. Phil and Sarah are such lovely hosts and Lars was also very friendly when we saw him.
The Lookout is a lovely cosy space for a family and we felt right at home. Everything was spotless and finished to a very high standard yet still felt unique and considered.
Our children got to feed the ducks in the mornings and Sarah was really kind and took her time to speak with us. My son still thinks the cartoon Sarah and Duck is named after Sarah!
Thanks for a wonderful trip. We will be back x
Read more
Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
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.
Response from The Duck Keepers Lazy Duck, Owner at The Lazy Duck
Responded 11 Oct 2020
He he, Sarah still smiles when I say Sarah and Duck. It was an absolute pleasure to host you all and hope to see you again. all the best, Phil
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nikki and I had a lovely long weekend staying in the Homestead cabin at the Lazy Duck. It’s somewhere that we have been wanting to visit for a long time and it still managed to massively exceed our expectations. The Duck Keepers were very welcoming, and the whole place is immaculate. We also enjoyed the company of some friendly chickens and woolly lawn movers outside of our cabin. The cabin itself was warm and cozy, and very comfortable. We even loved the bush shower, there is something very serene about taking time to heat up water on a stove for a wash, instead of rushing out in the morning. We’d also heartily recommend Sarah’s massages, the wellbeing cabin has a lovely atmosphere and Sarah is extremely good at putting you at your ease. We had a great visit and look forward to going back for another visit. Diane + Nikki McLeod
Read more
Date of stay: October 2020Trip 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.
Response from The Duck Keepers Lazy Duck, Owner at The Lazy Duck
Responded 12 Dec 2020
HI Diane, Thank yo for the lovely comments and I'll pass on the praise to our amazing housekeep team. Sarah takes great pleasure in her practice and thanks you deeply for the feedback. And, we are the home of slow living. The shower preparation is one of the key activities that help our guests just slow down and appreciate the little things. So pleased you enjoyed it. all the best, Phil
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed in the Duck's rest for 3 nights as surprise present for my parter, it was absolutely perfect. We loved everything about it, the cheeky ducks, the spacious box bed, luxurious hot tub under the stars. Phil and Sarah were perfect hosts, made us feel very welcome, and showed us how everything worked, like the outdoor shower, which surprisingly we really enjoyed! Loved it so much we booked again while still there. Location is lovely, lots of nice walks and activities locally. But we also hugely enjoyed staying in with fresh bread and eggs for lunch in front of the wood burning stove. It was such a good break from city life, and we both enjoyed slowing down, boiling the kettle on the stove, reading books on the porch in front of the pond, with the chimenea lit.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020
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.
Response from eco_lazyduck, Owner at The Lazy Duck
Responded 7 Feb 2020
The perfect guests ... it was lovely to meet you both and experience you experiencing the Duck's Nest. We both look forward to meeting you both again and thank you for this review, it means a lot to us to know that your stay has recharged your batteries - exactly as intended! PS: the red billed whistlers say hi ... but we both know that means where's my treats? :)
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We spent an unforgettable weekend in the Duck's Nest, and could not recommend it highly enough. The location and lodgings are idyllic - transporting guests to a beautiful and peaceful escape within a wooded wonderland, surrounded by and in harmony with nature. We especially loved the outdoor shower, porch chiminea, and infra-red sauna. The grounds have plenty of trails to keep children and adults alike entertained, and close enough to Aviemore to make use of the local restaurants and shops, or visit the Cairngorms and Lochs. The hosts (Sarah & Phil) were very welcoming and friendly, helping ensure we were comfortable with using all the facilities and offering fresh duck eggs in the morning. If you're thinking of booking a visit here - just do it, I promise you won't regret it!
Read more
Date of stay: July 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â The Duck's Nest is simply wonderful
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.
Response from Sarah Phil Duckeepers, Owner at The Lazy Duck
Responded 28 Jul 2020
Thanks Callum, It was our privelidge to host you both and see you totally imerse yourself in the slow, sublime pace of life here. Hope to host and meet you again some time. all the best, Sarah & Phil
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had always wanted to stay here after our friends raved about it so much! We had planned an elopement wedding abroad but due to everything in 2020 we decided to elope in Scotland instead. We are soooo glad we did!
The Lazy Duck (Woodman's hut) was our cabin for the week and it was absolutely perfect! A sense of peace and tranquility comes over you as soon as you arrive. The Woodman's hut is set up in the forest on it's own and has an incredible view over the Cairngorms. Especially in the Autumn it is extra beautiful. We spent the evenings on the terrace by the chimnea or inside by the log stove. The box bed makes it extra cosy!
We got married by Loch Morlich during the week we stayed. Sarah and Phil were so accommodating and welcoming and personal added touches really made our stay extra special. They hand delivered a breakfast hamper on our wedding morning and when we came back from our ceremony they had hung a 'just married' banner at our cabin. We got some incredible photos in and around the Lazy Duck as well- it is such a beautiful area. To top it all off, Sarah and Phil allowed us unlimited time in the wood fired hot tub as a wedding treat - we spent the evening drinking champagne in the hot tub under the stars and it really was magical!!
Overall, we can't fault this place! Going back to basics and being in a place without much Internet, phone signal or electricity is bliss (our cabin didn't have but there is electricity in other cabins and the wellbeing hut so I was able to get my hair and make up done for my wedding morning easily).
The whole concept of this place is really unique and I think everyone should experience it! We will definitely be back. Thank you so much once again for the most wonderful and relaxing wedding week we could ever have wished for :)
Nina and Andy
Read more
Date of stay: October 2020Trip 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.
Response from The Duck Keepers Lazy Duck, Owner at The Lazy Duck
Responded 12 Dec 2020
Hi Nina & Andy, Thank you so much for your kind words, it was our privelidge to host you for your special event and being able to add a little extra to the experience was a cherry on top. Looking forward to hosting you again and happy trails until then! Sarah, Phil & Brodie.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I had a restful 3 nights in the Homestead cabin mid May. The hosts, Sarah and Phil were very accommodating and on hand if I needed help with anything like lighting the stove. Deer and red squirrels could be seen in the woods and be viewed by a hatch from the outdoor loo. Having a bucket shower, with water heated on the stove, in the privacy of the corrugated iron cubicle was invigorating. Sarah is also a trained massage therapist and I am glad I booked that experience in the Wellbeing studio in advance. It's a special place in an idyllic location run by good people. Enjoy.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Travelled solo
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.
Response from The Duck Keepers Lazy Duck, Owner at The Lazy Duck
Responded 11 Jun 2021
Thank you so much for the kind comments, Sarah is delighted by the response she gets from her well being offer and we both genuinely appreciate and are touched deeply by your recognition that our intention and effort is all focussed on being good people. Best wishes and hope to see you again, Sarah & Phil
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
First of all, for anyone feeling a bit anxious about staying in holiday accommodation because of Covid, the Lazy Duck team have given a lot of thought and consideration to making the space safe. On arrival Phil gave us a run through of the measures they had in place, including steaming surfaces and bearing in mind how long the virus can last on different surfaces.
It’s hard to describe how wonderful our stay was at the Lazy Duck. There are too many positives to fit in a review. I can’t remember the last time I felt so relaxed & content. I completely agree with another reviewer’s description that Phil & Sarah & the team were unobtrusively attentive. We had fresh duck & hen eggs, freshly baked bread, and long cozy evenings by the fire. It’s the perfect environment to sit back and allow yourself just to rest, and a poignant reminder of how satisfying a simple lifestyle can be.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2020Trip 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.
Response from Sarah Phil Duckeepers, Owner at The Lazy Duck
Responded 28 Jul 2020
Our first day back on the 15th was an emotional time. Sarah and me had two weeks to induct our team and on the day, we were all up to high dough to be sure we got it right. Not only ensuring our Covid message and process was right but a determination that our welcome and unobtrusive attentiveness (we grabbed that way back then to descibe our hospitality!) was on point. We are delighed we hit the mark for you, as one of our first-backers! This review means so much and will be shared with our team. Thank you x all the best, Sarah & Phil
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello
Not sure where you are coming from ?
Trains to Aviemore from London Edinburgh Glasgow and Aberdeen then short local bus jorney to NethyBridge where
The Duckeepers are able to meet you.
Aberdeen, United Kingdom47 contributions18 helpful votes
Hello, the hot tub isn't free. think we were about £7 per person for a hour. they also add some very nice oils which are good for you and are very relaxing. as for the distance, it depends on the cabin you hire. we normally have the 8 bed cabin which is about 15-20 feet away. I suggest you take a pair of flip flops. we love the hot tub, even on a cold night we have found it very relaxing and soothing..
hope this helps..
There are more places to choose from in the Nethy Bridge area.
LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandScottish HighlandsAviemore and the CairngormsNethy Bridge
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
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).
