Scotland's Top Seven Luxury Lodges Redefining the Hunting Getaway

Whether you’re looking for cosy dwellings for a weekend break spent in the great outdoors, or are eagerly celebrating the arrival of hunting season, Scotland's is home to a collection of the finest luxury lodges that blend the thrill of outdoor activities with all the expected comforts.

Ask the locals when the best time to visit Scotland is and chances are they’ll say September. Not only are temperatures more comfortable for a range of active pursuits but, for keen hunters, it also marks the beginning of partridge, woodcock, coot, golden plover, wild duck and goose season, with pheasant and deer season quickly following in October.

Hunting doesn’t float your boat? There is still plenty to keep outdoorsy types entertained, from hiking the stunning Highlands and exploring historic castles to kayaking on picturesque lochs and experiencing world-class golf courses.

Read on for the best luxury lodges that Scotland has to offer…

Foyers Lodge, Loch Ness

Having been lovingly restored and transformed by owners Anna Low and Philip Crowe, this 1800s property is a stylish bolthole decorated in dark hues and rich jewel tones, bedecked with carefully curated antiques.

While the star of the show might be its sweeping views over Loch Ness, if you can drag yourself away then we highly recommend a short hike to the nearby Falls of Foyer, or booking a guided fishing tour with Fish Loch Ness. If you’re completing the Loch Ness 360 trail or competing in the Loch Ness marathon, it’s also perfectly located for an overnight stay.

Foyers Lodge operates on a B&B basis, so you can enjoy one of Chef Vanessa's legendary breakfasts before heading out for the day.

Coorie at Loch Venachar Lodges, the Trossachs

How does a stay on the banks of one of Scotland’s most beautiful lochs sound? Yep, we thought so.

One of two exceptional getaways in the heart of the Trossachs National Park, Corrie, which takes its name from the Scottish word that means to cozily snuggle in, is an aesthetically-pleasing black timber-clad lodge designed by a renowned team of Glasgow architects that sleeps up to four people.

While it has everything you’ll need for a weekend break – wood burning stove and hot tub included - the front garden leads down to direct access to a lochside beach where you can enjoy SUP, kayaking and swimming, while elsewhere you can also hike up a local munro to see the views over the Scottish mountains, or head out on a mountain bike ride down a rocky trail.

Look out for deer, sheep, highland cows, goats, red squirrels and ospreys on your travels.

Hilltop Lodge, Scottish Highlands

The stalking of a red deer stag in the Scottish highland is both challenging and unforgettable, so you’ll look forward retreating to this tranquil estate, nestled within 5.5 acres of private grounds, after a long day out.

A design-led lodge that sleeps eight guests in four ensuite bedrooms, the open-plan living room comes complete with feature fireplace and fully-equipped kitchen-diner, while outside there is no better place to watch the sunset across the valley and towards the River Tay than from the comfort of your private deck.

For non-hunters, there’s still an excellent array of activities on your doorstep including hill walking, mountain biking, canoeing and paddle boarding, fishing and a visit to a local whisky distillery.

Cameron North Lodge, Loch Lomond

Boasting a one-of-a-kind location on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, Cameron North Lodge is a self-catered property nestled in the adjoining prestigious grounds of the world renowned 5 Star Cameron House Hotel, and it even comes complete with its very own beach. Yes, really. An upscale sanctuary with three bedrooms plus open plan lounge room with a sofa bed that can be converted into a fourth bedroom, this is one that will impress the whole family.

The Trossachs National Park make for popular hunting grounds throughout the season, while as the largest lake in Britain, Loch Lomond, which stretches for 39 kilometres, has many hiking trails stemming of from it. In fact, the combined area is home to 21 munros, 2 forest parks, 22 lochs and more than 50 designated special nature conservation sites, meaning there’s plenty to explore.

Craiganour Lodge, Kinloch Rannoch

While Scotland isn’t short of vast old shooting lodges, Craiganour has to be one of the most impressive in the business.

Its stylish and modern dwellings overlooking Loch Rannoch and the Schiehallion munro make for a welcome alternative to the more traditional interiors of swag curtains and wraparound tweed while, as a traditional sporting estate, it offers everything from stag stalking and hind stalking to walked up grouse shooting and trout fishing.

If you opt to stay here then prepare to be pampered – it’s available on a catered basis only and aimed at large groups (it sleeps up to 18), with a chef, housekeeper plus all meals and soft drinks included in the price.

Off-grid Hut in The Bothy

If you’re looking for a true off-the-grid experience in the Scottish highlands, this picturesque cabin in Menteith Hills should more than do the trick.

With no nosy neighbours and uninterrupted 360-degree dramatic views to soak up all day from your south facing deck or wood fired hot tub, we won’t blame you if you spend the whole weekend holed up amongst its lush linens. It would be a shame to miss out on all the incredible hiking opportunities in the vicinity, however - look out for wildlife such as red deer, roe deer, red squirrels and a variety of birds of prey and black grouse. There are also plenty of lochs within walking distance ideal for wild swimming if you dare.

It sleeps just two guests, so how does a romantic weekend away sound?

Kinloch Lodge, Isle of Skye

Dubbed a ray of sunshine on the Misty Isle, this 17th-century farmhouse, later a shooting lodge, errs on the side of hotel over self-catered property, but who doesn’t love someone else doing all the hard work for you?

Just a couple of whitewashed stone buildings wedged between a pretty little cove on Loch na Dal and thickly wooded hills, rooms here have an heirloom-forward, country-house grandeur feel to them, complete with stunning loch views for everyone.

The Point of Sleat, Fairy Glen and the picturesquely ruined hamlet of Leitir Fura are all within striking distance, while the serene Drover’s Path runs behind the lodge. Fishing, shooting, stalking and guided walks can be arranged on request, too.