If you’re looking for the best shepherd’s hut holidays in Scotland, these are the ones worth knowing about.
There’s something about staying in a shepherd’s hut that changes how you spend your time. You arrive with less, you do less, and the days seem to stretch out in a different way. A book, a view, a cup of tea - suddenly that’s enough.
The Scottish countryside is full of them, but the best ones strike a balance: simple without feeling basic, well-made without being overly polished, and always set somewhere worth waking up in.
These are all places I know or have been personally recommended - each one somewhere you can properly switch off for a few days.
1. THE BREWERY ONE
Black Isle Brewery Shepherd’s Huts
There’s a slightly ramshackle charm to these huts that makes them feel properly lived-in rather than styled. Handcrafted, cosy, and full of character, with fields of animals just beyond the veranda.
You’re not completely off-grid here - the brewery is part of the appeal—so it’s a good balance between escape and comfort (with very easy access to a cold beer).
2. THE BORDERS GYPSY CARAVAN ONE
Roulotte Retreat, Scottish Borders
Not technically a shepherd’s hut, but too good to leave out. Set in a wildflower meadow below the Eildon Hills, this gypsy-style caravan leans fully into the romantic, slightly escapist feel of it all.
Rich fabrics, woodburning stove, and eco hot tubs - less rustic, more atmospheric, but very well done.
3. THE LUXURY PERTHSHIRE ONE
Curlew, Atholl Estates, Perthshire
Set under ancient oaks in Tulliemet Valley, this is a more refined take on the shepherd’s hut. Beautiful linens, a proper bed, and views stretching across Strathtay.
There’s underfloor heating, a hot shower, and hammocks outside - but it still feels rooted in the landscape rather than overly designed.
4. THE KIDS CAN STAY ONE
Muiredge Shepherd’s Huts, Perthshire
A more practical option if you’re not travelling light. These huts are well-built and thoughtfully laid out, with space for children thanks to fold-down beds.
Off-grid but comfortable, with solar power, a proper bathroom, and a firepit outside - one of the few that works well for families.
5. THE SIMPLE SKYE ONE
Set in the crofting village of Heaste, these are simple, cosy huts in a properly rugged setting. Woodburning stove, good bedding, and dogs welcome.
Facilities are just outside the hut, which adds to the back-to-basics feel - until you remember the breakfast deliveries and resident donkeys.
6. THE BATH HUT ONE
Craigduckie Shepherd’s Huts, Fife
More polished than most, but done well. The standout is the open-sided bath hut - two baths side by side looking out towards Loch Fitty.
Inside, everything is well made and comfortable, with space for children and a layout that works for longer stays.
7. THE OFF THE BEATEN TRACK ONE
Treshnish Shepherd’s Hut, Isle of Mull
Right at the wilder end of things. You park, walk in, and carry what you need. The hut itself is simple, small, and completely surrounded by landscape - woods, hills and sea.
An outdoor bath, a wood stove, and very little else. Properly off-grid, and all the better for it.
THE OUTDOOR BATH ONE
The Resting House, Scottish Borders
A warm, wood-clad hut with a slightly alpine feel, set on Crookston Estate with wide views across the landscape. The raised king-sized bed looks out through a large window, with a roof light above for clear nights.
Well set up for longer stays, with a wood burning stove, outdoor bath and a wraparound veranda that makes the most of the setting.
BEAUTIFUL SIMPLICITY
Most of these are best suited to a couple, and all work best when you lean into the simplicity of it.
A few days with less - good food, a book, and not much else - often turns out to be exactly what’s needed.
If you’re heading away, these are worth bringing with you.
All three are rooted in the same idea - getting out into the landscape and finding places you might otherwise miss.
The Bothy Bible
A guide to Scotland’s remote bothies - simple shelters in wild places. Part practical, part escapism.
Bothy Walks
Routes that lead you to some of Scotland’s more hidden corners, with bothies as the destination.
Wild Guide Scotland
A collection of lesser-known places to walk, swim and explore - if you like finding your own way.
The sort of books that tend to stay open on the table for most of the trip.
