We had a wonderful stay at Stables Cottage and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a proper Highland escape.
The location is hard to beat. The cottage backs onto the edge of the Abernethy forest, and from the moment you step outside you have access to an enormous network of well-maintained woodland paths. Whether you fancy a gentle morning stroll or a longer hike, it's all right there on the doorstep, no car needed.
The cottage itself was spotlessly clean throughout, and the beds were genuinely comfortable, the kind you actually look forward to getting into after a day out in the fresh air. The sheets and towels were great quality which added to the luxury feeling.
The living spaces are well thought out, and it was a nice touch to have Netflix and other streaming services on the TV for winding down in the evenings. Although the kitchen seems to have most of what you would need, we think a larger family would struggle if you were thinking of cooking every night, but thats not why you are on holiday though!
Two of the shower rooms are generously sized, and one in particular (the en-suite) has an exceptionally powerful shower, the sort that makes you feel human again after a muddy walk. Having a shower room on each level is a real practical bonus, especially if you're staying with a full group.
One of the standout features for us was just how peaceful it is. Nethy Bridge is a quiet village at the best of times, but the cottage feels genuinely tucked away been on the outskirts of the village, the kind of stillness you rarely find these days. It made for brilliantly restful nights.
The enclosed garden is a lovely addition for those with dogs (see comment later on), and for those travelling with an electric vehicle, there's a 7kw EV charger on site which worked perfectly and saved us any range anxiety during the trip.
One small note for dog owners: the garden is enclosed, but the fencing is a fairly modest wire affair and isn't particularly high. For a relaxed or older dog it would be absolutely fine, but if yours has a mischievous streak or a nose for adventure and with a whole forest right next door, who could blame them, it's worth keeping an eye on them.
The rear of the property doesn't have any lighting out to the garden (the property does provide torches, but we used our own as have some high power ones) - just making a note for those late night toilet runs with dogs, just as its really quiet, there is no light pollution here, so it really is pitch black outside.
Overall, a fantastic base for exploring the Cairngorms or further, we ventured across to Glenfinnan and even up to Crovie Village. We'd go back without hesitation.
