Frequently Asked Questions at Glencoldon Cottage.

We provide all linen and towels, a fully equipped kitchen with ultra-efficient appliances (including washing machine and dishwasher), and helpful extras like a child’s travel cot and highchair, hairdryer, cafetiere, charcoal BBQ, and sledges in winter.

Wi-Fi, Smart TV, Bluetooth Hi-Fi, and sustainable heating options are all included — with no hidden fees for log use or electricity.

Yes — the 1-acre wild garden is ideal for children, with open paths, hidden corners, and a lawn area for games. It has the option to secure the gate to keep children safely in the grounds of the cottage even if you are not looking! The cottage is well set back from the road and opens directly onto forest paths. Badminton net, balls, and other equipment are provided.

The garden and surrounding forest are full of wildlife — from red squirrels and birds to deer, bats, and even the occasional golden eagle. There’s a path network and “Nature Immersion Zone” seating area in the garden, and you can follow local trails to biodiversity hotspots nearby.

Please check out our wildlife page for all the biodiversity treats Glencoldon has to share.

Unfortunately, we don’t allow pets (except assistance dogs) to protect the sensitive wildlife in the area and maintain a low-allergen environment for guests. The large garden is regularly visited by deer, red squirrels, and ground-nesting birds whose ecosystem Glencoldon Cottage aims to protect. There are local pet care options are available nearby if needed as an alternative.

You can book directly through our Availability page. We use a secure third-party booking system that shows up-to-date availability and prices with no hidden fees!

Once you select your dates, you’ll be guided through the process.

Yes — we have a 3-night minimum stay. Longer stays are welcomed and often attract discounted rates. Please see our Availability page and, or email or call at: [email protected] /07968 177394

Yes — we’ve tried to avoid price rises in 2025 as we know travel and activity costs are rising. We occasionally offer discounted rates if the cottage has spare dates. We also have ongoing green travel bonuses and 10% off public transport discount — check our discounts section on the Availability page or contact us directly for current offers.

Email or call at: [email protected] /07968 177394

To provide some security of income, our booking system applies the following cancellation terms (considered “medium” in strictness):

• Cancellations 28 or more days before arrival: A charge equal to 20% of the stay will be made.
• Cancellations less than 28 days before arrival: A charge equal to 35% of the stay will be made.
• Cancellations less than 14 days before arrival: A charge equal to 70% of the stay will be made.
• No-shows or reductions after arrival: The full cost of the booking will be charged.

We understand that plans can change, so if you have concerns about these conditions — or face unexpected circumstances — please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We aim to be flexible wherever possible.

Check-in is: 4:00pm (though we will contact you on the day if earlier is possible, it all depends on the cleaning team and previous bookings)

Check-out is: 10:00am

This allows our Turnaround Team time to prepare the cottage to our high standards — including thorough cleaning and eco-friendly product use. If you require flexibility, please contact us in advance and we’ll do our best to help.

Yes — we have an EV charger onsite, smart-linked to our solar system. It allows guests to charge their vehicles using renewable energy during their stay for free!

We also offer a Free Green Travel Bonus for EV users — see our Availability page for details or contact us directly.

It is not! The cottage is accessible without a car. Boat of Garten has great transport links, including nearby train services from Aviemore and local buses. And we actually encourage the use of public transport with a 10% off climate action discount!

You can walk or cycle to the cottage along the scenic Speyside Way or forest tracks. A wide range of village amenities is just a short walk away.

Please also see more information on travel in our Location & Activities page.

Absolutely. Glencoldon Cottage has direct access to extensive walking and cycling routes, including the Speyside Way. We also provide:

• A secure bike shelter with locking facility
• Local bike hire via Ride Cairngorm in the village
• Wildlife-friendly paths in the forest behind the cottage

It’s an ideal base for so many outdoor adventures from cycling, walking, hiking, wild swimming, bird watching or just immersing yourself in the beauty of Scotland’s Cairngorm National Park!

We have a whole page dedicated to cycling – please visit it here.

For more information on things to do and places to see, please see our Location & Activities page and the FAQ section below on “Exploring the Area”.

Due to the cottage’s hillside position and older structure, full accessibility is limited. However, we’ve taken steps to support guests with different needs:

• An Accessibility Guide is available, covering mobility, visual and allergy considerations
• Pets are not allowed (except Assistance Dogs) to minimise allergens
• Boat of Garten offers an All-Abilities Path, opened in 2021, ideal for wheelchairs and pushchairs

Please contact us if you’d like to talk through suitability before booking.

Email or call at: [email protected] /07968 177394

Yes — Glencoldon Cottage is a certified Gold Green Tourism Award property. It’s one of the only self-catering accommodations in Aviemore/Cairngorms area with this level of sustainability recognition.

From energy and materials to wildlife protection, sustainability is at the heart of how the cottage was renovated and how it runs today.

Please visit our page on the Green Tourism Award for information on the credentials, transformations and amenities in place to have earned us the award in 2017 and again in 2022.

Also see next FAQ for a list of our key sustainable features.

The cottage includes a wide range of eco-conscious features, including:

• Solar electricity and solar thermal for water heating
• A+++ rated appliances
• FSC-certified local wood flooring and cladding
• Natural, refillable cleaning products
• High-performance insulation throughout
• Sunpipes to increase daylight and reduce energy use
• Local Caithness stone hearth instead of imported slate
• Wood-burning stove with local, sustainable logs
• Recycled materials, right down to the toilet paper
• Electricity from Octopus Energy and banking with Triodos

These features reduce the cottage’s carbon footprint and enhance the guest experience.

Please visit our page on the Green Tourism Award for information on the credentials, transformations and amenities in place to have earned us the award in 2017 and again in 2022.

The one-acre wild garden is designed to encourage biodiversity with over 8 years of re-wilding. The renovations since 2017 safeguarded a family of bats in the eaves, and thermal improvements have even improved their habitat.

Guests can enjoy a Nature Immersion Zone, wildlife paths, and forest access straight from the cottage. Red squirrels, deer, and many bird species are regular visitors — and once, even a golden eagle landed in the garden!

Please visit our wildlife page for all natures insights!

The 2017 renovation cut emissions significantly, and a second phase in 2022 eliminated fossil fuel use by adding a new solar PV system and battery storage.

Phase 1 in 2017 meant a major eco-renovation. Instead of demolition, the original cottage was upgraded with:

• High-spec insulation in walls, floors and roof
• Sunpipes to increase daylight and reduce lighting needs
• Solar thermal panels for water heating
• High efficiency electric boiler, controlled by smart (AI enabled) thermostat
• A+++ rated appliances and natural materials throughout
• FSC-certified wood flooring and local Caithness stone hearth
• LED lighting and reused or reclaimed materials wherever possible

Phase 2 in 2022 eliminated fossil fuel use altogether with a new solar PV system, battery storage, and an EV charger optimised for solar power.

As of the most recent review, emissions are down over 75% from the 2017 baseline, with a goal to reach Net Zero by 2030 — years ahead of national targets.

Please visit our page on the Green Tourism Award for information on the credentials, transformations and amenities in place to have earned us the award in 2017 and again in 2022.

The Boat of Garten Village Shop is just a short walk away and stocks essentials, fresh produce, and local goods. Larger shops, like Tesco, Aldi and Scotmid Co-operative are in nearest town, Aviemore.

Yes — the Boat of Garten Village Shop stocks a small selection of vegetarian and vegan protein options. It is around a 10 minute walk along the road or along the forest with a direct access from the garden path.

Tesco in Aviemore carries a wider range of “free from” products (e.g. gluten-free, dairy-free) as well as some halal and kosher items.

Please visit our page on Location & Activities for more information on how to get around, where to eat and what is around.

Yes — there are several excellent places to eat nearby, whether you’re looking for a relaxed pub meal or a special dinner out:

• The Boat Country Inn & Restaurant – a cosy, traditional Highland pub in the village, offering hearty meals, a friendly bar, and outdoor seating. Just a short walk from the cottage.
• Anderson’s Restaurant – a much-loved local bistro, also in Boat of Garten, known for its seasonal menu, locally sourced ingredients, and great vegetarian and vegan options.

In Aviemore, you’ll find a wide range of options — including cafés, takeaways, pubs, and restaurants for all budgets and tastes. Whether you’re after wood-fired pizza, a craft beer pub, or a sit-down dinner, there’s plenty of choice.

We’re always happy to share our latest personal recommendations, especially for dietary needs or something special.

Please visit our page on Location & Activities for more information on places to eat and things to do locally.

We provide:

• Eco-friendly washing-up liquid, dishwasher tablets, cleaning products
  cleaning products and bags for recycling and residual waste
• A supply of toilet paper and hand soap
• Basic items to help you settle in, but please bring or plan to bring items for cooking and groceries.

All products are chosen to be as sustainable and gentle on the environment as possible.

Glencoldon Cottage is perfectly placed for exploring the Cairngorms National Park. Whether you’re after peaceful walks or outdoor adventure, there’s something for everyone:

• Loch Vaa, River Spey, and the forest are just minutes from the door
• Wild swimming, cycling, and birdwatching for Ospreys are all on the doorstep
• The Speyside Way and other stunning trails start nearby
• Strathspey Steam Railway, RSPB Loch Garten are great for day trips

For more inspiration on cycling, hiking and wild swimming see our full Location & Activities page.

Absolutely — the area around Boat of Garten is a cycling paradise. The Speyside Way is right on the doorstep, a long-distance trail perfect for scenic, mostly flat rides through forests and along the River Spey.

There are quiet forest roads, off-road trails, and routes for all levels — whether you’re after a leisurely family cycle or more adventurous terrain.

• Secure bike storage is available at the cottage
• Local bike hire is available nearby at Ride Cairngorm

We’re happy to recommend cycle routes to match your interests and ability.

Please see more information on the cycling haven in Glencoldon Cottage here.

There are beautiful walks right from the cottage — the Speyside Way passes nearby, giving direct access to riverside and woodland trails.

You can explore:

• Forest paths to Loch Vaa and the River Spey
• Short scenic routes perfect for families
• Longer hikes to Meall a’ Bhuachaille, Loch an Eilein, and into the Cairngorm Mountains

If you’d like to go out with a trained and experienced local mountain guide, say, for a more challenging day out on the Cairngorm Plateau, please get in contact and we’ll put you in touch.

Yes — some of Scotland’s most beautiful lochs and also the River Spey are nearby spots for a “wee dook”:

• River Spey – a short walk from the front door through the forest!
• Loch Pityoulish – a secluded spot 25 mins cycle from the cottage.
• Loch Vaa – just a short walk from the cottage, perfect for a peaceful, secluded swim
• Loch Morlich – has a sandy beach,and lifeguard-supervised swimming area in summer – there is also a cafe and a water sport business for options to rent kayaks and Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUPs)
• Loch an Eilein – a magical forest loch with a small island castle ruin

The water is fresh and clean — but cold, so bring appropriate gear and swim safely.

Please see more information on wild swimming during your stay at Glencoldon Cottage here.

We’re proud to consistently receive 5/5 ratings for cleanliness. Our Turnaround Team follows the same enhanced cleaning standards introduced during COVID, using eco-friendly, plant-based products that are safe and effective.

Yes — Glencoldon Cottage is fully licensed under Scottish Government regulations.

Short-Term Let Licence Number: HI-70366-F
EPC Rating: C