Handpicked: Off–Grid Retreats in Scotland
Rest and reconnect with nature in these secluded cabins, bothies and eco-stays
My most rewarding journeys often begin where the phone goes quiet and life shifts to a simpler set of priorities—like my recent stay at Cragaig Bothy (below).
In an always-on world, slowing down matters more than ever. Retreats help us reconnect with nature, with ourselves, and with those we love.
Here is my pick of Scotland's off-grid stays, from the remote and rustic to design-conscious eco retreats—perfect when you need to hit reset.
Cragaig Bothy—Isle of Ulva
A traditional off-grid bothy on the remote South side of the Island of Ulva. Cragaig Bothy offers solitude, sea views, and a rare opportunity to disconnect completely. With no electricity and limited amenities this experience will take you back in time: ideal for those seeking rustic tranquility and nature immersion.
56°28'15.3"N 6°13'03.5"W (opens Google Maps)
Features
A 2-hour walk from Ulva Ferry (approx. 4 miles) or by sea via kayak/boat
Sleeps up to 5 guests
Gas cooker, back boiler for hot water
Water: Hillside spring water (not potable; boil before use)
Candles and lanterns provided
Wood burning stove with logs, kindling, and firelighters provided
Views: Panoramic sea views towards Iona, Staffa, and the Treshnish Islands
Book directly at islandholidaycottages.com or on booking.com
Image courtesy of Sweeney’s Bothy
Sweeney’s Bothy—Isle of Eigg
Tucked beneath the cliffs of Cleadale on the Isle of Eigg, Sweeney’s Bothy is a modern, minimalist off-grid retreat. Designed for simple living, the Bothy has one space with a stove, a table, a library snug, a cosy armchair and a bed above.
Note: this bothy needs to be booked at least a year ahead unless there are cancellations.
56°55'22.8"N 6°08'32.1"W (opens Google Maps)
Features
A solar-powered off-grid cabin with a wood-burning stove
Sleeps 2 on a mezzanine double bed with Organic bedding
Gas cooker, outdoor shower, and composting toilet
The bothy has no fridge, but provides a cool box and ice blocks
Midge screens on all the windows
Book directly at eiggtime.com
Image credit: Paul Miller
KABN—Loch Fyne, Argyll & Bute
Those who want to go off-grid in refinement and luxury should look at KABN. Nestled on the shores of Loch Fyn, these eco-cabins have been architecturally designed to immerse guests in nature whilst maintaining privacy, seclusion and tranquillity. Perfect for digital detox.
56°14'32.6"N 4°58'12.5"W (opens Google Maps)
Features
Wild Loch swims, endless walks, morning yoga and cosy wood burning stoves.
Organic coir, lambswool & recycled denim mattress and mattress topper.
Luxury 100% organic Fairtrade cotton sheets.
Vegan down duvet, made from recycled bottles in a 100% renewable energy factory.
Battery bank + 15 solar panels providing renewable energy.
Big Green Egg BBQs and complimentary charcoal.
Self-catering, gas cooker, stream cooler box, larder essentials
Stargazer window, radio, games, books
Wood-burning stove, unlimited firewood, background electric heat
Book directly at kabncompany.com
Image courtesy of Peanmeanach Bothy
Peanmeanach Bothy—Ardnish Peninsula
Described as ‘seriously off-grid’, this is the most remote, rustic (and good value) retreat on the list. Peanmeanach Bothy can only be reached by a 2.5 hour walk, or a boat charter. The ‘luxury’ of this bothy is not the furnishings but something more rare—silence, slowness, beauty and remoteness.
56°52'0.0"N 5°43'59.9"W (opens Google Maps)
Features
Accessible only on foot (2.5 hour walk) or it is possible to charter a boat
Basic but homely shelter and accommodation
No near neighbours
£59 per night Friday and Saturday nights, £46 Sunday to Thursday nights
No electricity or running water
Wood burning stove
Magnificent views across the bay
Clear Skies for Stargazing at night
Book directly at ardnish.org
Image courtesy of the Croft Collective
The Croft Collective—Argyll
A renovated highland croft, nestled among ancient oak forests with its own private beach. The Croft Collective draws on the crofting principles of sustainability, self- sufficiency and reliance on nature. A great place to help you reset, reconnect with nature, and embrace the simple life for a while.
56°29'42.5"N 5°26'10.3"W (opens Google Maps)
Features
Traditional one-bedroom Highland croft, fully off-grid
Wood-burning stove, gas-powered kitchen, and outside shower
Outdoor wood-fired bathtub and campfire pit for starlit evenings
Renewable energy battery packs for essential devices
Private beach and surrounding forest trails
Fully equipped kitchen and traditional hurricane lanterns
Book directly at thecroftcollective.com
Image courtesy of the Lazy Duck
The Woodman’s Hut—Cairngorms
Nestled in centuries-old Scots Pine Forest, the award-winning Woodman’s eco hut is a hideaway almost entirely crafted from its surroundings. This fully off-grid retreat is aimed at those who want to relax, recharge and reconnect. Located within the small and secluded Lazy Duck campsite.
57°15'48.6"N 3°37'55.9"W (opens Google Maps)
Features
Sleeps up to 2 in Hebridean box-bed
Bush shower, compost loo, linens, towels
Gas cooker, cooler box, larder essentials
Stargazer window, radio, games, books
Wood-burning stove, unlimited firewood, background electric heat
Book directly at lazyduck.scot
Image courtesy of Wilderkin
Wilderkin—Edinburgh & Lothians
Secluded cabin in private glade with cosy interior, wood burner, Japanese hot tub, fire pit and stunning natural surroundings close to Edinburgh.
Features
Kingsize bed with feather and down duvets and pillows
Luxury washed linen bedding.
Induction hob, fridge, fully equipped kitchen.
Japanese Ofuro style hot tub
Fire pit and outdoor skillet.
Heating from large central wood-burning stove
Lights and sockets powered by wind turbine.
Coffee, tea, olive oil and all the basics needed to settle in.
Book directly at wilderkin.co.uk
Image courtesy of the HideAway
HideAway—St Andrews
A modern take on the traditional cabin situated on the Cambo Estate near St Andrews. The creatively designed HideAway sits on a hill side with long views over the fields towards the coastline of the East Neuk of Fife. A great way to experience off-grid living with all the creature comforts.
56°17'29.6"N 2°38'33.5"W (opens Google Maps)
Features
Wood-burning stove. Starter logs, kindling and eco firelighters supplied.
Modern Kitchen includes fridge (& freezer compartment), hob, plates, bowls, salad bowls, beakers, mugs, crockery, wine & champagne glasses, and all necessary utensils.
A shower room with large, walk in shower which has a glass ceiling. There is also a wash hand basin and proper flushing toilet
The cabin is fully solar powered and provides one 3 pin socket and 2 USB charging points. Rechargeable ambient lamps provided.
One king size bed with UK made eco bedding and organic linens supplied.
A firepit and BBQ is provided. There is also a wood fired sauna.
A vegetarian cafe (serving food grown in the Edible Garden of Cambo Estate) is a short walk away.
The closest beach is a 7-8 minute walk.
Book directly at offgrid-travel.com
Image credit: Ashley Combes
The Bothy at Nether Glenny—Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park
A well designed off-grid cabin with home comforts on the outskirts of family run a farm in the Menteith Hills. Tranquil and private with walks straight from the door.
56°11'16.4"N 4°18'10.3"W (opens Google Maps)
Features
The Bothy sleeps two people
Hikki wood fired hot tub
Wood-fired stove oven to cook on
Double electric hob and Sage electric mini oven
Electric shower
BBQ and Fire Pit. Logs, kindling and eco firelighters fully stocked log store for the duration of your stay
1 double bedroom with a king size bed on the mezzanine. Organic cotton bed linen
Fridge with freezer compartment
Dine in menu: from farm to plate (vegan, vegetarian dishes as well as meat)
Highland cows and farm tours
Book directly at netherglenny.com
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