During these weird and stressful times, most of us have been searching for a way to decompress. Foreign holidays have proved tricky and unreliable and, as such, a lot of us have been looking to the good old British Isle stay-cation.
And so began my search for the perfect getaway. The craving for something remote, surrounded by nature, for somewhere that would allow me to forget ‘real life’ and just watch the world go by was strong. The ideal retreat would be secluded, beautiful and child-free (love them but sometimes a night without Paw Patrol and pasta for dinner is much appreciated...). I didn’t realise that the answer could be found with one of Piglet’s very own customers: Inverlonan Bothies.
Nestled amongst ancient oaks and leafy ferns on the shores of Loch Nell in the Scottish Highlands, and reached by a scenic drive through the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, sit two beautifully appointed bothies: the copper coloured Uisge (pronounced Oosh-ka) and the dark-cladded Beatha (Bay-Ah). For those of you unfamiliar with bothies, these are originally small huts, scattered in remote Scottish locations which aim to provide refuge and shelter to mountaineers when needed. Traditional bothies are basic, utilitarian structures with no amenities to speak of. Inverlonan, however, succeed at “re-imagining the bothy experience”. These two beauties have been erected to fit in with their surroundings and finished with high quality, natural furnishings and impeccable Scottish craftsmanship.
After leaving the car and arriving in style on foot, by boat or buggy (the only way to reach these babies), your own Scottish slice of serenity is in hand. And it provides you with everything you need to fulfil Inverlonan’s philosophy of ‘explore, experience and reconnect’. Piglet’s linen bedding is in fine company with superbly cosy furniture, wood-burning stoves and luxury futons on tatami mats. There is no wi-fi, after all the point here is to unplug in nature. However, you can easily while your days away just sitting on the deck and breathing in your surroundings, exploring the loch by kayak or paddle board, taking long rambles and then coming back and whipping up a delicious lunch in the pizza oven. In fact, Inverlonan have definitely got provisions taken care of. As well as sorting out a breakfast hamper full of Argyll delicacies such as Stornoway black pudding, milk from the Isle of Gigha and their own marmalade, you can also order delicious food boxes all featuring the freshest local ingredients ready to be cooked on your very own open fire pit. Even having to heat your own water up for a shower is an effective form of meditation and definitely worth it when you get to bathe in such a spectacular location.
This is a magical place to slow yourself right down. To take time. Take the time to truly immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of being off-grid. Take the time to reflect, to listen and to rest. Take the time to get to know yourself, to grow, to engage. All whilst eating pizza. Heaven.
And for all you creatives seeking a breath of fresh ideas and inspiration, Inverlonan are currently offering 5 nights in winter for £500.
Photos by Inverlonan. @inverlonan
www.inverlonan.com
