Best huts around Ettrick and Yarrow are found within the Scottish Borders, a region characterized by its rolling hills, sparkling streams, and river valleys. The area offers a close-to-nature experience, with accommodations ranging from glamping yurts to well-appointed cabins and traditional bothies. These settings provide opportunities for immersion in the natural landscape, with numerous walking and cycling routes available. The Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys are ideal for those seeking a tranquil escape amidst picturesque scenery.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
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Popular around Ettrick And Yarrow
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This spacious bothy is a lovely place for a break (for lunch) or an overnight stay. The view of felled forest slopes is a bit depressing, but inside you can cozy up by the fire. More info: www.mountainbothies.org.uk/bothies/southern-scotland/over-phawhope/ Be kind: after your stay, please make a donation to the caretaker. You can do so at www.mountainbothies.org.uk/_donation/
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Here we stand for a week at this nice cottage. It's nature pure. The landlord is very helpful. He is speaking perfect German. He drove with his classic mercedes jeep with us on top of the hills. A beautiful view. Children will love his dog- a golden retriever. 🥰
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Bothy to stay in if you want to spend a night or shelter from weather
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Lovely little bothy in the forest. It even has a compost toilet in the form of a little shed set away from the shelter. It has three rooms and an outdoor seating area.
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This is a great little bothy with two rooms, both with fireplaces and sleeping platforms for a cozy night. The setting is superb too by the burn in the woods
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One of my favourite bothies if you don't like roughing it, Over Phawhope is really cosy, with a wood-burning stove and two snug bedrooms with wooden sleeping platforms. Outside there's a stream, picnic table and even a composting loo - luxury!
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Lovely spot by the river, ideal for a lunch stop or an overnight stay if you are heading further into the hills
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Over Phawhope Bothy is thought to have been the home of William Laidlaw, a famous Scottish poet, and his wife Bessie Scott in the early 18th century. These days, the well-equipped bothy is well-placed for hikers on the Southern Upland Way, breaking-up an unavoidably long section.
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The Ettrick And Yarrow Valleys offer a range of unique accommodations, often leaning towards glamping yurts and well-appointed cabins. Examples include Ettrick Valley Yurts, which provide authentic Mongolian yurts, and Riverside Cabin in Ettrickbridge. You can also find traditional bothies like Over Phawhope Bothy, known for its cozy atmosphere and wood-burning stove, and Greenskyes Bothy, which even has a compost toilet.
Yes, several options cater to families. Ettrick Valley Yurts are designed to accommodate up to six guests and offer a paddling stream on-site. Glentress Forest Lodges provide pods that can sleep a small family, complete with a heater, fridge, and kettle. Hearthstanes Steading is also noted as family-friendly, with children often enjoying the landlord's golden retriever.
The Ettrick And Yarrow Valleys are excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking, horse riding, kayaking, or swimming in the river near Ettrick Valley Yurts. For hiking, consider routes like the 'St Mary's Loch loop' or 'The Three Brethren loop'. Cycling enthusiasts can explore options such as 'The Gordon Arms – B709 Through Altrieve Valley loop' or 'Duchess Drive Gravel Climb'. Find more details on these activities in the hiking guide and cycling guide for the region.
The region is rich in natural beauty. Near Ettrick Valley Yurts, you'll find picturesque rolling hills, sparkling streams, and gently twisting rivers. Riverside Cabin offers views of the Ettrick Water, where you can spot local wildlife like oyster catchers, roe deer, pine martens, salmon, kingfishers, and red squirrels. Bothies like Dryfehead Bothy are set by a burn in the woods, providing a serene forest environment.
Yes, the Ettrick And Yarrow area features several bothies suitable for overnight stays. Over Phawhope Bothy is a well-equipped and cozy option with a wood-burning stove and sleeping platforms, strategically placed for hikers on the Southern Upland Way. Dryfehead Bothy and Greenskyes Bothy also offer basic shelter and sleeping facilities, often with fireplaces for a warm night.
Visitors frequently highlight the tranquility and immersion in nature. Guests at Ettrick Valley Yurts appreciate the stunning views and opportunities for stargazing. Those at Riverside Cabin enjoy observing local wildlife and the peaceful riverside setting. For bothies like Over Phawhope Bothy, the coziness of a wood-burning stove and the break from long hikes are highly valued. The proximity to outdoor activities and the sense of escape are common themes.
Glentress Forest Lodges offer a range of facilities. The pods include a heater, fridge, and kettle. There's a communal space with a TV and a kitchen area for breakfast. Clean and spacious shower and toilet facilities are available, along with a bike lock-up and sinks for campers. It's an excellent base right on the doorstep of MTB trails.
Yes, some huts have historical significance. Over Phawhope Bothy is particularly notable as it is thought to have been the home of William Laidlaw, a famous Scottish poet, and his wife Bessie Scott in the early 18th century.
The Ettrick And Yarrow Valleys offer charm throughout the year. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the full range of outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and river swimming, with longer daylight hours. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter can offer a serene, secluded experience, especially in cozy, stove-equipped bothies and cabins. Always check local weather conditions before your visit.
Absolutely. Riverside Cabin in Ettrickbridge is described as an excellent base for exploring scenic walking and cycling routes. Similarly, Glentress Forest Lodges are located directly at the trail centre, providing immediate access to mountain biking trails. Many bothies, like Over Phawhope Bothy, are strategically placed along long-distance hiking paths like the Southern Upland Way.
Many huts offer unique features. Ettrick Valley Yurts provide wood-burning stoves and private cooking areas, plus a paddling stream. Riverside Cabin boasts a managed wild garden with a picnic table and BBQ, and opportunities for river swimming. Bothies like Greenskyes Bothy even have a compost toilet in a separate shed, and Over Phawhope Bothy features a composting loo and a picnic table outside.

