Review: Lazy Duck hostel, campsites and eco-huts, Nethy Bridge

A campsite adjacent to a fire pit (with log bench)

Location: 30 mins NE of Aviemore, 3 hours N of Edinburgh
Website: Lazy Duck Hostel
Map: Google
Camping Facilities: Car camping, space for 4 tents
Grade: B+
Stargazing: Good, but not much open space to view...
Summary: Good campsite to explore the Cairngorms
Thoughts: I was pretty excited to find some rustic camping opportunities in the Cairngorms, someplace that was central, with good access to the many hiking opportunities in the area. After some on-the-fly internet searching, my partner found Lazy Duck and it seemed to tick most of the boxes:

• Forested tent sites without many neighbouring sites (only 4 sites available)
• Opportunities for hiking nearby
• Relatively good access to pubs (in Aviemore)
• Option to use a fire pit. 

All things that aren't easy to find while camping in the UK.

On-site hiking trail

One of the staff feeding the
namesake ducks

We were quite happy with the experience overall. The cooking area was sheltered and you access to flush toilets. The "lazy ducks" were fun to watch while you enjoy a peaceful rest by the pond. And we even appreciated the onsite hiking trail, which allows you to get a feel for the woods. The outdoor forest shower was also unique, one that I recommend if you want a "getting in touch with nature" hygiene experience.

In sum, this is a fine camping option that gives you the comforts of home in a peaceful outdoor setting while allowing you access to some great hiking in the nearby mountains.

An additional fire pit was located next to the cooking shelter

A bench at the terminus of the hiking trail