The start in our series of blogs covering each area of our accommodation here at Inchnadamph Explorers Lodge. First up: shepherds hut holidays in the Highlands.
Shepherds Huts have become immensely popular in recent years.From romantic getaways to adventured-filled trips, shepherds huts are appearing all over the UK. They take the spirit of camping and mix it with the luxury of glamping, with the privacy of a hotel.
Often, you’ll find them in the countryside, surrounded by greenery or water – right where the shepherds huts would typically be found back when they were used as shelter for shepherds. Wee in size, but huge in comfort, shepherds huts are quickly increasing in popularity, and it’s not hard to see why!
What is the history of shepherd huts?
The history of shepherd huts began hundreds of years ago.
Most farms cover a huge expanse of land, with animals placed across multiple acres. With sheep farming, shepherds were essential, as were the tools and medicines for the animals. Lambing season is physically and mentally demanding, with extremely long hours. Rather than having to traipse across acres of land in order to rest and eat, the shepherds hut was born. They provided the shepherd with somewhere warm and dry, to allow them to be with, and look after, the flock at all times.
Made from whatever was available, some were built from wood, while others may have been metal.
The huts would always include a stove in the corner to provide warmth and be the base for cooking, while the window would allow the shepherd to keep an eye on his flock.
A kitchen, bedroom and storeroom rolled into one, these huts were the homes of the shepherd, and while some elements of the huts varied from farm to farm, they were generally quite basic. However, there are tales of shepherds stocking whisky in the store cupboard – to revive a sickly lamb or shepherd during trying times. A tradition we’re happy to uphold here in the highlands!
A wee cabin on wheels, the huts would often be transported to new locations, so the wheels allowed this to happen, particularly when many of the fields would be muddy or boggy.
Reaching a peak in the 19th century, during the 1900s their use dwindled with the introduction of farming machinery and electric power. They continued to serve a purpose until the 1950s, when most were abandoned.
Now, they are enjoying a resurgence in the camping and glamping world...
Shepherds huts have seen a revival in recent years: but this time in a slightly different format.
While they still offer a safe haven for visitors, it’s more holidaymaker than shepherd that they attract!
They’re small enough to be cosy, but big enough to live in for a holiday. Within a hut, you can have electricity, a stove, washing facilities and comfy bed. Our huts here at Inchnadamph Lodge cover the above and more, including cute fairy lights, warm lighting and even underfloor heating!
With most still based in the countryside, often a field, you can embrace the simpler ways of life during your stay in a shepherds hut, getting cosy inside and enjoying a cup of hot chocolate or a cheeky glass of wine. Quite often, wi-fi and phone signal is in short supply where the shepherd huts are located – meaning you can truly relax during your stay.
It’s time to book your shepherds hut holiday in the highlands!
Here at Inchnadamph, everything you could ever need is within the hut or on your doorstep, ready for you to embrace cosy, simple living for your shepherds hut holiday in the highlands.
With views across the mouth-dropping Scottish highlands and a stone’s throw from Suilven and Canisp mountains, plus Ardvreck Castle, we can think of nowhere better for you to spend your holiday.
Book now to secure your date and start counting down the days until you’re here in the Scottish highlands, ready to start your next adventure.
