Smithy Croft

Recently stayed at Smithy Croft and the whole experience was excellent. The house itself is fantastic… everything is there that you could possibly need for your stay. We were a group of 5 adults, 2 kids and 2 dogs. Inside was spotless and cosy and the outside space is incredible. From the swings to the crazy golf the kids had a ball. The location is also fab. Two minutes to local spar for essentials, two local hotels that provided excellent food and service too also a 5 mins walk away and the landmark activity park (an essential visit if you have kids) is a ten minute walk. This place is a ten out of ten and we will definitely be back.

This is a great house with everything you need and in a good location. We travelled as a family of 4 with 2 dogs but there is plenty of space for larger groups. The mini golf area, hot tub and fire pit gave options for teenagers and the play area would be great for younger travellers. The house is well equipped with utensils, cutlery, plates, pots etc and also has things you’ll need when having a bbq. The hot tub is maintained regularly. We had a great time and backing onto the river was definitely a bonus for us. We would definitely rebook here as the location is 10 minutes from Aviemore but has a great wee pub, The Cairn for drinks and good food. A forest walk across the road for the dogs and a circular walk around the river from the house.

We stayed at Smithy Croft for 7 nights and it was nothing short of amazing! There was 7 adults and 5 kids (from 2 - 7 years old) The lodge set a very high standard from the get go, with a lovely well kept garden and a very spacious drive way, we had 5 cars with us & room for 2 more which you don’t find very often! The lodge itself was very well presented, very clean, organised and equipped with all the amenities you could ask for. Upon entry there is a large cloak room with plenty space for everyone’s multiple shoes and jackets (which is needed for the Scottish weather) as well as room for bags too. The bedrooms were a great size and the kids adored the bunk beds, for sleeping or playing in. The lounge and dining area was very comfy and spacious with a grand dining table with plenty chairs to fit everyone round! The kitchen was a great size for preparing our meals for the week. Every utensil you could think of was there for use. It had one large fridge, one smaller fridge and plenty cupboard space, which we appreciated as we brought a lot of food. The lodge also had 2 baby cots, 2 high chairs and a stair gate available. The laundry room was equipped with everything you needed to keep on top of any cleaning or washing. The garden was loved by all, a great little play park, pirate themed, for the kids and the real boat in this area was a very fun idea! The cooking facilities outside were also spot on, with plenty surface area to prepare a large bbq. There is different areas to sit and relax around the garden as well as a sunken fire pit and a large bench dining table to enjoy your meals outside, while taking in the lovely view of the river behind. The hot tub was another great addition and the cleaner was out midweek for a very quick visit making sure it was all up to standard, which is always good to see. The location of the lodge we found to be one of the best selling points. Just round the corner from the picturesque Carrbridge PackHorse Bridge the setting was lovely, there is also a very nice 30 minute walk or cycle route just up from the lodge called the River Path which loops you around the back of the lodge across the river via suspension bridge, as well as a very short walk to the Spar and lovely local shops, as well as the local play park. Landmark is about a 5 minute walk up the road which is a must visit when up this side of Scotland. We also visited the Highland Wildlife park (another must visit) and 2 kid day outs at a Farm and Soft play in Inverness, which are all around 30 minute drives from the lodge. We are already looking to book this lodge again and have recommended it to friends and family! 10/10 stay, thank you Great North Lodges for sharing this amazing place and all the great little touches made it even better!