Red Deer Lodge stands on the shores of Loch Rannoch, a pet-friendly Highlands retreat for a couple or small family who enjoy outdoor pursuits, from walking to water sports. Set within a holiday complex in the quiet village of Kinloch Rannoch, it looks across the water to a backdrop of hills and pine forest, with red squirrels and pine martens among the wildlife, alongside red deer. The sunny conservatory has views across the loch.
An open-plan living space brings together the kitchen and dining area with a lounge, where the dining table seats four and the seating faces a TV with a combi DVD player. Patio doors open from the lounge into a small furnished conservatory with views across the loch and the night sky. The bedroom has zip-and-link beds that can be made up as a double or as twins on request; a family bathroom has a shower over the bath and WC. A sofa bed in the lounge sleeps two more guests. The lodge has no outdoor space of its own, though guests can use the shared grounds and woodland paths. On-site parking is available on a first come, first served basis.
Walking routes lead out from the village, from gentle low-level paths to the climb up Schiehallion, the 'fairy mountain', which is within easy reach. The loch offers opportunities for water sports, and the surrounding pine woods are a rewarding place to look for rare wildlife. Rannoch Station, 16 miles away, is the boarding point for the West Highland Line to Mallaig, one of the UK's most spectacular rail journeys. Head 18 miles in the other direction and you reach Blair Atholl, where a castle and its gardens are open to visitors.