Howe of Torbeg
Ballater, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Beautiful inside and out, Howe of Torbeg's stylish glamping pods and off-grid shepherd's hut are surrounded by open farmland and birch woods. Guests can access great walks and beautiful Cairngorms countryside straight from their base. Only 5 miles from the picturesque village of Ballater with its shops, cafes and restaurants. With beautiful views of Glen Gairn it's the perfect place to unwind, see the sights, or stargaze round a campfire.
About Howe of Torbeg
This small glamping site is in a stunning location and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms, as well as being a great base for exploring the local area or further afield. All the pods are super cosy, with bedding provided, electricity and heating just in case you need it - it's glamorous camping without the cold toes! There are pods to suit two or three, with comfy beds inside. You'll find this a brilliant base for your holiday as well as a real haven from the hustle and bustle of other spots. It's the perfect place to relax and connect with nature. The off-grid shepherd's hut has excellent solar lighting, a warm wood burning stove and a gorgeous double bed. Gorgeous views right down the glen. The hut also has two fold away camping beds for children aged up to ten. Situated on the A939, Howe of Torbeg is part of the Snow Roads, a 90 mile route which traverses the highest public road in Britain, taking you through some of the most outstanding landscapes in the Eastern Cairngorms. This is the place to drive slowly and take it all in - so why not take your time, and make this a glamping stopover to remember?
The site is open year round, but closes for a short period in November and some dates in December.
The Wash House is the site's fully heated shower block, with two self-contained shower rooms, each with low flushing loo and sink. Lots of lovely free hot water on demand! Two covered outside sinks are available for washing up, also with free hot water.
The Tea Shack provides a sheltered place to make a hot drink, with free use of a gas stove, tea, coffee, milk and sugar. The Cabin offers a cosy shared indoor space with a wood burning oven - somewhere to cook and eat or relax indoors.
Adult only
Allow commercial vans
Allow pets on site
Bike hire
Café / restaurant
Communal BBQ
Disabled facilities
Drinking water
Electric hookups
Entertainment
Family friendly
Fires allowed
Fishing
Games room
Glamping
Golf
Horse riding
Hot tub
Kids club
Kids playground
Laundry
Near beach
Near pub
Open year round
Peaceful
RV pitches
Shop
Showers
Swimming pool
Toilet
TV room
Vineyard
Water hookups
Watersports
W.C. disposal
WiFi
There are 4 accommodation options on-site
3 x Standard Cosy Pod
Max 3 people
Sleeping three, these have comfy futon beds for two, twin or double. Sleeps one younger child as well, on a roll out Naturalmat. Pods are heated and come with bedding. Outside, you'll find a Kadai fire bowl, a small deck area, chairs and picnic bench.
Luxe Pod
Max 4 people
A larger pod with a built in double bed. Perfect for a romantic getaway, or for a family wanting a bit more room as this pod can accommodate two adults and two younger children. Heated, with all bedding provided, a firebowl, deck area and picnic bench.
Site tariff
Interested in staying at Howe of Torbeg?
Call 01339 756262 to book.
Unfortunately Howe of Torbeg doesn't share their availability calendar with us yet. Availability changes quickly, especially in summer, so we recommend enquiring by phone to avoid missing out.
Site rules and policies
Check in between 3 and 6pm (2 and 5pm in winter).
Check out 10am (later check outs can sometimes be arranged, especially outside of high season).
No loud music, respecting this beautiful rural location.
Quiet hours between 10pm and 7am.
Unfortunately we cannot accommodate pets, including dogs.
Things to do on site and in the Ballater area
Being situated in both the Cairngorms National Park and on Royal Deeside you won't be short of things to do, whatever you like doing!
Royal Deeside is a walker's paradise, for both leisurely strolls and all out hikes. The area around Howe of Torbeg is criss crossed with networks of paths to explore on foot by simply walking out from your pod. Around Howe of Torbeg, Glenlivet, Muir of Dinnet and Invercauld Estates all have well maintained hikes and trails.
This site is also perfectly positioned for those looking to tackle Munros such as the stunning Lochnagar, and nearby Corbetts Morven and Brown Cow Hill. Loch Muick, Loch Kinord, Linn O'Dee and the Deeside Way are some of the easy-to-access fave walks and way-marked trails.
There is a wealth of road and mountain biking in the area. The Lecht runs two mountain bike trails in the summer months and there is a massive network of tracks and paths. You'll find fabulous self guided routes on natural trails, such as going through nearby Ballochbuie Forest to Loch Muick (single and double track).
There is plenty of family friendly biking too - Ballater is surrounded by circular routes typically lasting between one and 4 hours. The Deeside Way, starting in Ballater, provides an enjoyable off road cycle track along an old railway line, with tearooms and views of the River Dee en-route. There are two bike shops in Ballater who hire bikes and kit, organise family bike tours, service bikes and can advise on trails. Qualified mountain bike guides can be advance booked during the summer season and a shuttle service can be arranged for accessing some locations if required.
You'll also be ideally situated to access two of Scotland's ski resorts, The Lecht and Glenshee. Both are approximately half an hour's drive away and both run ski schools and hire equipment.
Apart from the great outdoors, Royal Deeside offers the full Scottish Highland experience, with castles and distilleries aplenty, including Craigievar Castle, Braemar Castle, and of course Balmoral - which is open to the public from April - July each year. Royal Lochnagar Distillery is close by. Fettercairn Distillery (one of Scotland's oldest), Tomintoul and Glenlivet are all short scenic drives away.
Great family days out include Deeside Activity Park, Go Ape at Crathes Castle, and Belwade Horse Sanctuary.
Ballater Highland Games take place on the second Thursday in August each year. Ballater Victoria Week takes place throughout the second week in August with all kinds of events, including a duck race and a soapbox derby, taking place in the village.
Interested in staying at Howe of Torbeg?
Call 01339 756262 to book.
Unfortunately Howe of Torbeg doesn't share their availability calendar with us yet. Availability changes quickly, especially in summer, so we recommend enquiring by phone to avoid missing out.