February Break in the Scottish Highlands
February is a great time to escape to the Highlands of Scotland. Everything has a calm beauty. There is often snow on the hills and plenty of outdoor activities to try. What better a time to visit the beautiful Scottish Highlands than the February break? Winter is a magical time at Eagle Brae log cabins, and with our own list of fun-filled holiday activities to draw upon, it’s the ideal half-term getaway. Book into one of our warm and comfortable family-friendly lodges for a few days away in nature.
Eagle Brae activities
Our family-friendly luxury cabins are set on our own 8,000 acre estate, and there is much to explore. With plenty of spectacular local walks, the adventure begins as soon as you step foot outside. We also have mountain bikes available for hire, so you can explore the nearby cycle routes as well.
For families with children over the age of 4, we offer canoeing and kayaking and pony trekking activities. For over 12s, there’s clay pigeon shooting as well as dog sledding. This is an amazing experience for dog lovers of every age, and is only available between October and April when the temperature is low enough. See our full list of activities here.
Where the wild things are
A visit to Eagle Brae is a chance to get close to nature. We are just three miles from the nearest eyrie and there are a large number of wild red deer, which roam the estate and sometimes approach the cabins. Make sure you’ve always got a camera to hand, just in case! Walk the trails, wander the untrodden paths and see what you can find. Only the most keen-eyed amongst you will spot a golden eagle, but it’s a magnificent sight.
During February, you may wake up to a blanket of snow, so you can look out for footprints left by animals.
What’s up?
With the longer winter nights, you’ll have a good chance of seeing the stunning northern lights here too. In the wee small hours, from your log cabin, you may just catch this mesmerising display of colourful lights dancing across the sky. Failing that, the dark skies here in the Highlands are perfect for stargazing.
On a clear night in February, you can see for millions of light-years. With no city lights polluting the sky, you’ll be able to see Orion in all his glory. Look long enough and you’ll see meteors fly past, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the International Space Station flying overhead. And you can do all of this with the kids from the comfort of your lodge’s balcony. Also, as we’re self-catering, you can make as many hot chocolates as you need to stay warm!
And as you are lying in bed after a day of adventure, keep your ears listening out for distant owls who can often be heard hooting at each other. There are many nocturnal animals out and about here in the Highlands, including badgers and otters. Listen out for them or, with the right equipment, try and catch a photo at night.
A monster of a time
Eagle Brae is nestled on a hilltop in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland. But we’re also ideally located for day trips out to Inverness and Loch Ness, which you can reach by car in 30 to 45 minutes. Inverness sits on the shore of Loch Ness, home to the famed Loch Ness Monster, or ‘Nessie’. There are a number of sightseeing cruises around the loch, so be sure to pack your camera, just in case that mythical beast rears her head!
A short drive away is the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition. Here you can discover the history of the loch and its legendary inhabitants. You can also visit Steve Feltham, known around the world as the Nessie Hunter. He has been headquartered on the shores of Loch Ness since 1991, waiting to catch a glimpse of the Loch Ness Monster. You might be able to say hello to him in Dores, on the banks of the loch.
Bring the whole family
Eagle Brae is a family-friendly destination, and the whole family will love their time here in the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy the Highlands as you have seen it on TV and movies – unspoiled mountains, deep forests and enchanting lochs. But also enjoy the nearby beaches which offer a different experience. Nairn Beach, for example, is popular with families as it is wide open. It’s also a great place to go dolphin spotting!
And when we say bring the whole family, we really do mean the whole family! Dogs are very welcome here. In fact, we have our own. Shanti is a Bernese mountain dog and loves everyone who comes to stay. This area of Scotland offers magnificent dog walks, with stunning scenery and nose-tingling trails. There’s also plenty of lochs for them to go for a dip (if it’s not too cold!).
There’s never a bad time to visit the Scottish Highlands and the February break is no exception. See the sights, tour the lochs and find out why this is regarded as one of the most stunning parts of the world. Take a look at our family-friendly log cabins and book your February break today.
