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Scottish Highland Cows
Take a walk to the local cafe for breakfast, lunch or a coffee
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23 / 24  Scottish Highland Cows
24 / 24  Take a walk to the local cafe for breakfast, lunch or a coffee

Wagtail Watch

Laggan, near Newtonmore, The Highlands
holidaycottages.co.uk logo

This property is managed by holidaycottages.co.uk info_outline

Sleeps 5
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2
Change Sat
Dogs welcome 1
3 star
Open fire / wood burner
Internet access
Working farm
Shop nearby
Beach within easy reach
Fishing on site / nearby
Family friendly
Parking on site / nearby
Travel cot available
9 more

At a glance

  • Tranquil getaway located in a rural setting South West of the Cairngorms
  • Traditional bungalow in peaceful private location with beautiful views overlooking the country side
  • A wide variety of wildlife in the surrounding area from golden eagles, red deer, and stag
Property code: IN515

This comfortable bungalow is situated on a working sheep farm in the south-west of the Cairngorms National Park. It is close to the River Spey, one of Scotland’s finest fishing rivers for salmon and sea trout. Just 5 miles away, near the source of the river, the village of Laggan is nestled amongst the Monadhliath and Grampian mountain ranges. Staying here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the tranquil and majestic landscape with the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife from pine martin and red deer stags to golden eagles and osprey. This is a perfect spot for adventurous folk who want to spend time in the great outdoors, whether fishing, hill walking, cycling, skiing or patiently trying to get the ultimate wildlife photograph.

This charming holiday cottage offers privacy and peace as a quiet retreat for families or friends to rest from a day’s exploring. The timber framing of the building reflects the woods in the landscape around it and it has a traditional and homely feel throughout.

Inside this single-storey property, you’ll find a comfortable lounge with spectacular views and an open fireplace, perfect for settling down to relax after a long day out in the fresh air. There are countryside or garden views from each of the three bedrooms, making this a great place to stay if you love the outdoors. The kitchen/diner has plenty of space for spreading out maps over a morning coffee, as does the large picnic bench just outside.

Around the bungalow, there is a tranquil open wooded area and seating which is ideal for taking in views of the surrounding rolling countryside. Red squirrels and pheasants visit the feeders beside the bungalow most days, and hares and partridge are also frequently seen in the garden.

  • 3 bedrooms: 1 double with en-suite shower room, 1 twin, 1 single
  • 1 bathroom: With bath and WC
  • Kitchen/diner: Electric cooker and oven, radio, fridge, and microwave
  • TV and DVD
  • Open fireplace
  • Utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer
  • Electric central heating and initial supply of solid fuel included
  • Wi-Fi included
  • Ample off-road parking
  • Towels not included
  • Natural open wooded area with views
  • Laggan Café and Gallery within walking distance
  • Additional info: Food and fuel can be purchased in Newtonmore 8 miles away
  • Short breaks are invited in the off-peak season
  • STL HI-70501-F
  • EPC E
  • Arrival: 18:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00, unless otherwise stated in your arrival details
  • 1 dog allowed. Dogs are charged at £20 each per full or part week
  • There is an Accidental Damage Deposit of £200 when booking at this property, however this may be waived for £25. We’ll provide more details about this when booking your holiday.

The Cairngorms are the largest mass of high land in the British Isles, covering over 300 square miles and so are famous for their wide range of arctic and alpine flowers. In fair weather, it is well worth a hike to the high hilltops to find early purple orchids in spring and spectacular swathes of globeflowers in summer. There are plenty of trails and lanes to allow you to explore widely on foot, whether you fancy a spot of hillwalking or some more adventurous mountaineering.

Pony trekking is said to have started in the Cairngorms, with the sturdy Highland ponies that work alongside stalkers, carrying deer off the hill. Today there are several pony trekking centres in the Cairngorms National Park, offering everything from beginners' lessons to multi-day treks. You'll also find hire centres for mountain bikes and ski equipment in Aviemore at the heart of the national park.

Much of the filming for the 90s BBC TV series Monarch of the Glen took place in the landscape around the property, so you may spot some familiar locations. Just 5 miles away from this property, the village of Laggan is nestled amongst the Monadhliath and Grampian mountain ranges and has a shop which hosts 'pop up' restaurant nights.

Catherine Stewart

This property is personally managed by Catherine.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 28 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 stars4.8
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 stars4.6
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 stars4.8
Overall location
Overall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 stars5

Reviewed by Roy 21st June 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Kathryn 7th June 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

If you want peace and quiet to recharge your batteries, there's no better place. Shirley couldn't do anymore for you. Watching numerous birds, red squirrels and deer in the garden was a great bonus. Highly recommend.

Reviewed by Peter 17th May 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Reviewed by Carolin 3rd May 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Rebecca 28th April 2025

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

A beautiful area and peaceful cottage which is clean with everything you need. Waking up in the morning to all the wildlife and the stunning views was amazing. I would certainly recommend and be back!

Reviewed by Peter 21st April 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

A very cosy and well equipped cottage in a beautiful location - we walked from the cottage up the valley to the dam, and drove to Aviemore, Inverness and Fort Augustus. We felt very welcomed and well looked after - Highly recommended!

Reviewed by Michelle 29th March 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

We have had three wonderful breaks at Wagtail Watch. The location is truly peaceful with amazing views. There is plenty of wildlife. You can watch red squirrels on the feeders from the dining table, lots of game birds visit and sometimes you can spot birds of prey. We have seen deer on the walk from the cottage to the Laggan Coffee Bothy (which hasRead more rather nice food btw). There are ample shops and facilities within a short drive, no traffic as such, just the odd pheasant to slow down for. Hide

Reviewed by Melanie 26th October 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Loved it and will be back

Reviewed by Jennifer 21st October 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Neil 12th October 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Wagtail Watch ticked all our boxes. Its not just that the scenery is spectacular; its that the cottages elevation allows you to maximise the vista from the comfort of an armchair in the living room. Its a good centralised base to easily access Fort William one day, Aviemore the next and Inverness the next. Its a well heated cottage and well resourcRead moreed for appliances and comfort. The bird life and red squirrels encouraged by the feeders, are a joy to behold. Hide

Reviewed by Dave 14th September 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

It has everything you might want.

Reviewed by Tim 31st August 2024

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Reviewed by Mick 24th August 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Claire 13th July 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Michelle 29th June 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

cottage was amazing everything you could think of was provided. Shirley couldn't do enough for us. area is beautiful and so quiet. the bird feeder at the kitchen window was stunning. absolutely loved our holiday was a shame we didn't book longer.

Reviewed by Carol 8th June 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

This little gem was everything we could have hoped for was warm clean a fantastic location Only spoke to Shirley on the phone bit was most Helpful. Would highly recommend this little gem if you want an amazing scotland experience

Reviewed by Anne 1st June 2024

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Nice location and wildlife especially the squirrels

Reviewed by Agnes 11th May 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Wagtail Watch is a very comfortable cottage in a peaceful setting with beautiful views all around . The feeding station opposite the kitchen window is an added bonus and we were able to watch squirrels, hares and a variety of birds at various times during the day. Our hostess Shirley was very welcoming and helpful and our four year old grandson wasRead more thrilled to be able to help her put out the feed for the wildlife. We would happily come back here for another visit in the future. Hide

Reviewed by Stephanie 27th April 2024

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Reviewed by Frederick 24th March 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by John 16th March 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Lovely warm cosy cottage. We loved every minute. The abundant wildlife around the cottage kept us entertained, and its close enough to the Cairngorms for day trips. Hopefully we will return. Definitely recommend a stay for anyone who likes peace and quiet.

Reviewed by David 2nd March 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

I loved my stay at Wagtail, it's a lovely cottage surrounded by beautiful scenery, visiting wildlife to the garden and a great Coffee Bothy a short walk to the village. The cottage had everything I desired. Can't wait to go back.

Reviewed by Dave 16th September 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Even in dodgy weather, it's a joy to put nuts out on the picnic table and watch the birds and squirrels feed

Reviewed by Barbara 2nd September 2023

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Reviewed by Johanna 26th August 2023

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Cosy, clean & spacious. Great views & fabulous wildlife in cottage garden.

Reviewed by Nathan 19th August 2023

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Wonderful cottage in a superb quiet tranquil location. Nothing fancy, just very comfortable, clean and practical - perfect! Owners replenish wildlife feeders regularly and its great to see all the birds, red squirrels and hares feeding together. Great location for exploring Cairngorms, Ben Nevis, Loch Ness etc etc Nearby Newtonmore good for local aRead moremenities. Hide

Reviewed by Martin 12th August 2023

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Reviewed by Johanna Maria 5th August 2023

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

A really lovely cottage, at a great location. The feeding place for the wildlife was really pleasant to look at.

26 more
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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Cottages & Castles is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts as an intermediary.
The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Cottages & Castles | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House Gammaton Road Bideford EX39 4DF Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.