Absolutely brilliant place to spend a couple of nights. Extremely quiet and laid back. Beautiful location with everything you could possibly need (cutlery, stove, bedding, warmth, etc!). The bush shower, log burner, sheltered outdoor BBQ and sauna are great additions to make this hostel a perfect retreat for a quiet break. David and Valery are great hosts, who made us feel extremely welcome. We had intended to spend 4 nights camping, but soon changed into the warmth of the hostel! David even lit the fire and put the kettle on whilst we were putting down the tent.
We really didn't want to leave, but have come away with hundreds of happy memories of this lovely little hostel.
If you're looking for a chilled out Cairngorm exploration base, then this is the place!

My fiance and I stayed at the Lazy Duck for the second time in as many years in October and as usual we left happy, contented and relaxed.

The Lazy Duck is ideal as a place to base yourself when in the Highlands for activities, or just as a relaxing getaway for a few days away from the complexities of life in the real world.

The bunkhouse is always clean and inviting, and as long as you adhere to the few simple rules set out when you arrive (i.e. clean up after yourself and be considerate to others) then it is an ideal place to relax after a busy day. There is a well equipped kitchen, an electric shower, sauna (you have to let them know in advance for this as it needs time to prepare), covered bbq area and lots and lots of ducks! The place is heated by a wood stove, which does it's job fantastically well in warming the bunkhouse as well as a place to warm yourself by if you're feeling a bit chilly. The grounds and surrounding countryside are beautiful and serene, the hostel itself is in a forest clearing, so is sheltered from the worst of the weather.

The management are very friendly and inviting, checking in on us daily and always available to answer any questions or even just for a chat. Their dog, Jango, is the most well behaved Spaniel I have ever met!

There are two sleeping quarters, 4 bunks downstairs and 4 beds in the rafters upstairs, where headroom is quite low but not uncomfortable. The only downside to the sleeping arrangements is that there is nowhere to have complete privacy, but if that's what you expect then maybe you should consider staying in a hotel?

Some of the negative reviews have got this place completely wrong, it's not a hotel or a B&B, it's a small hostel, and as such you're expected to give a little in order to get a return.

Just before we arrived, my fiance broke her knee, and David and Valery were very keen to ensure that her needs were accommodated, thankfully we didn't need to change any arrangements.

All in all, we love this place, and will return many many times in the future. We heartily recommend the Lazy Duck to anyone who likes a cosy, friendly place to stay.

Having never done the hostel thing and being more mature in age we did not know what to expect for our first stay in a hostel. But we needn't have worried. The Lazy Duck was perfect. With stunning views and a warm welcoming feel it had everything we needed for a relaxed cosy stay. From the woodburner in the communal kitchen/diner to the covered outside patio, where we had a glass or two of wine while warming ourselves by a large wood fire, the experince was one of being in a little country haven. With bunkbeds downstairs and two single and a double mattress upstairs the sleeping arrangments were different to what we are used to but we got a great nights sleep. The owners were very helpful and told us where everything was in the well equiped kitchen. and if we needed anything we just needed to give them a call. All in all a great place to just get away and relax. See you there !!!

We arrived at the lazy duck drenched after a trip from Applecross in pouring rain. Never have we been made so welcome, Val ushered us into the hostel, whilst throwing more logs on the fire. Once dry clothes on, Val explained the few rules i say rules but they were just common sense. We do a bit they do a bit. The reason for this others use the hostel. Fair comment. The service they provided was second to none sooo friendley. The place is a little heaven dave's ducks, sheep, geese Val's poly tunnel surrounded by forest. We stayed an extra night because we were so impressed. The sauna followed by the bush shower so refreshing.Its location is perfect not to far from the main towns but once threw the gates its like your in the middle of nowhere. Highly recommended 5* by two happy motorbikers from Oldham we will return soon