Multi Award-Winning Rural Retreat in the Heart of Scotland
Looking to escape the everyday and reconnect with nature without losing the comforts of home? Tucked away in a forest clearing, Marthrown of Mabie is your ultimate off-grid Scottish retreat. As a two-time winner of The Guardian’s Top 10 Rural Hostels and Campsites, here are 10 unbeatable reasons why this hidden gem should be your next staycation destination in the UK.
1. Unique Yurt Glamping in Southern Scotland
Our handcrafted Mongolian yurts offer so much more than just a night under canvas. They’re a haven of comfort and charm. Each yurt includes a wood-burning stove (super cosy in the winter!), a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, a double bed and sofa bed. Outside you’ll even find a private shower, fridge-freezer and composting loo with a view! Its perfect for a romantic break or a memorable family escape. With two larger deluxe yurts just added, this is glamping at its most magical. The ideal romantic or family vacation to treat yourselves to simply something different.
2. Forest Adventures: Endless Fun for Kids
Let your kids be wild again! Marthrown of Mabie is the ideal staycation destination to allow your little ones (and big ones) to let off some steam. With direct access to the famous 7 Stanes mountain biking trails, forest rope courses, and acres of woodland to roam. Marthrown is a playground crafted by nature. Rain or shine, there’s always something for them to explore, build, or discover. Quickly find how happy your kids are to have mud between their toes again. Each of our accommodation options is equipped with a hot shower for a lovely rinse off at the end of the day.
3. Soak Under the Stars in Our Wood-Fired Hot Tub
‘Tree Bathing’ is an age-old way to reconnect the chakras inside of you, and we have a wood fired hot tub just waiting for you to relax and unwind. Rediscover peace and presence while you soak in our wood-fired hot tub beneath the night sky. Switch off your torch and gaze at the Milky Way as the sounds of the forest surround you. It’s a natural, soul-soothing experience you won’t forget, no matter your age. Be sure to book hot tub before you arrive as it takes a bit of time to get going.
4. Detox in the Swedish Sauna (and Brave the Bucket Shower!)
Our traditional Swedish steam sauna is also a hit with all the family. The perfect place to unwind and release all the toxins for your skin. With eucalyptus oil on tap, clear your sinuses and feel yourself heal holistically. As for the kids, just wait until you hear the scream as you turn the bucket shower on and cool down! Don’t worry… They always go back for more!
5. Day Trips to the Solway Coast
The Lake District may be blessed with lakes to sail upon, the Solway Coastline has some of the UK’s most stunning beaches, which Marthrown is lucky enough to look right out over. Just a 20-minute drive away lies the Solway Coast, home to secluded beaches, rock pools, and wide-open sand perfect for kite flying or wetsuit adventures. Swap the crowds of the Lake District for this coastal gem overlooking the Irish Sea. With self-catering available in all our accommodations, you can get home to a cosy meal too.
6. Turn Off The Tech – A Digital Detox in Nature
Reconnect with your family and disconnect from screens. At Marthrown, kids want to put their phones down. With safe woodland to roam, wild spaces to explore, and campfires to gather around, this is how childhood is meant to feel.
7. Wild Swimming at Lochaber
Lochaber is a stunning freshwater loch that is only a 20-minute bike ride away from Marthrown of Mabie. Reserved for bird watchers and anglers, it’s also a dream spot for wild swimming. Surrounded by quiet forest, you’ll feel like you’ve found your own slice of paradise. The lake is fun for all the family; a stunning place to bathe, you might as well be in Plitvice Lakes or Lake Como, showing that Mabie Forest really does have it all at your fingertips.
8. Dog-Friendly Glamping in Scotland
Your dog deserves a holiday too! All of our accommodations – yurts, bell tent, bunkhouse, campsite, and Celtic roundhouse – are dog-friendly. With miles of trails and woodland to sniff, our late black lab Rowan agrees it’s heaven for hounds. Marthrown is the ideal staycation destination for your canine family members too. Our only condition is that they are good with other dogs, and have well-trained owners!
9. Ride-In, Ride-Out: Explore the 7Stanes Mountain Bike Trails
Imagine a ski chalet where you can click into your skis and glide straight onto the slopes… now swap skis for bikes and snow for forest trails and that’s Marthrown of Mabie. Located right on the 7Stanes Mabie Trail Centre, you can literally bike to your front door. No driving, no loading gear! Just wake up, roll out, and hit the tracks. A must-visit for mountain bikers of all ages and levels. Whether you’re a beginner or pro, you’ll find adventure among these world-class mountain biking trails. Come and enjoy the endless tracks in the forest all year round. This is ride-in, ride-out mountain biking at its best. Plus our stone built bunkhouses make for cosy hide-aways in the colder months!
10. Eco-Friendly: Easily Accessible From Major UK Cities By Rail
Looking for a getaway that’s good for you and the planet? Marthrown of Mabie makes it easy. We’re perfectly positioned in Southern Scotland, just:
Ditch the flight, skip the stress, and step into a slower rhythm. Travelling by train or car-sharing not only reduces your carbon footprint, it sets the tone for an experience that’s all about reconnection with nature, loved ones, and yourself.
Plan Your Marthrown Escape Today
Ready to plan your next adventure? Whether it’s a romantic forest retreat, a family glamping holiday, or a celebration under the stars, Marthrown of Mabie is where unforgettable memories are made.
To enquire or book now, please contact the booking office on 01387 247900.
Marthrown of Mabie – Unique Forest Accommodation
Glamping in Scotland is becoming more and more popular, and Marthrown of Mabie is ideally located in the heart of Mabie Forest, Dumfries and Galloway. We offer an exciting mix of unique and unusual accommodation. From an authentic Iron Age Celtic Roundhouse and cosy yurts to our charming cottages, bell tent, and rustic camping area.
Whether you’re planning a group retreat, a family holiday, or a romantic escape, you’ll find “Simply Something Different” here in this beautiful corner of Southern Scotland.
We can comfortably accommodate groups of all sizes with a variety of unique options.
