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Howe of Torbeg

Ballater, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Camping pods
Camping pods
Shepherd's hut interor
Camping pods and communal area
Camping pods
Camping pods
Camping pods
Camping pods
Camping pods
Robin, Redwing and Rowan pods interior
Robin, Redwing and Rowan pods interior
Robin, Redwing and Rowan pods interior
Robin, Redwing and Rowan pods interior
Robin, Redwing and Rowan pods interior
View from camping pods
Birch pod interior
Birch pod interior
Birch pod interior
Shepherd's hut
Shepherd's hut
Shepherd's hut
Shepherd's hut
Shepherd's interior
Shepherd's hut interior
Shepherd's hut interior
View from shepherd's hut
Facility block
Toilets and showers
Sinks
Washing up area
Communal block
Communal block dining table
Communal block cooking equipment
Communal block cooking equipment
Communal block interior
Communal block interior
The tea shack
Communal block at night
Office and wood shop
Fire starter pack
Fire pit
Fire pit

See all 42 photos

Surrounded by scenic countryside in Cairngorms National Park, Howe of Torbeg offers a base to switch off and reconnect with nature. Stay in one of four camping pods, three standard and one luxe, or an off-grid shepherd's hut with a double bed and foldout camp beds. Enjoy a cosy wood cabin, guided stargazing, or visit the tea room. Ballater village is ten minutes away with pubs and cafes. Relax with views over Glen Gairn or unwind by the fire pit.

Why choose Howe of Torbeg


Glamping site with camping pods, some with twin beds or doubles, and an off-grid shepherd's hut

Set in the Cairngorms National Park with views over Glen Gairn, and stargazing sessions onsite

Ten minutes from Ballater and 15 minutes from Balmoral Castle and Royal Lochnagar Distillery

About the site


This small glamping base is nestled in the picturesque Cairngorms National Park, surrounded by countryside views, including those over Glen Gairn. It's an ideal base for those looking to unwind and explore Aberdeenshire, with endless opportunities for hiking, cycling, and walking, as well as water sports on the lochs and tackling scenic Munros and trails. Guests can choose from three standard camping pods, Robin, Redwing, and Rowan, each sleeping two with twin or double futon beds, heating, electricity, and bedding provided. For larger families, there's a bigger pod featuring a double bed with under-bed storage, heating, and space for two adults and one younger child, with bedding and towels included. For something more secluded, Juniper, the off-grid shepherd's hut, offers a raised double bed, fold-out camp beds for children up to ten, solar lighting, and a cosy wood-burning stove. Outside every glamping unit, you'll find a deck with seating and a cast-iron fire pit. Guests can also relax in the communal cabin, complete with a wood-burning oven, seating, cooking equipment, and books, or stop by the onsite tea room. While here, take part in the guided stargazing sessions or browse the onsite shop, selling an array of handmade gifts made in the workshop. Situated on the A939, Howe of Torbeg sits along the Snow Roads Scenic Route - a 90-mile journey across Britain's highest public road, winding through the stunning landscapes of the Eastern Cairngorms. Just 15 minutes away, visit Balmoral Castle, the royal family's summer retreat, or tour the Royal Lochnagar Distillery. Sorry, dogs are not allowed here. BBQs and fires are permitted, perfect for evenings cooking in the open.

Open from 30 January to 20 December

Tripadvisor cert. of Excellence

Facilities and amenities

Accessible facilities

Allow commercial vans

Allow pets on site

Café / restaurant / takeaway

Drinking water

Family friendly

Shop

Showers

Toilets

W.C. disposal

WiFi

Communal BBQ

Fires allowed

Glamping

Open year round

Peaceful

Wash up area

Onsite, there is a 'Wash House', a heated shower block with two hot self-contained gas-powered showers and toilets. Outside is a washing up area with two covered sinks with free hot water. Guests can purchase logs and charcoal onsite.

Guests have access to 'The Snug', a communal space featuring a wood burning oven, dining tables, chairs and camping cookware. There is a 'Tea Shack', a sheltered spot to make a hot drink, with a gas stove, tea, coffee, milk and sugar. Guided stargazing sessions are hosted onsite in small groups of up to ten people. Visit the artist workshop for some homemade gifts.

For a tasty meal, head over to Rothesay Rooms, Bean For Coffee, Brown Sugar Cafe, and The Bothy Ballater, local cafes all within a ten minute drive. The Balmoral Bar is a ten minute drive, too. Ballater (10 minutes) offers Sheridan H M and Deeside Deli and Garden Shop for camping essentials.



Howe of Torbeg is ideal for...

Couples
Peace and quiet
Young children

There are 5 accommodation options on-site

Camping pods

3 x Standard Camping Pods

Max 2 people

Pods with futon beds that can be configured as a twin or double with bedding and heating. Outside, you'll find a cast iron fire bowl, a small deck area, chairs and a picnic bench. Shared facilities nearby. No dogs.

Camping pods

Birch Luxe Camping Pod

Max 3 people

Pod with double bed and roll out bed for children up to 10, under-bed storage, bedding, towels and heating. Outside, a small deck area with seating, a cast iron fire bowl, and griddle. Shared facilities nearby. No dogs.

Shepherd's hut

Juniper Sheperd's Hut

Max 4 people

Shepherds hut with a raised double bed and fold out camp beds for children with bedding and towels. Outside, a small seating area with a cast iron fire bowl and a griddle. Shared facilities nearby. No dogs.


Interested in staying at Howe of Torbeg?

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.


FAQs

Everything you need to know about Howe of Torbeg

Quick filters

Site rules

Self check-in at Howe of Torbeg is available from 3pm. Departure is due before 10am on your last day. Further check-in information will be sent 7 days before arrival.
No, Howe of Torbeg is a pet-free site.
Yes, Howe of Torbeg allows BBQs and fires in the onsite fire bowls provided. Guests are welcome to bring their own grills to use. Please bring your own wood and do not take any from the surrounding area onsite or break any branches. Disposable BBQs are not permitted.
Yes, family groups are welcome at Howe of Torbeg, but hen and stag parties are not accepted.

Pitches

There is car parking at Howe of Torbeg, and you will be allocated a space on booking. If there is more than one vehicle per pod, please let the site know when booking. Alternative parking arrangements are available for extra cars, just a short walk away.

Facilities

No, Howe of Torbeg does not have WiFi, so guests can enjoy a digital detox. However, there is a strong phone signal.
No, Howe of Torbeg does not have a shop, but Ballater is a five minute drive with a butcher, bakery, and a Co-Op for essentials. Ballater Farmer Market takes place on the last Saturday of every month, from April until November.
No, Howe of Torbeg does not have a restaurant or cafe, but Ballater is a five minute drive with plenty of options, including The Balmoral Bar and The Green Inn.
No, Howe of Torbeg does not have electric vehicle charging. However, a ten minute drive will take you to a ChargePlace Scotland Charging Station in Ballater.

What's nearby

The nearest pubs to Howe of Torbeg are a five minute drive to Ballater, including Angus and Ale and The Barrel.
Aberdeen Beach is the closest to Howe of Torbeg, an hour's drive away.
The Ringing Stone is a five minute drive from Howe of Torbeg, or visit Craigendarroch in ten minutes. Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve and Burn O'Vat are a 15 minute drive from the site.


Things to do on site and in the Ballater area

From the site, you can visit Balmoral Castle (15 minutes), a picturesque Scottish mansion and summer home of the royal family, complete with a ballroom, art collection, landscaped grounds, and a gift shop. It's a great place to soak in history, enjoy a picnic, and wander through pretty gardens.

Head to Royal Lochnagar Distillery, also 15 minutes away, for a whisky tour, or explore Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, also 15 minutes away, with its trails and wildlife. History lovers can discover Corgarff Castle (20 minutes) and Kildrummy Castle (40 minutes).

For walking and hiking, the Morven Summit (25 minutes), Drummy Woods (25 minutes), and Glen Tanar National Nature Reserve (30 minutes) offer scenic routes for all abilities. Dess Waterfall (30 minutes) is worth a visit, surrounded by peaceful woodlands.

Adventure-packed days can be spent at Deeside Activity Park (30 minutes), where you can try archery, quad biking, go-karting, and more.

With the site set in the Cairngorms National Park, you're ideally placed for wildlife spotting, watersports on the lochs, and exploring the many Munros and scenic trails.

Other local attractions include:

  • Braemar Castle (25 minutes)
  • Peel of Lumphanan (30 minutes)
  • Cullerlie Stone Circle (50 minutes)
  • Drum Castle, Garden and Estate (55 minutes)
  • Balmenach Distillery (1 hour)

Interested in staying at Howe of Torbeg?

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.

The listing for Howe of Torbeg was last updated on October 1st, 2025 at 12:25 AM