Rottal Bothy, KIRRIEMUIR

Rated 4/50 by Izzystrawbridge on 13th June 2019

"There are lots of great things here that the vendor doesn't advertise but should. There is a hair dryer, iron and ironing board, clothes horse and warm large walk in closet next to the biomass boiler for easy drying of any washing, washing and dishwasher tablets are supplied as well as washing up liquid, cloths, tea towels, oven gloves. Extra towels and bed linen if needed and plenty of hand soap. The kitchen is well stocked with plenty of crockery and cutlery and has a microwave as well as single oven and induction hob, the pans supplied are fairly small so if you're planning to do a one pot wonder you might need to bring a large heavy bottomed pan. Tea, coffee and sugar are supplied, there was a lovely welcome basket with shortbread chocolate and original macaroon bar, a fresh pint of milk in the fridge and fresh flowers. They also have a shelf of jams, salt, pepper, soup, sauces etc and only ask that if you finish something you replace it... but we didn't use anything as I brought everything we needed for planned meals as the closest food shop is about 25min drive away. The bothy is very comfortable, cosy and surprisingly spacious, with really effective heating if needed. The beds are very confortable with feather down pillows and duvets, but it is two singles together, including two single duvets. It has it's own little garden at the back with a bench but there is an unfenced very fast flowing deep burn so we didn't spend much time there as we had a dog with us, and the evening Sun was at the front so we tended to sit on the bench there to enjoy the last of the sun after a day of hiking. The burn attracted midges which weren't around the front of the bothy so it was better out front anyway. Every room is beautiful and well kept except the main bathroom which is slightly tired but clean. There is a slight con, the shower is electric over bath and very temperamental temperature on the power setting so we used it on economy which meant fairly low pressure. Something that might bother some people is the water, it's so rural there is no mains water so the water is a natural source from the hills which is lovely and soft and goes through a heavy filter and UV but still looks slightly discoloured, bottled water might be worth bringing if that bothers you. Our water at home is from a spring with the same filtration system (but is clear)... so it didn't bother us or affect us in any way. The area and immediate setting of the Bothy are absolutely stunning. We will definitely be back! I'd recommend walking to Loch Brandy from the Glen Clova Hotel (5 min drive from Bothy to hotel) and visiting Corrie fee national Park (Glen Doll ranger base starting point is 20 mins drive from bothy) as well as Montrose Beach (about 50 mins drive away). The Glen Clover hotel and Drovers inn are both great for food and doggy friendly. The Bothy is on a working farm which is part of the Rottal estate but is very quiet, we met the farmer who lives next door and is very friendly, but there was no farm noise at all during our week long stay. Book it, it's lovely."