Falling in Love with Ancarraig All Over Again: Our Snowy Escape
“Sometimes, the best experiences come from unexpected moments. This couldn't be truer of our recent accidental blissful retreat at Ancarraig Lodges.”
A Chance to Reconnect
James and I have been the custodians of Ancarraig for the last decade, and it's fair to say that over the past few years, our focus naturally shifted as we poured our energy into growing WildTrax and launching Native Automotive - exciting ventures that took us on a wild ride and still do! Ancarraig, meanwhile, continued to provide the same cosy, peaceful escape for our guests. Still, we realised during our recent stay that we’d become a little distant from its magic, and a spontaneous, snowy adventure changed everything.
Snowed In: The Beginning of Something Wonderful
What started as a routine trip to make improvements turned into something else entirely as the weather closed in around us. Luckily we'd stopped in at WildTrax first to swap into a Land Rover Discovery to help us breeze the wintery travel conditions and to give us ample space for the materials and supplies we were taking. This beast of a 4x4 really came into its own as the snow fell, allowing us to continue to our destination where others were struggling. With our doggo (called Lando) by our sides, we hunkered in for the night with the log burner roaring, a bottle of red wine and a stew bubbling away on the stove. In that moment, I was reminded of the very first night we spent at Ancarraig, back when we had gone to view the site before purchasing it in 2015. Despite not having half the amenities the cabins have now, the feeling was the same - wholesome, blissful peace and an overwhelming sense of retreat from the hustle and bustle of life. Falling asleep to the crackle of the fire surrounded by the serene peace of the snow reminded us of the enchanting spell that the unique charm of Ancarraig can cast.
“it's the simple joys in life that make everything worthwhile.”
Rediscovery: Exploring Snowy Bliss
We spent the next two days re-connecting with what has been hiding in plain sight for us all this time - 12 acres of woodland hillside with beautiful lakes, fresh mountain water meandering through the landscape, far-reaching views of the Great Glen that frames Loch Ness and the snow-covered peaks beyond. Our wonderful groundsman Allan has been crafting something special: a woodland wilderness walkway, lined with young Caledonian Pine trees that are thriving in their natural and native environment. This serene trail let us wander through the site, soaking in its hidden highlights and rediscovering the beauty that's been quietly growing all around us. Lando, hailing from a climate much colder than here, was in his absolute element, snuffling through the snowy woodland and amassing his own collection of snowballs on his coat - he was like a young pup again. Watching him bounce from one snowy mound to another reminded us that it's the simple joys in life that make everything worthwhile.
“The crackling fires, snow-dusted trees, and the simple joy of being tucked away in the Highlands made us realise just how special this place is.”
The Moment We Didn’t Want to End
As the roads cleared, we could have gone home. We probably should have gone home. But we didn't - we weren't ready to tear ourselves away from the simple bliss we'd become hooked on all over again. Instead, we took the time to re-explore a little further afield with the sturdy and stoic Discovery as our steed. We visited Cafe Eighty2 in the village of Drumnadrochit for the most amazing breakfast and chai lattes, then on to Glen Affric to see the majestic forest playground in all its glory. We cruised around Loch Ness, reminded of just why it is that people from all over the world come here, to experience the mystery and the dark murky magic lurking beneath the surface and in the picture-perfect hills all around it. The amazing team at the Loch Ness Inn hosted us for a beautiful dinner in their newly refurbished Brewery Bar, and with full bellies we retreated once again to our corner of paradise for yet another night, snuggled in our cabin away from it all. The crackling fires, snow-dusted trees, and the simple joy of being tucked away in the Highlands made us realise just how special this place is. Knowing that all good things come to an end, we headed back home, and left feeling reconnected — to the lodges, to each other, and to the heart of what makes Ancarraig so enchanting. An added bonus was having a full service and valet undertaken on our own car while we left it at Native Automotive!
A Special Invitation: Black Friday 25% Off
We want to share this magic with you. For Black Friday, we’re offering 25% off both Lodge stays and Land Rover hire. Whether you’re craving a cosy retreat or an adventure in a Land Rover, now’s the time to experience Ancarraig Lodges and WildTrax for yourself. Our snowed-in experience reminded us why we fell in love with the Highlands and our businesses in the first place. We hope this Black Friday offer inspires you to find your own adventure or moment of peace. Come stay, explore, and fall in love with the magic.
Visit Ancarraig Lodges using code ANC25 and WildTrax using code TRAX25 to take advantage of our Black Friday 25% off deal.
In order to take advantage of this amazing discount, bookings must be made and paid for in full by Monday 2nd December and they will be non-refundable and non-transferable.
Written by Rose, co-owner of Ancarraig Lodges, WildTrax Adventure and Native Automotive.