Tucked away in a private spot in a Scottish hamlet, Thyme is an elevated and dog-friendly shepherd’s hut where couples and solo travellers can truly decompress. Surrounded by the magical forests and rural views of the Lammermuir Hills, it’s an excellent base for active holidays filled with walks through the countryside as much as slow stays spent relaxing by the log burner. Thoughtfully curated in a laid-back Scandi-Scot style with natural textiles and an understated colour palette, it’s made all the better by the curved glass ceiling above the bed which is designed for stargazing on clear nights.
Climb the four steps up to the front door and enter the open-plan living space. The handmade kitchen features an induction hob and slow cooker, while the table and sitting area is set to the side with plenty of storage space in the drawers beneath the bench. This converts into a double bed and makes the most of that beautiful stargazing window above, with another placed opposite to capture views of dawn breaking across the hills. In the corner, the log burner with an unlimited supply of wood will keep you nice and cosy on cooler nights, while the heated towel rail in the bathroom will provide you with warm fluffy towels after your showers. True to the slow-living ethos, there’s no Wi-Fi or TV available, however mobile reception and 4G are generally good so you can keep in touch with the outside world as much or as little as you’d like.
Whiteadder Water flows just a few hundred metres from the door and is perfect for evening strolls along its banks before returning to your own quiet clearing, perhaps to fire up the charcoal barbecue and fire pit and relax in the outside seating area. Should the nearby Hayloft be available, there’s also the option for guests to book the wellness suite and sauna as well as yoga classes, massages, and guided meditations directly with the owner.
In the mornings, look forward to throwing open the double doors and enjoying slow breakfasts to the sound of birdsong before setting off to explore your surroundings. You’re free to roam the wider grounds with easy access to the river and a Community Orchard just a short stroll away, creating a dog-friendly route which is perfect for a leg-stretch. There’s also the option to rent stables and bring your horses along with you by separate arrangement with the owner, should you like to explore the trails on horseback. The small village of Cranshaws is situated just four miles from the border with East Lothian, where the pretty village of Gifford is home to excellent shops and cafés, while the capital city of Edinburgh lies about an hour away.
There’s an abundance of trails for walking, cycling, and horse riding in this area, including two long-distance paths that cross the stunning Lammermuir Hills – the historic Southern Upland Way and the Herring Road which runs all the way to the coastal town of Dunbar. Diverse wildlife thrives here, from roe deer and otters to ospreys and short-eared owls. Opportunities for water sports, wild swimming, and fishing are available at the nearby Whiteadder Reservoir, while a self-service cycle repair station at Longformacus Village Hall reflects how popular this area is for those exploring on two wheels – the Lammermuirs having been traversed in the Tour of Britain on several occasions.
With so much to see and do both on your doorstep and in the South of Scotland at large, Thyme is the ideal base for unhurried and outdoorsy escapes alike. Browse available dates in the calendar and book your stay now.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMODATION
Thyme Shepherd's Hut sits alongside Heather Shepherd's Hut (sleeping 2), Rosemary Safari Tent (sleeping 5) and The Hayloft, Cranshaws (sleeping 2+2).
Getting availability
