Thistle Dhu Bed & Breakfast

I traveled this spring with my husband and his brother on a four-week trip that took us to England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. This was originally planned for 2020, but of course was delayed. When I was rescheduling the trip, I completely rearranged our schedule so we could book Thistle Dhu. During the original planning, everything about it made us want to stay here, and it did not disappoint! Hosts Pat and Andy are absolutely lovely: friendly, knowledgeable and generous. Their meals were wonderful, with many choices. The setting of this charming home is exactly what we were searching for: nestled in farmland where my husband literally counted sheep one afternoon for a nap. The rooms are quiet and spacious and the grounds inviting, with places to sit for a quiet read. We stayed four nights; we took several walks/hikes, one in particular that Pat suggested, through farms and fields so pleasant and green I didn't want the walk to end. We could practically see Glenlivet Distillery from the B&B (well worth the tour) but we drove to the places we wanted to visit, as this is a rural area-truly part of its charm and why we wanted to stay here. We hiked Smugglers Trail and took a day trip to Ballater and Aberdeen. We had a really nice dinner at the Clockhouse in Tomintoul and a delicious lunch at Lagmore Cafe in Ballindalloch. There is a designated Dark Sky Park in the Cairngorms National Park, but we were there when the nights were short and the days long, with a nearly full moon to boot- so little chance of seeing many stars until late into the night/early morning. Driving through Cairngorms National Park is indescribable; the undisturbed views along the roller coaster roads are breathtaking. I would highly recommend Thistle Dhu B&B; we would go back in a heartbeat! I miss waking up to the sheep outside our bedroom window!

Stay at Thistle Dhu was an absolute highlight of our trip through Scotland this May. I do not write reviews often, but here I need to - this place is really beautiful. Immaculately clean, bright, spacious rooms, with everything you need. Whole house is very nicely decorated, you can see the owners put a lot of love into all of it. The garden is great as well, you can use the patio, sit down and enjoy the peaceful surrounding. The owners were very nice, we were able to get a dinner and had a delicious cooked brekfast. Can only recommed. Thank you for the stay! Hana & family

On a family motorcycle tour weekend and stayed here after our tasting session at The Glenlivet. Andy and Pat couldn't have been more charming, helpful and welcoming - and we had the best night's stay of our trip in their immaculately presented and most comfortable home. Typical of their attention to detail was that even the bikes were considered, with Andy meeting us with planks to stop the stands sinking into the gravel drive!