October 9th 2024.
Morag Bootland decided to take her family and their dog on a relaxing autumn break at Hidden River Cabins in Cumbria, just south of the Scottish border. As they drove through the picturesque countryside of the Scottish Borders and into Dumfries and Galloway, Morag pondered on what makes the perfect autumn getaway. For her family, it had to be a peaceful and nature-filled location, with cozy and comfortable accommodations. Bonus points if it had a touch of luxury. Of course, being dog-friendly was also a must, along with great food and the option to either stay active or take some time to recharge.
Upon arriving at Hidden River Cabins, Morag couldn't help but mentally check off her checklist in anticipation of some much-needed rest and relaxation. This family-run business, situated on a farm near Longtown in Cumbria, was just a short distance from Gretna. It was originally a dairy farm, but about ten years ago, the owner, Rob Carr, decided to diversify and welcome guests to this idyllic part of the world. Starting with six log cabins made from UK timber, the business has since grown to include cottages, houses, a café, and even a wedding venue.
However, not all log cabins are created equal, and Morag was pleasantly surprised by the cabins at Hidden River. Made from entire tree trunks, they were carefully carved and stacked like ski chalets. Their home for the weekend was the Kingfisher Cabin, perched above the River Lyne with a spacious deck, outdoor seating, and a hot tub. From there, they could watch the ducks on the river during the day and enjoy the aerial acrobatics of bats at twilight. The interior was just as impressive, with a large, open-plan living area equipped with a wood-burning stove, underfloor heating, and a giant TV. For their teenage son, there were comfortable leather sofas, while the well-equipped kitchen and two bathrooms with impressive showers and a giant bathtub added to the luxurious feel.
The cabin could accommodate up to eight people, but as a family of three with their furry friend, they had a choice of bedrooms. They opted for the ones at the front, which had super king-sized beds and led out to a glass-fronted balcony with stunning views of the river and fields. Although the trees were still green, there was a noticeable chill in the air, hinting at the vibrant autumn colors that would soon adorn the landscape. As they sat on the balcony, they even spotted deer grazing and buzzards soaring overhead, with the gentle sound of the river adding to their peaceful surroundings.
Each of the six cabins was thoughtfully positioned to offer maximum privacy and tranquility. Taking their dog for a walk around the site, Morag and her family were able to appreciate the other cabins, each strategically placed to take advantage of the river and countryside views.
Their love for good food was well taken care of, thanks to a local business called Cranstons. They visited their food hall in Brampton, just a 15-minute drive from Hidden River Cabins, where they picked up an Eden Luxury Crate filled with delicious goodies like biscuits, beer, and chilli jam. They also stocked up on some breakfast essentials, including excellent black pudding and bacon for a Sunday morning feast.
For dinner on their second night, they visited the Hidden River Café, which was within easy walking distance. The charming wooden cabin was adorned with fairy lights and warmed by a wood burner, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The menu was concise, offering a selection of starters, mains, and desserts. Morag's son was pleased to see some familiar options like chicken or fish goujons and sausages, and he also enjoyed the freshly baked focaccia with whipped butter and romesco sauce. As for the adults, they indulged in saffron arancini with garlic aioli and a rich black pudding scotch egg for starters, followed by a venison burger topped with pickled onion rings, chorizo jam, and cheese for Mr. Bootland, and a curried cauliflower and lentil dahl pie for Morag. Despite being stuffed, they couldn't resist a spicy margarita for dessert.
After a satisfying meal, they made their way back to Kingfisher Cabin, where the comfortable leather sofas were calling their names. However, the starry sky was too captivating to pass up, and they ended up sitting on the deck for a while longer, taking in the peacefulness of the night and marveling at the stars, unobstructed by light pollution.
As their time at Kingfisher Cabin came to an end, Morag and her family left feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. The cabins offered a luxurious level of accommodation, perfect for a family getaway, but their rustic charm and rural setting also allowed for a real connection with nature. Hidden River Cabins truly offers the best of both worlds.
For those interested in booking a stay, the contact information for Hidden River Cabins and Cranstons Brampton Foodhall is provided. And for more reviews and travel inspiration, be sure to subscribe to Scottish Field.
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