Croft 21

Luxury Highland Glamping Near Beauly with Panoramic Views & Easy Access to Inverness and the NC500

Croft 21 is a boutique Highland glamping retreat set on an elevated working croft at Ruisaurie near Beauly, around 30 minutes from Inverness and ideally positioned for exploring the Scottish Highlands and North Coast 500.

Features

Location

Luxury Highland Glamping Near Beauly with Panoramic Views, Private Decks & Easy Access to Inverness and the NC500

Croft 21 is a boutique Highland glamping retreat set on an elevated working croft at Ruisaurie near Beauly, around 30 minutes from Inverness and ideally positioned for exploring the Scottish Highlands and North Coast 500. Home to just two individually designed luxury glamping pods: The Coo and The Stag - this peaceful hideaway combines panoramic Highland views and plenty of privacy with king-size beds, en-suite bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, private decking and outdoor cooking facilities. Sleeping two in The Coo or up to three in the dog-friendly Stag, Croft 21 is ideal for couples, romantic breaks, small families and NC500 travellers searching for luxury glamping near Inverness, pods near Beauly or a stylish countryside escape in the Highlands.

Its location is a major part of the appeal. Beauly is close by, Inverness is easily reached for city days and onward travel, while Loch Ness, Glen Affric, Urquhart Castle and the wider Highlands can all form part of a stay. Golfers are also well placed for courses around Beauly, Muir of Ord, Inverness and the Black Isle. Back at Croft 21, however, the pace is completely different: private decks, outdoor dining and elevated views by day followed by dark Highland skies after sunset.

Why Stay at Croft 21?

• Two boutique glamping pods, creating a much quieter and more private experience than a larger glamping site.

• Elevated working-croft setting above Beauly with panoramic Highland views.

• Approximately 30 minutes from Inverness.

• Excellent base for exploring the NC500 and wider Highlands.

• The Coo has been designed specifically as a luxury couples retreat.

• The Stag sleeps up to three and welcomes a well-behaved dog.

• King-size beds with White Company bed linen.

• Private en-suite shower rooms.

• Fully equipped kitchens rather than basic glamping cooking facilities.

• Private decked area with outdoor seating.

• Individual electric Ninja BBQ and pizza oven at each pod.

• Starlink Wi-Fi.

• Smart TVs.

• Nespresso coffee machines.

• Peaceful rural location with wildlife and livestock around the croft.

• Strong location for golfing breaks around the Inverness and Beauly area.

Croft 21 feels more like a pair of tiny boutique Highland suites than traditional camping pods. You still get the closeness to the landscape that makes glamping special, but without giving up the proper bed, private bathroom, kitchen, good coffee or comfortable place to sit at the end of the day.

The Glamping Pods

The Coo – Luxury Couples Pod

The Coo has been created specifically with couples in mind and is the more romantic of Croft 21's two glamping options.

Inside, the pod combines a king-size bed with a premium leather electric reclining sofa and a glass dining table for two, creating a comfortable space for couples who want somewhere they can genuinely relax rather than simply sleep.

The open-plan design incorporates the bedroom, living and kitchen areas, while a private en-suite means there are no shared facilities to worry about.

The Coo features

• Sleeps two.

• Designed specifically for couples.

• King-size bed.

• White Company bed linen.

• Leather electric reclining sofa.

• Glass dining table for two.

• Fully equipped kitchen.

• Private en-suite shower room.

• Blackout blinds.

• Smart TV.

• Starlink Wi-Fi.

• Private deck.

• Outdoor seating.

• Ninja electric BBQ.

• Pizza oven.

Best suited for

• Romantic Highland breaks.

• Couples' weekends near Inverness.

• Anniversaries and special occasions.

• NC500 couples road trips.

• Peaceful Highland escapes.

The Stag – Family & Dog-Friendly Pod

The Stag provides more flexibility and is Croft 21's family and dog-friendly option.

Alongside the king-size bed, the pod has a sofa bed suitable for one child aged five or over, in line with the property's licence. This makes it a good option for a couple travelling with one child who still want the comfort and privacy of boutique glamping.

The Stag features

• Sleeps up to three.

• King-size bed.

• Sofa bed for one child aged 5+.

• Dog friendly.

• White Company bed linen.

• Open-plan living and dining area.

• Fully equipped kitchen.

• Private en-suite shower room.

• Smart TV.

• Starlink Wi-Fi.

• Private decking.

• Outdoor seating.

• Ninja electric BBQ.

• Pizza oven.

Best suited for

• Couples travelling with a child.

• Dog-friendly Highland breaks.

• Small-family glamping holidays.

• NC500 road trips.

• Outdoor-focused stays near Inverness.

Inside the Pods

Both pods feature a king-size bed with White Company bed linen.

Storage has also been properly considered, with:

• Dressing table.

• Drawer storage.

• Hanging space.

• Shelf.

• Hairdryer.

• Mirror.

• Blackout blinds.

This makes Croft 21 particularly practical for guests staying several nights rather than treating the pod as a one-night NC500 stop.

Kitchen & Dining

Each pod has its own proper kitchen rather than relying on communal cooking facilities.

Facilities include:

• Two-ring electric hob.

• Combination microwave, oven and grill.

• Fridge with small freezer compartment.

• Dishwasher.

• Sink.

• Nespresso coffee machine.

• Kettle.

• Glasses.

• Plates and bowls.

• Crockery.

• Pots and frying pan.

• Kitchen utensils.

• Salt and pepper.

Guests also receive a starter pack containing tea bags, Nespresso pods, sugar, dishwasher tablets and washing-up liquid.

Private En-Suite Bathrooms

Both pods have their own en-suite bathroom with:

• Shower.

• WC.

• Vanity unit.

• Illuminated mirror.

• Electric toothbrush/shaver socket.

• Towels.

• Soap.

• Shampoo.

• Blackout blind

• Toiletries

Having a proper private bathroom is another feature worth emphasising for searches around luxury glamping near Inverness, where guests may specifically want to avoid shared campsite facilities.

Private Deck & Outdoor Cooking

Each pod opens onto its own private decked area with outdoor seating.

Rather than providing only a standard barbecue, guests have their own Ninja electric BBQ and pizza oven, making evenings at the pod part of the experience rather than simply somewhere to return after sightseeing.

The elevated position has been deliberately used to maximise the views while maintaining privacy between the pods.

Landmarks & Places to Visit Near Croft 21

Beauly and Beauly Priory

Beauly is a historic Highland village west of Inverness and provides cafés, independent shops and useful amenities for guests staying at Croft 21.

It's name is traditionally associated with the French beau lieu, meaning "beautiful place", and the village makes an easy first stop for exploring the local area.

Beauly Priory dates back to around 1230 and was one of only three Scottish priories established for the Valliscaulian order.

The surviving roofless church contains historic funerary monuments and is free to visit throughout the year.

Inverness

The Highland capital adds restaurants, shopping, museums, riverside walks and transport connections to a stay at Croft 21.

Its position also makes Croft 21 useful for visitors who want easy access to Inverness without staying in the city itself.

Loch Ness & Drumnadrochit

Loch Ness is within easy reach for a day exploring the western shore of the loch, Drumnadrochit and nearby Urquhart Castle.

This gives Croft 21 access to one of Scotland's strongest international visitor search terms while allowing guests to return to a much quieter rural base.

Urquhart Castle

Set dramatically on the western shore of Loch Ness near Drumnadrochit, Urquhart Castle is one of the Highlands' most recognisable historic sites.

The ruins overlook Loch Ness and include the remains of Grant Tower, the Watergate and earlier sections of the castle.

Glen Affric

Glen Affric is one of the Highlands' great walking and nature destinations, with ancient woodland, mountains and lochs creating a completely different landscape from the countryside around Beauly.

A circuit around Loch Affric is approximately 11 miles, while shorter routes provide options for visitors who don't want a full day's hike.

Reelig Glen

Reelig Glen offers woodland walking within easy reach of Beauly and is particularly known for its impressive collection of tall trees.

It makes a good choice for guests looking for a shorter woodland walk rather than committing to a full mountain day.

Golf Near Croft 21

Croft 21 specifically highlights its location as an ideal base for golfing breaks, and there are several courses within reach.

Aigas Golf Course

Aigas Golf Course & Holiday Cottages provides a nearby option for golfers staying around Beauly.

Search benefit: golf accommodation near Beauly.

Muir of Ord Golf Club

Muir of Ord Golf Club is another convenient local course, allowing guests to combine a relaxed glamping stay with rounds around the Inverness and Black Isle area.

Search benefit: golf breaks near Inverness.

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club provides the opportunity to add a classic coastal links experience to a Highland golf trip.

Best Walks Near Croft 21

Glen Affric – Loch Affric Circuit

Distance: Around 18 km / 11 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: A full day in classic Highland scenery

The Loch Affric circuit is one of the area's standout longer walks, combining lochside scenery, native woodland and surrounding mountains.

For guests staying several nights at Croft 21, this is the sort of walk worth dedicating an entire day to.

Reelig Glen Woodland Walk

Distance: Flexible
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Woodland, families and a shorter outing

Reelig Glen provides an easier alternative to the area's mountain walks, with forest trails beneath some remarkably tall trees.

It's particularly useful for arrival or departure days when there isn't time for a longer Highland hike.

Corrimony Chambered Cairn

Distance: Short walk
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: History and an easy Highland outing

Corrimony combines a short walk with a fascinating prehistoric site. The well-preserved Clava-type chambered cairn dates back around 4,000 years.

Abriachan Forest Trails

Distance: Various routes
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best for: Woodland, views and cycling

The community woodland at Abriachan provides a choice of walking and cycling routes in the hills above Loch Ness, making it easy to combine outdoor activity with a wider Loch Ness day trip.

Divach Falls

Distance: Short woodland walk
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best for: Waterfalls and woodland

Close to Drumnadrochit, the walk to Divach Falls is a good addition to a Loch Ness or Urquhart Castle day, especially for visitors wanting to find somewhere quieter away from the main attractions.

Dog Falls & Coire Loch, Glen Affric

Distance: Various trails
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best for: Woodland, waterfalls and shorter Glen Affric walks

Visitors don't have to tackle the full Loch Affric circuit to experience the glen. The Dog Falls area provides shorter waymarked routes through woodland and beside the river.

Romantic Glamping Breaks in Scotland

The Coo has been designed specifically for two, with a king-size bed, reclining leather sofa, private deck and outdoor cooking facilities creating a comfortable couples retreat.

NC500 Accommodation Near Inverness

Croft 21 is approximately 30 minutes from Inverness and describes itself as an ideal base for NC500 adventures.

It therefore works well either at the beginning or end of a North Coast 500 road trip, particularly for travellers who want a few quieter nights rather than immediately starting another long day on the road.

Couples Exploring Loch Ness

The location makes it easy to combine Beauly with Loch Ness, Drumnadrochit and Urquhart Castle while staying away from the busiest visitor areas.

Golfing Breaks Near Inverness

With courses around Beauly, Muir of Ord, Inverness and the Black Isle, Croft 21 provides a very different alternative to a traditional golf hotel.

Walking Holidays

Glen Affric, local woodland trails and the wider Highlands put everything from easy forest walks to full mountain days within reach.

Small Family Breaks

The Stag can accommodate two adults and one child aged five or over, giving small families the opportunity to enjoy boutique glamping without needing a larger lodge or cottage.

Practical Information

• Location: Karinya, Ruisaurie, Beauly, IV4 7EY.

• Accommodation type: Luxury glamping pods.

• Number of pods: 2.

• The Coo: Sleeps 2.

• The Stag: Sleeps up to 3.

• Beds: King-size.

• Bathrooms: Private en-suite shower room in each pod.

• Kitchen: Private fully equipped kitchen in each pod.

• Wi-Fi: Starlink.

• TV: Smart TV.

• Outdoor space: Private deck for each pod.

• Outdoor cooking: Ninja electric BBQ and pizza oven.

• Dog friendly: The Stag only.

• Setting: Working Highland croft.

• Parking: Designated parking at the bottom of the hill.

• Pod access: Approximately 50-metre steep uphill walk from the parking area.

• Check-in: From 3pm.

• Check-out: Before 11am.

• Inverness: Approximately 30 minutes away.

Important Access Information

Guests should be aware that reaching the pods involves a short but steep uphill walk of approximately 50 metres from the designated parking area.

Cars are not permitted beside the pods, and Croft 21 advises that the access may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.

This is worth making prominent on the Make It Scotland listing rather than hiding it in the small print.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Croft 21?

Croft 21 is at Ruisaurie near Beauly in the Scottish Highlands, approximately 30 minutes from Inverness.

How many glamping pods are at Croft 21?

There are just two luxury pods: The Coo and The Stag.

How many people does The Coo sleep?

The Coo sleeps two and has been designed specifically as a comfortable couples retreat.

How many people does The Stag sleep?

The Stag sleeps up to three guests, with a king-size bed and sofa bed for one child aged five or older.

Is Croft 21 dog friendly?

Yes, but only The Stag accepts a well-behaved dog. The Coo is the couples-focused pod and is not the designated dog-friendly option.

Do the pods have private bathrooms?

Yes. Both pods have their own en-suite shower room with WC, vanity unit, towels and toiletries.

Do the pods have kitchens?

Yes. Each pod has a private kitchen with a two-ring electric hob, combination microwave/oven/grill, fridge, dishwasher, Nespresso machine, kettle and cooking equipment.

Is there Wi-Fi?

Yes. Both pods have Starlink Wi-Fi.

Does Croft 21 have outdoor cooking facilities?

Yes. Each pod has its own Ninja electric BBQ and pizza oven on the private deck.

Is Croft 21 suitable for a romantic break?

Yes. The Coo has been designed specifically for couples and includes a king-size bed, leather electric reclining sofa, private deck and dining area for two.

Is Croft 21 suitable for NC500 travellers?

Yes. Croft 21 specifically promotes itself as a base for NC500 adventures and is approximately 30 minutes from Inverness.

How far is Croft 21 from Inverness?

The property states that it is approximately 30 minutes from Inverness.

Is Croft 21 a good base for visiting Loch Ness?

Yes. Its Highland location allows guests to explore the Loch Ness area while also being within easy reach of Beauly and Inverness.

Is Urquhart Castle nearby?

Urquhart Castle can be visited as part of a Loch Ness day trip. The castle sits on the western shore of Loch Ness, approximately two miles from Drumnadrochit.

Can I visit Glen Affric from Croft 21?

Yes. Glen Affric is one of the major outdoor destinations accessible from the Beauly area and offers everything from woodland walks to the approximately 11-mile Loch Affric circuit.

Is Croft 21 suitable for golfers?

Yes. Croft 21 specifically identifies golfing breaks as one of the reasons to stay, with several courses around Beauly, Muir of Ord, Inverness and the Black Isle.

Can you park beside the pod?

No. Cars remain in the designated parking area at the bottom of the hill. Guests then walk approximately 50 metres uphill to reach the pods.

Is Croft 21 suitable for guests with limited mobility?

The steep uphill access from the parking area means Croft 21 advises that the property may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.

Is Croft 21 on a working croft?

Yes. Guests may encounter livestock and wildlife during their stay. The owners also have an English Springer Spaniel that free-roams on the croft.

Plan Your Stay

If you're searching for luxury glamping near Inverness, a romantic pod in the Scottish Highlands or somewhere special to begin or finish an NC500 road trip, Croft 21 combines a wonderfully quiet location with considerably more comfort than traditional glamping.

Choose The Coo for a couples retreat or The Stag for a small family or dog-friendly stay. Spend your days exploring Beauly, Glen Affric and Loch Ness, playing a round of golf or heading further into the Highlands, then return to your private deck, fire up the pizza oven and watch the light change across the landscape.

With only two pods on the croft, the experience remains small, peaceful and personal – exactly what a Highland escape should feel like.