Bamff Ecotourism

The Ramsays have been at Bamff since it was given by King Alexander II of Scotland to Paul's ancestor, the King's doctor, in 1232 for saving his life by an early surgical operation. Paul and I have lived at Bamff for since the early eighties and brought up our four children here. We have built up the tourism side of the business since 2002. The place is well known for its early beaver reintroduction, in 2002, and for its pioneering farm scale rewilding project, since 2020 with free roaming ungulates including a wild herd of Exmoor ponies. Paul, an ecologist and naturalist is a great source of information on natural history, history, placenames, and a multitude of other subjects both locally and further afield. We are both keen environmentalists, campaigning on a range of issues. We run the estate together with the help of Sophie, our daughter. Like everyone at Bamff Paul and Louise always enjoy chatting to guests and answering any questions about the estate or the surrounding area. Paul will happily take you out to look for beavers if you would like.

There are seven different places to stay at Bamff Ecotourism, all well spaced out from each other on a private estate well known for its rewilding project and beavers. There are: 3 fully equipped cottages: The Lodge, Old Brewhouse & Easter Bamff each with 2 bedrooms but all different so check the details. 2 Shepherd's Huts (Rewilder's Hut and Birder's Bothy). The Rewilder's Hut has a double bed and Birder's Bothy has a double bed and full-sized bunks. The hut and bothy are close to a composting loo and an on grid loo and shower. The Shepherd's Huts, Hideaway and the Burnieshead Cabin are entirely off-grid and all have very simple camping style cooking options. All have solar powered lights with batter back up. The Hideaway has an off grid shower and a composting loo and the Burnieshead Cabin just has a loo - but access to a shower at the back of the castle shared with the hut and bothy.. All the off-grids can use the Honesty Shop at the back of the Castle for charging and internet. The Hideaway is not a good place for bonfires or barbecues as it is very close to the beavers and the woods. It's a especially good for people who like to watch wildlife. There is free parking for everyone who stays at Bamff although in the case of the Hideaway and Burnieshead cabin you need to walk a distance from your car. (The cabin is 600 m from the car parking place). Some provisions and others are sold in a little honesty shop at the back of the castle. Dogs are allowed at all but Hideaway and Burnieshed cabin.

For those that love wildlife, Bamff is hard to beat. The environmental conservation management on the estate over 30 years has led to maturing native woodland of birch and hazel, oak and pine, providing habitat for roe deer, red squirrels, stoats and weasles, foxes and badgers and literally dozens of species of bird. The beaver wetlands play host to otters, water voles, fish, dragon-flies and hundreds of frogs and toads. Wildlife photographers will have a feast staying here. Our renowned rewilding project includes free roaming cattle, pigs and ponies. Red squirrels and pine Martens are also flourishing here. Bamff is a great place to come for a romantic holiday for two, or a place to bring your children to explore Bamff, or enjoy the many local activities. The wider area also offers a large range of possibilities, from off road cycling on the hill of Alyth to walking the Cateran Trail, from golf to white water rafting, and from riding to visiting castles. There are a number of excellent restaurants in the area for food-lovers. Glamis, Scone Palace, Blair Castle and Balmoral are all within easy driving distance. Bamff is also a good spot for Glenshee skiers in the winter, and visitors taking part in the many activities available in this beautiful and central part of Scotland.