The space

Set in the centre of Aviemore, The Shelter Stone is a roomy self-catering house made for groups who want plenty of space to be together without feeling on top of one another. Sleeping up to 13 guests across six bedrooms, it works beautifully for a hen weekend that mixes relaxed nights in, big shared meals, outdoor activities and easy access to the town.

This is a great choice for hens who want the freedom of their own private base in the Cairngorms National Park. You can start the day slowly with coffee in the kitchen, head out for a walk by the loch or an activity-packed afternoon, then come back to the house for drinks, games and dinner around the table. The private garden gives you an outdoor spot for a BBQ when the weather plays along, while the large lounge with a wood burning stove is a cosy setting for quieter evenings, gift opening, hen party games or a laid-back movie night.

With exclusive use of the house, off-road parking, an EV charge point and secure external storage for outdoor gear, the property is practical as well as sociable. It is especially well suited to groups who want a Highland hen weekend with a balance of comfort, scenery and things to do nearby.

Inside the house

The accommodation is spread across six bedrooms, giving the group a useful mix of sleeping arrangements. There are three double rooms, two twin rooms and one family room with a double and a single, making it easy to organise the bride tribe into couples, close friends or smaller room groups. Three of the bedrooms have en suite facilities, and there is also an additional family bathroom plus a separate toilet, helping everyone get ready with less queuing before a night out or a full day of activities.

The main lounge is large and welcoming, with a wood burning stove that adds a cosy Highland feel, particularly for autumn and winter stays. It is the natural gathering point for the group, whether you are planning a prosecco reception, a themed games evening, a pamper night with face masks, or simply a comfortable place to chat after dinner.

There is a separate dining room, which is a big plus for hen groups. It gives you space for a celebratory meal, afternoon tea, a homemade brunch, or a decorated dinner table for the bride-to-be. The kitchen is well equipped for self-catering, so you can keep the weekend flexible, from easy breakfasts and grazing boards to a full group dinner. A separate utility room with a Belfast sink and washing machine adds extra convenience, especially if the weekend includes muddy walks, watersports or biking.

Hen weekend highlights

The Shelter Stone is all about space, location and group-friendly living. The private garden with picnic tables is a lovely bonus for a relaxed afternoon at the house. Fire up the BBQ, set out drinks and snacks, put together a hen playlist and enjoy a low-key garden gathering with the Cairngorms atmosphere all around you.

While there is no on-site hot tub or games room listed, the house has plenty of sociable spaces for your own entertainment plans. The lounge is ideal for classic hen party games, quizzes, cocktail-making challenges or a cosy night by the stove. The dining room can be dressed up for a special meal, a surprise celebration or a bride-focused activity, and the self-catering set-up makes it easy to bring in your own decorations, food and drinks.

For groups who want a wellness angle, Aviemore and the surrounding area offer opportunities to build in slower moments, from gentle woodland walks and loch-side strolls to local spa or treatment options that can be arranged separately. For more adventurous hens, the Cairngorms deliver year-round activities including mountain biking, watersports, hill walking, horse riding, pony trekking, quad biking, golf, fishing and winter snow sports at Cairngorm Mountain or The Lecht.

The secure external storage is handy if your group is bringing bikes, boards, walking kit or ski gear, and the off-road parking makes arrivals simpler for guests travelling by car.

Location & getting around

Aviemore is one of the best bases in the Scottish Highlands for groups who want activities, scenery and a lively village atmosphere in one place. The Shelter Stone sits in the centre of Aviemore, putting you close to local shops, cafés, restaurants and bars, so the group can enjoy the town without needing to spend the whole weekend driving.

For daytime plans, you are surrounded by Cairngorms National Park experiences. Loch Morlich and Loch an Eilein are lovely choices for scenic walks and photo stops, while the wider area offers everything from gentle trails to more challenging mountain routes. If the bride loves the outdoors, you can plan a weekend around biking, paddleboarding, pony trekking or winter sports. If the group prefers something more relaxed, consider a visit to Cairngorm Brewery, local distilleries, the Strathspey Steam Railway, or a slow lunch after a loch-side wander.

Family attractions like Highland Wildlife Park and Landmark Forest Adventure Park are also nearby, which can be fun for groups looking for something playful and different during the day. With plenty of off-road parking at the house and an EV charge point, it is a convenient base for exploring by car, while the central Aviemore setting keeps local amenities close at hand.

Enquire today

If you are planning a hen weekend in Aviemore and want a spacious private house for up to 13 guests, The Shelter Stone is a strong choice for a sociable Highland stay. Message the host with your preferred dates, group size and any plans you have in mind, and start shaping a relaxed, activity-filled celebration around this welcoming Cairngorms base.