Staying on a Working Farm in the Trossachs: What to Expect
Staying on a working farm is a very different experience from staying in a hotel or standard holiday cottage, and that’s exactly why many of our guests choose Nether Glenny Farm.
Set in the Menteith Hills, within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Nether Glenny is a real, working upland farm where farming, nature, and hospitality coexist. If you’re considering a stay on a working farm for the first time, here’s what you can expect.
A real sense of place
A working farm isn’t a themed attraction or a staged experience. It’s a living landscape, shaped by seasons, weather, animals and long-term care of the land.
At Nether Glenny, that means open hills, changing light, quiet tracks and wide views rather than crowds or traffic. You’ll hear birds, wind and the occasional call of cattle. Days unfold naturally, often at a slower pace than many guests are used to, which is part of the appeal.
Animals are part of everyday life
One of the joys of staying on a working farm is sharing space with animals, but it’s important to understand that they’re not pets or displays.
Our Highland cattle live outdoors year-round and move around the farm depending on grazing needs and the time of year. You may see them from your cottage, while walking on the land, or during a hosted experience like Coos & Views. Sometimes they’ll be close by, sometimes further away. That unpredictability is simply part of farm life.
For many guests, seeing animals living naturally in their environment is one of the most memorable parts of their stay.
The farm continues while you’re here
Because this is a working farm, day-to-day tasks continue whether guests are present or not. You may see farm vehicles, fencing work or livestock being moved. These moments offer a glimpse into how the land is managed and cared for, rather than detracting from the experience.
That said, Nether Glenny is intentionally quiet. There’s no heavy industrial farming, no early-morning noise outside your door and no pressure to engage unless you want to.
Space, privacy and independence
Staying on a working farm doesn’t mean giving up comfort or privacy. The cottages and The Bothy at Nether Glenny are designed to give guests their own space, with private entrances, outdoor areas and the freedom to come and go as they please.
You can spend your days walking straight from your door into the hills, reading by the fire, soaking in a wood-fired hot tub or simply sitting with a view. Interaction with the farm is always optional.
A deeper connection to land and nature
Many guests tell us that staying on a working farm changes how they see the landscape. When you understand that the hills, woodlands and fields are actively cared for, the environment feels more alive and meaningful.
You may notice how grazing shapes the land, how rewilding areas are allowed to recover, or how wildlife moves through different habitats. These details often go unnoticed elsewhere but become part of the experience here.
It’s not about entertainment, it’s about experience
A working farm stay isn’t about scheduled activities or constant stimulation. It’s about being present in a place that has rhythm, history and purpose.
Some days you might do very little at all. Other days you might explore nearby hills, villages and lochs, or join a farm experience to learn more about how the land is managed. Both are equally valid ways to enjoy your stay.
Who a working farm stay is best suited for
Staying on a working farm tends to suit people who:
enjoy quiet, rural settings
value authenticity over polish
are comfortable with nature and weather
like having space and independence
are curious about where food, landscapes and traditions come from
It may be less suitable for those looking for nightlife, constant activity, or resort-style facilities.
A different kind of escape
For many guests, staying at Nether Glenny Farm offers something increasingly rare: time, space and a genuine connection to place. It’s not about escaping to somewhere perfect, but about stepping into somewhere real.
A working farm stay invites you to slow down, notice more and leave feeling grounded rather than entertained. And for those who choose it, that difference is exactly the point.
