A paradise for lovers
of wildlife and nature
Pentland Hills
Built in 2021
2 luxury lodges
From £320 per night
ABOUT
Situated in 20 acres of mixed woodland Merklands Wood luxury lodges are a paradise for lovers of wildlife and nature. Perfectly located for exploring the beautiful Scottish Borders and as a base for exploring further afield; Edinburgh, Glasgow, Loch Lomond, the West Coast or the Highlands, wherever you care to roam.
The wood itself is comprised of native Scottish upland trees which you will share with the wildlife including a small herd of roe deer that live there. Subject to gates being shut the wood provides a secure area where dogs can run free. Additionally, you will enjoy access to two fields which can also be used to exercise dogs or e.g. ball activities. Introduce your dog to agility with our jumps, weave and tunnel. The larger of the fields has free running water so feel free to bring your horse or pony at no extra charge.

As soon as you step out the door you are in the Pentland Hills on the edge of the Scottish Borders yet only 20 minutes from the Edinburgh City by-pass and 45 minutes from Glasgow City centre. The wood is located on the lower slope of the White Hill at the southern end of the Pentlands. The local area provides wonderful walking and cycling opportunities. Surrounded by trees the location of the lodges is perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature. A short walk to the top of the White Hill will reward you with views stretching from the hills on Arran and Ben Lomond on Scotland’s west coast to Berwick Law on the east coast. It is a perfect place for viewing the Pentland Hills and the Scottish Border Hills. The wood itself has a number of walking paths through the trees. We try to maintain a few kilometres each year. We can also advise on other local walks with or without dogs or cycling routes of every variety. The nearest village West Linton is about 4 miles away and you can take a walk or cycle to the pub and back. Go out on the right of way that runs to the west of the Mendick hill past some prehistoric archaeology and then return on the right of way to the east along the old Roman road.
Free WiFi
Free Parking
Electric Vehicle Charging
Pet Friendly
Hot Tub
Fully Fitted Kitchen
Washer & Dryer
Welcome Pack
Nearby ATTRACTIONS
The visitscotland.com website lists 752 things to see or do within 30 miles of Dolphinton, here are a few of our favourites
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe. With a long rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress, it is alive with many exciting tales.
New Lanark village World Heritage Site
New Lanark is a former 18th century cotton spinning mill village located on the banks of the Falls of Clyde just under 1 hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Rosslyn Chapel
Stunning and amazing. It always has been well known but now world famous thanks to Dan Brown’s book The Da Vinci Code
Little Sparta
Little Sparta is Ian Hamilton Finlay’s greatest work of art. An internationally acclaimed garden across seven acres of a wild and exposed moorland site.
The Biggar Puppet Theatre
Biggar Puppet Theatre is the home of the world famous Scottish puppet theatre company, the International Purves Puppets
Biggar Gas Works
Enter what was one of the first small-town gasworks to open in Scotland – and among the last to close. For more than 130 years, the industrial plant made coal gas for use in the town and beyond.
Glentress and Innerleithen:
Glentress is one of the world class mountain bike venues. It features a wide range of trails for beginners and experts alike.
Make your own chocolate
Developed by UK World Chocolate Master, Ruth Hinks, classes are perfect for those wanting to work with chocolate or pastry.
Edinburgh Festivals
Edinburgh of course is famed for being the world’s leading festival city – and it’s easy to see why.



Visit Scotland in Style
The perfect getaway in the perfect location for enjoying nature. We couldn’t believe we were only 30 minutes from Edinburgh city centre.