ern's: Log on: Britain's cutest log cabins

From boutique lodges to simple fishing huts, here's our pick of the perfect cabins for when you want to hide away somewhere cosy

The Lodge, Eden Hall, Penrith, Cumbria

All log cabins should, of course, be set in vast sweeps of Canadian wilderness with a river on which grizzlies fish for salmon. You'll have to supply your own bears here but everything else ? from the cabin's lonely setting on the wooded banks of the river Eamont to the salmon in the river itself ? is 100% wild. The Lodge comes with a wrought-iron spiral staircase, a woodburner and a veranda from which to watch passing deer. Go before the end of March and pick-ups (from Penrith Station) and bikes are thrown in free.
? The Lodge (sleeps four) from �975 a week; canopyandstars.co.uk

Shank Wood, Longtown, Cumbria

Handcrafted by a local farmer from sitka spruce from the nearby Kielder Forest, the Shank Wood log cabin is an idyllic escape if you want to put up a "Gone Fishing" sign. This basic-but-beautiful fishing hideaway is set in a completely private spot in 140 acres of ancient woodland, close to the banks of the river Lyne, where wild brown and sea trout will taunt you. Luckily there are supplies available from the butcher in Brampton and Carlisle is nearby. The cabin has no running water, the loo is outside, and lighting is solar powered, but there's a toasty woodburner, a sun terrace and two mattresses on the mezzanine.
? Shank Wood (sleeps four) from �90 per night; 01228 791 801, fishinghideaway.co.uk

Lodges at Coombe Mill, St Breward, Bodmin, Cornwall

Got small children? Roll right up. This working farm on the river Camel has four Scandinavian lodges ? including the newly built eco-friendly Trebah ? and is chocka with "child-friendly animals" including deer, miniature donkeys and wabbits. There are daily tractor rides, 30 acres of woodland, meadows and gardens to romp around in, plus outdoor and indoor play areas. Oh, and something for adults too ? sleek furniture, luxury fixtures and Egyptian cotton sheets.
? Trebah (sleeps four ? other cabins sleep seven) from �325 a week; 01208 850344, coombemill.com

Hoe Grange, Brassington, Derbyshire

Veering more towards the shed end of the log cabin world ? which should please a lot of men of a certain age ? this award-winning farm's fourth and most recent addition, Daisybank, opens next month. Stay indoors (the central heating is from a ground-source pump) and enjoy the views of the Peak District, or walk, cycle or ride the eight-mile Hoe Grange Time Travellers Trail. Book Daisybank's opening week (18-25 February) and you'll get a free bottle of champagne. Corking!
? Daisybank (sleeps six) from �445 (10% discount for those arriving on foot/bicycle/public transport); 01629 540262, hoegrangeholidays.co.uk

Greenway Lodge, Kilve, Somerset

Taking the concept of the log cabin to its most luxurious extreme, Greenway Lodge is packed with the most mod of mod cons (it's worth going just to find out what an "inskirator hot-tap" is). Perched on the Quantock Hills, it has views from the garden across the fields and over the Bristol Channel ? you'll be desperately thumbing through your thesaurus for synonyms for "gosh". There's a beach a mile-and-a-half away and a village pub up the road.
? Greenway Lodge (sleeps six) from �425 a week; 01237 426796, holidaycottages.co.uk

Maengwynedd Log Cabins, Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant, Powys

The Berwyn Mountains are lovely ? everyone who knows keeps schtum so the crowds head for Snowdonia instead. At Maengwynedd, high up in the Berwyns, there are three cabins complete with hot tubs, oak and pine furniture, Wi-Fi (just say no!) and glorious views. The owners can also book you some mountain biking, hiking and white-water rafting with a local company, so there's really no excuse not to get out and about. But remember: this conversation never happened.
? Maengwynedd Log Cabins (each sleeps six) from �380; 01691 780388, maengwyneddlogcabins.co.uk

Dwr Dy Felin Log Cabins, Carno, Powys

Handcrafted from European silver pine, these three log cabins ? complete with cute balconies ? really look the part. Set in a secluded corner of a working farm, they have a smart, boutique-y feel. Fans of greenness will be pleased with the sustainable heating set-up that also powers the hot tub. The area is teeming with footpaths and mountain bike trails. And when you get back, you can scrub up in one of three bathrooms before ordering a massage. Mmmm.
? Ty Afal, Ty Ceirios & Ty Peren (each sleeps six) from �490 a week; 07543 380048, dwryfelin.co.uk

Milk Wood Lodge & Wnion Wood, Dolgellau, Gwynedd

Towards the southern end of Snowdonia national park, and a few miles east of the market town of Dolgellau, the Wnion Valley is home to two remote and rather lush wood cabins with mighty stone chimneys. If you can tear yourself away from the sauna, Jacuzzi and hot tub, the popular Cadair Idris mountain is just three miles away, while one of Britain's most spectacular riverside paths, the Torrent Walk, is even closer. February will see the opening of a third cabin, Dumbledore, which, given its name, should be magic.
? Milk Wood Lodge, Wnion Wood and Dumbledore (each sleeps four) from �420 a week; 01341 450643, holidaylettings.co.uk

Rodel Valley, Isle of Harris, Western Isles

Proof at last that the Tardis also comes in log cabin form. This lodge in a tiny crofting village seems small but is packed with every luxury going. Modern gizmos abound (iPod-compatible stereo, ma'am?), while the bathroom is something else: remote control steam shower, Jacuzzi and, of course, a sauna. A second cabin opens from April and, unlike the first, will accept pets so you can let your dog take you for gloriously long walks.
? Cabins (sleep four, with cot provided on request) from �550 a week (or �90 a night); 01859 520465, rodelvalley.com

Cairnty Lodges, Mulben, Moray

There's something unmistakably Heidi-esque about Red Squirrel and her brand new sister Roe Deer. Inside, all is swish and very modern ? this is not a place for roughing it. Both sport a hot tub and sauna (Roe Deer's arriving in the spring), and are heated by eco-pleasing ground-source pumps and solar panels. There are stoats, ospreys and (real) red squirrels for wildlife fiends, while walkers can head for adventure along the Speyside Way. The Spey river is famous for its salmon fishing, and there's a malt whisky trail nearby too.
? Cairnty Lodges (sleep four adults and two children) from �380 a week; 01542 860263, logcabins-moray.co.uk

Dixe Wills

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