Autumn at The Charcoal Huts – An Eco-Friendly Forest Retreat on the Isle of Bute

I arrived at The Charcoal Huts, Isle of Bute in the soft, low light of an autumn afternoon. The cabins resting quietly among the birch trees, their timber forms blending so naturally into the woodland that they felt as though they had always been there. Designed and built by local makers GetMade, the huts honour the history of this place – inspired by the charcoal burners who once lived and worked in these woods. You can learn more about these eco-friendly, award-winning cabins on The Charcoal Huts’ website.

The forest was alive with the season’s change. Leaves turned to copper and gold, their colours deepening under the mellow autumn sun. The air was still, touched by the scent of damp earth and woodsmoke. Birds moved constantly between the branches – Great Tit, Eurasian Jay, Goldcrest to name a few.

As daylight faded, the Kyles of Bute glimmered through the trees. Inside the hut, I lit the fire, its soft crackle filling the space with warmth and light. The glow wrapped around the room, reflecting off the timber walls, inviting me to sit and simply listen as the forest settled into night.

Later, I fell asleep to the call of a tawny owl echoing through the dark. The embers burned low, and the woods breathed around me – calm, timeless, and deeply alive.