overview
Wild, rugged and remote, the Scottish Highlands are among Europe's last great areas of untamed wilderness. With a charm and grandeur of their own, the Highlands are a place where nature rules supreme. Alladale Estate is a magnificent 23,000 acre Highland estate tucked away deep in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, straddling the northern counties of Sutherland and Ross-Shire, and covering five glens, ten hill lochs and two river systems in one of Scotland's finest isolated regions.
Alladale is home to one of the most northerly remnants of the mighty forest of Caledon (Roman for ‘wood on the hills’) that once covered 80% of the Highlands, where it lies at the foot of the steep slopes of Glen Alladale. The rest of the glen and surrounding ridge is dotted with trees under a vast, changing sky. It is an ancient wilderness of austere rock-hewn landscapes, of quiet glens, windswept summits, of wild moorland and high cliffs, and a remoteness and purity that is simply breathtaking.
Alladale is home to Scottish wildcats, red deer, pine marten, peregrine, golden eagle and salmon; walks through this stunning landscape of rivers, mountains, waterfalls, moorland and loch sides where you can also see beautiful wild flowers, and breathe clean fresh air, are a tonic for the soul! The sheer size and scale of the Alladale Reserve is truly awe inspiring, and the stresses and strains of modern life seems far away when standing amidst it.
There are many activities to experience here from guided nature walks, fishing, stalking, hiking, canoeing, clay pigeon shooting, and horse riding to whisky tastings, ceilidh dancing and cookery demonstrations; the list is extensive. You can mountain bike, or travel in off road vehicles across the five Glens, and for golfers there are several courses nearby including the world famous Royal Dornoch, magnificent Tain, and the little 9-hole Bonar Bridge/Ardgay. Also within striking distance are the picturesque links courses of Golspie & Brora, where you may see local sheep & cows wandering the fairways, and the hidden gem of Helmsdale bordering a salmon-filled river.
Fishing for wild brown trout on the Estate's dozen or so hill lochs is perfect for those who appreciate fishing in remote, unspoilt country. As well as brown trout, two of the lochs hold arctic char, an ancient - and fairly rare species in Scotland. The trout themselves vary in weight and colouring from loch to loch, but all are hard-fighting and there are good-sized fish to be caught.
The River Carron, which flows into the Kyle of Sutherland near Bonar-Bridge, is one of the top salmon rivers in the north-east Highlands. The Alladale beats are in the upper reaches of the river and fish best from June to August when there is a good chance of grilse (small summer salmon of between 4 and 8lbs) or larger summer fish. Salmon fishing at this time of year does, however, depend upon rainfall to bring the fish into the system. Set amid spectacular scenery the river is very attractive to fish and varies in character from rocky pools to slower stretches.
The Estate is committed to restoring and conserving Scotland's native flora and fauna. Alladale Highland Wilderness Reserve is the site of one of Europe’s most prominent ecological restoration programmes, conserving native wildlife. The ultimate vision for Alladale is to release once native species, including European Wolf, Brown Bear, Eurasian Lynx, European Elk (also known as Moose), Wild Boar and Red Squirrel into a controlled environment, as well as restoring the flora and fauna in the area. As a first step, Wild Boar and Moose are currently being restored to a 1,200-acre enclosure and a team from Oxford University are monitoring their presence and its effect on the environment.
The Alladale Lodge was originally built as a Sporting lodge in 1877, and has maintained its traditional, yet sumptuous, style and comfort. Large elegant rooms with original fireplaces, tall sash windows and antiques throughout, give you the sense and atmosphere of a 'home-from-home'. The lodge comfortably accommodates up to 16 guests in 7 en-suite bedrooms and 1 twin room. The bedding and linen in the bedrooms and bathrooms have been selected with care, with an emphasis on natural fibres throughout; goose down pillows, finest English lambs wool blankets, pure Egyptian cotton sheets and the best quality cotton towelling robes. A log fire constantly blazes throughout the winter months, whilst the sashes in the bay windows are opened for cool breezes and stunning views down the glen in the summer. It is let on an “all-inclusive” and “exclusive use” basis available for luxury private holidays, house parties, and special interest retreats. Alladale's acclaimed home cooked food uses only the freshest local organic ingredients in season. Meals ranging from healthy options to sheer indulgence, and all activities are tailored to suit the interests and comfort of its guests.
For simple relaxation, it is hard to beat sitting by the fire in the drawing room enjoying a delicious afternoon tea in the company of friends, or tucking into a hearty evening meal after a day out in the wilds where fine wine and conversation flow freely. And if that isn’t enough, try the small private Wilderness Spa offering a variety of treatments to restore and revive.
The Alladale is one of the world's most exclusive wilderness retreats in Scotland. A visit here will open you up to a world you could never imagine, a world that will seduce you, teach you, rejuvenate and inspire you!