Scotland: Alladale Lodge

A luxurious all inclusive retreat in the Scottish Highlands with Red Deer Stalking

Red Deer Stalking

Alladale offers a unique opportunity to stay in the comfort of a private, luxurious highland lodge in the magnificent setting of one of Europe's most spectacular wilderness reserves. You will have the opportunity to enjoy many activities and traditional highland pursuits by day, before returning to the lodge where a dedicated staff await with roaring log fires, fine food, drinks and many other additional comforts you may desire.

Originally established as a sporting lodge in 1877, the lodge has recently readjusted its focus away from that of a straightforward Highland stalking lodge to one which combines both the traditional sporting ethos as well as a conservational approach with a forward-looking goal of 'restoring the balance of nature'.

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Sun sets over a herd of red deer in the glen

The Red Deer Stalking

The estate has established itself as a wilderness reserve with a view to helping regenerate the entire ecosystem, taking it back many hundreds of years to a time when wolves once roamed free and the hills were comprised of original Caledonian woodland. To this end the estate runs a very careful Red Deer management programme with a view to maintaining the deer numbers at a level where a natural balance is restored. The estate has two dedicated stalkers who will look after guests whilst out on the hill and each man can look after parties of two at a time. In traditional Victorian fashion, on completion of a successful stalk highland ponies are used to help carry deer off the hill.

Alladale Lodge

Set amidst 23,000 acres of majestic scenery on the borders of Sutherland and Ross-shire, Alladale Lodge is a magnificent informal private escape. Alladale should appeal not just to sportsmen but also to family and friends seeking an invigorating taste of the Scottish Highlands combined with the comfort afforded by a luxurious Highland lodge. Alladale has recently been completely redecorated to the highest standards by Laura Ashley. Your surroundings will be inspiring throughout your stay whether you are looking out from the lodge with its inspiring views of the glens and mountains, relaxing in your room or by a roaring log fire, enjoying a spa or sharing a glass of wine around the gleaming dining room table. All you have to do is provide the company.

Alladale Lodge

Accommodation at Alladale

The Service

The lodge has a permanent staff of 14 who will be on hand to look after all your needs and act as guides throughout your stay. The head stalker comes from a family which has worked on the estate for 3 generations. His knowledge of the land is unmatched and he will provide you with memories from the hill spanning successive generations. The resident chef prepares meals to the highest standard, using the freshest local, seasonal and organic ingredients possible, all of which will be carefully served and accompanied by a selection of fine wines.

Location and Environment

Alladale is situated at the narrowest part of the British Isles; on a clear day from one of the peaks on the estate it is possible to see both the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. Its position on the eastern side of the watershed means it also enjoys a favourable microclimate, receiving a lower than average annual rainfall.

Other Activities

Salmon heading up stream

Fishing – Outstanding fly-fishing on rivers and hill lochs

Alladale Wilderness Reserve contains many hill lochs, as well as the upper reaches of two rivers – the Carron and its tributary the Alladale. The reserve provides some excellent wild brown trout fishing. Salmon fishing downstream on the Carron and on other local rivers including the Oykel, Cassley, Evelix and Shin, can be arranged on request. A selection of Orvis fishing rods and tackle is available at the lodge for guests' use.

Pony Trekking - Explore some of Europe’s most spectacular scenery on horseback

Pony trekking is a great way to experience the scenic grandeur of Alladale. Venture deep into the reserve on the sturdy Highland ponies, riding along glens, across rivers, through native woodlands and up into the heather covered hills. There are tracks to suit all standards of rider, and a guide will inform you of points of interest along the way, from flora and fauna to the ruins of old crofts – evidence of the infamous Highland Clearances.

Wild Life Viewing

Alladale Lodge has a wonderful range of fauna and flora including one of the northernmost remnants of the ancient Caledonian forest. Wildlife viewing is conducted by the knowledgeable rangers, either on foot or by Land Rover and on offer is some exceptional and diverse birdlife as well as the chance of spotting one of the badgers from the ‘local’ set. Ongoing conservation work at Alladale includes a study on wild boar, which is supervised by Oxford University’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit. They are also initiating a local reintroduction of the red squirrel with the aim of seeing them back again in the near future.

As well as fly-fishing, stalking and exceptional wildlife viewing there is a wide range of other activities which await you at Alladale. Spend the days enjoying the stimulating Highland air and exploring the wilds via one of many hiking and mountain biking trails, or watch salmon leaping at waterfalls just minutes from the lodge. Clay pigeon and rifle target shooting are also available, with expert tuition for beginners. Alternatively, unwind in the snug comfort of the lodge and enjoy a sauna, a workout in the gym, a relaxing massage or beauty treatment, a game of snooker on the full-size table, or simply curl up with a good book and a glass of wine by blazing fires.

Best Time to go

The stalking season runs from 1 July to 15 February.
The fishing season runs from 1 March to 30 September.

Getting there

Alladale is located just an hour’s scenic drive from Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands. Regular flights operate to Inverness from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Belfast, Dublin and Edinburgh. There is also a sleeper-train service to Inverness from London Euston. We will gladly arrange your transfer to the lodge from either the airport or train station. Alternatively, a PDG helicopter takes just 18 minutes from Inverness airport.

If you would like to know more about the Alladale Lodge, please contact us and we will provide you with more details. For availabilities, prices, pre trip information, booking form etc. please contact:
Richard Scrope

Mobile: +44 (0)798 362 6761
Office: +44 (0)845 603 1552
E-mail: richard@wherewisemenshoot.com
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