By travel writer, blogger and author Philippa Kaye
Explore Alladale Wilderness Reserve - 23,000 acres of COVID-free wilderness
Imagine acres upon acres of wide-open space, blue skies, highlands and valleys, gurgling streams, spectacular views and the opportunity to walk for miles whilst barely seeing another soul. Imagine coming across a herd of red deer, who stand cautiously staring at this new visitor to their home, before disappearing into the forest, or shaggy highland cattle, allowing you the opportunity to take an archetypical photo to share with friends. Imagine breathing in an abundance of fresh air, revelling in nature, sampling delicious cuisine all locally sourced and prepared by your in house chef; days spent cycling, hiking, canoeing or exploring and evenings spent enjoying a whiskey tasting session, challenging one another in the billiards room or curling up with a good book before heading out for a spot of star gazing (Scottish weather permitting!).
Alladale, is an award winning, 23,000 acre private wilderness reserve in Scotland, just over an hour north of Inverness, which allows you to do all that and a little bit more too.
For anyone interested in the great outdoors, country pursuits, nature, wildlife, or the opportunity to simply get away from it all, and don’t we all need a bit of that right now, then this is the perfect getaway for you and yours. What’s more, the accommodation options allow you to transport your bubble into another place without having to encounter another soul. Scattered around this extraordinary private reserve are four separate lodges each of which can be booked exclusively and all come fully catered so that the days can be spent exploring to your heart's content, free in the knowledge that there is no cooking or washing up to do when you get back exhausted at the end of an exhilarating day.
Alladale Lodge: The archetypical country estate lodge of your dreams, an impressive yet cosy Victorian Manor which sleeps up to 14 people in 7 double ensuite rooms. In addition to the splendid lounge and dining rooms, there is a gym, sauna, billiards room and separate TV room.
Eagles Crag: A three bedroomed private lodge, ideal for a family getaway, with spectacular views and every home comfort, sleeping up to 10 people (4 adults and 6 children) and, what’s more, it’s dog friendly so you don’t have to leave any family members behind.
Ghillies Rest: A two bedroomed lodge alongside the River Alladale with more spectacular views, this is perfect as an intimate escape or for friends or a small family.
Deanich Lodge: The ultimate off-the-grid retreat for if you truly want to get away from it all. This is the only self-catered option and is perhaps one of the most remote lodges in Scotland. Slightly more rustic than the other accommodation options, this former hunting lodge sleeps up to 18 people (dogs welcome too) in 4 bedrooms with a mix of bunk beds and single in some, sharing 2 large bathrooms and 2 guest toilets.
Alladale is more than just an extraordinary stay in a remote part of Scotland, it is also part of a rewilding project, bringing native trees, plants and wildlife back to the Scottish Highlands in an ambitious project to return the land to its natural state.
The opportunity to explore this is unique and alongside learning about the conservation efforts which are taking place activities also include guided hikes, ranger guided tours of the estate in a 4x4, trout fishing and clay pigeon shooting. Indoor activities include whiskey tasting, massages and beauty treatments.
For foodies, a day can be spent with a ranger foraging for your meal, discovering just how many of the plants and herbs and mushrooms are edible, add a trout or two freshly caught from one of the lochs take it back to the lodge and watch as the chef turns it all into a delicious evening meal.
If that isn’t quite enough to keep you occupied or tire you out enough for you to sink into your welcoming, comfortable bed at the end of the day, off reserve activities are also an option, including dolphin watching, canoeing, horse riding, helicopter day trips and golf.
Food is a major part of any stay and Alladale is no exception.
Keeping it local is an essential part of their philosophy and if it isn’t grown in house in the new Aquaponics Garden, then it is locally sourced. The inhouse chef prepares fresh meals daily, menus can be discussed in advance. Think freshly caught wild salmon and seafood, venison stews, home-picked vegetable soups all flavoured with herbs foraged from the garden. Breakfasts are a delight, and hearty enough to set you up for a day of hardy activities whereas the evening meals topped off with their famous sticky date pudding in a salty caramel sauce will leave you languishing in a food coma, replete at the end of another incredible day.
Is it any wonder that Alladale Wilderness Reserve won the award for Best Boutique Hotel in 2019 as well as being voted Europe’s most eco-friendly hotel?
Alladale are currently offering a short stay offer of 4 nights in the main lodge.
• 4 nights Alladale Lodge - full board
• 8 to 10 guests
• Complimentary activities:
o 4x4 safari
o Guided hikes
o Evening piper
o Fly fishing experience
• Gym & Sauna
• Full sized snooker table
• £9,000 (£225.00 pppn based on 10 pax sharing)
For bookings contact: hospitality@alladale.com
Tel: +44 (0)1863 755338
www.alladale.com
