Alladale Lodge encapsulates the essence of a dreamy holiday in the Highlands of Scotland, surrounded by the Sutherland countryside, ensconced in luxury.
Arriving at Alladale conjures up that conversation we often have with ourselves when contemplating purpose. Deliberating our intent and indeed belonging. With nature being the ever-constant guardian of those deliberations. Escorting us along those thought-provoking sentiments as to what it means to be a part of this world. How we can tread lightly and allow our legacy to be as intertwined with nature as it allows.
Driving down the 12 mile track of Alladale Wilderness Reserve, approaching the elegant Victorian Lodge that gracefully harnesses herself into the verdant glens of the Scottish Highlands, overlooking the ancient native birchwood and caledonian pine forests, a humbling awareness engulfs.
We might be here to holiday to our eager hearts’ content. Tapping into the resplendence of Scotland’s revered wilderness. Traversing the nature trails, rivers and lochs. Fishing, foraging and 4×4-adventuring. Wild river swimming and whisky tasting. Wellness and spa treatments. Clay-bird shooting and picnics with our beloved buddies, as we bask in the bird’s-eye view of the landscape. Feasting for hours on end around the stately supper tables, fireplaces lit, emitting hues similar to those of the Northern Lights that will put on an after-dinner spectacle. Gathering around the baby grand piano for a gallant attempt of a sing-along. Perhaps a round of cards or chess or backgammon, whilst the bag pipes and violins serenade the resident owls. Their call summoning you and the clan to bed. Those heavenly suites awaiting your occupation, where you’ll slip into a slumber so pacifying it’ll feel as if you’ve fairy-taled yourself to sleep for a hundred years. Languidly rising to start another day of invigorating escapades in the Highlands.
Rejuvenate in nature
Of course, all of this will be on the cards, for every day of your stay at Alladale Lodge. But what you might not have anticipated to be an integral part of your itinerary, having gleefully glanced over the endless list of activities, is an ardent reintroduction to your relationship with nature. To its abounding beauty and vital role it has within the delicate ecosystem of existence. Alladale’s conscious efforts around its cuisine – sourcing the seasonal ingredients from the land, either farmed in the 3-acre vegetable and herb garden or foraged from the forest beds. The Atlantic salmon and Arctic charr fished from the Carron River and mountain lochs. Wild game stews and sausages and soups. Nourishing the local environment and supporting its sustainability is paramount. Getting insight into Alladale’s conservation efforts, their vision for the reserve and their passion as custodians to inspire you, us and all as environmental stewards. Perhaps this will be the postcard you’ll write home to those you’d love to share this remarkable place with. The lifelong souvenir you’ll have with you, tucked into the pocket of your Barbour, as you drive the winding scenic tracks of the reserve, heading home. It was the wilderness that woke you up to that chatter once again. Your intent, purpose and sense of belonging has formed an entirely new way of life. And isn’t that what a good holiday is all about?
Written by Colleen Ogilvie