A Highland haven
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?
What we love!
- Sitting on the banks of the Carron River, watching the water flow, the golden eagles soar above, witnessing the Atlantic salmon run the currents. The colours of the landscape have transformed with the light and it’s just you and your favourite people. Ensconced in nature.
- The chefs and kitchen team go to great lengths to ensure every dietary requirement is met, alongside their admirable ethos of sourcing the finest local ingredients and seasonal produce that makes each meal taste sublime. Breakfasts, afternoon teas and dinners will definitely be moments to savour at Alladale.
- A few wonderful things to note about Alladale – 55kms of river occupy the reserve and 11 Arctic lakes. It is home to the 4th and 5th highest mountain peaks in the UK, and the deepest well in Scotland. The Reserve is entirely off-the-grid, aside from electricity. Yet there are no power posts in sight. There are many more marvellous factors to mention. You’ll have to discover it all for yourself.
- After dinner drinks in the bar, playing snooker and watching the Northern Lights put on an almighty display. Bucket list stuff with the clan.
What you need to know…
- Alladale Wilderness Reserve comprises of a number of accommodation dwellings. The Victorian lodge sleeps as many as 14 guests at maximum capacity. The estate is nestled deep in the Scottish Highlands, just an hour’s drive North from Inverness, set on 23,000 acres of reforested Highland glens.
- The custodians of Alladale have created the Wilderness Reserve that it is celebrated as today, by planting over a million native trees, restored the damaged peatlands, protected and increased the red squirrel population, is home to a wildcat breeding centre, rare orchids, black grouse, wild red deer and badgers to list but a few of the initiatives and resident wildlife. Conservation is at the helm of their practice and that’s what makes it all the more exciting.
- An ideal stay at Alladale Lodge would be a week-long holiday. If not longer, to fully maximise on the abundance of activities and of course stillness and relaxation. A minimum of 3 nights is a required stay.
- If Alladale Lodge is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in Scotland.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie