Introduction

This evening I am providing information on the Alladale Wilderness Reserve in Sutherland. Location is about 50 miles north of Inverness.

Red Deer with mountains in background.

Information on Alladale Wilderness Reserve

This reserve has evolved from a traditional Victorian shooting estate.

Here the shooting estate concept has been turned on it’s head. Instead, the owner has turned the 23,000 acres into a self-sufficient community with the environment and ecology to the fore. Electricity is supplied by the estate’s own hydro schemes, shooting has been banned and extensive tree planting schemes have been implemented.

Nature is nurtured. Free roaming animals include highland cattle, red deer and badgers. In the extensive river system can be found otters plus salmon and other fish. Red squirrels have not (yet) succumbed to the invasion of their grey cousins.

Highland Cows

In the air can be found a wide range of bird life from golden eagles down to tiny finches.

Stonechat

Close to the estate’s admin centre can be found the Willow Centre. This provides fresh food using hydroponic technology and trout are farmed for food on the same site.

Hydroponic Cultivation

Trout. Farmed for food.

The estate is characterised by deep gorges, fast flowing streams and mountains which reach 2700 feet.

Alladale Landscape

Deep in the estate can be seen ruins of 19th century crofting communities from where the local people (in common with tens of thousands of others in the Highlands) were evicted to make way for more profitable sheep farming. This was known as the Highland Clearances.

Former house of crofting community.

More Images

Principal Property: Alladale Lodge. Note deer on lawns.

Deanich Lodge: A candidate for the most remote house in Scotland. Currently used by education groups.

Road Hazard

Fast flowing river.

Alladale Landscape.

Visitors can stay at the various well appointed lodges on the reserve. Activities include bike riding, clay shooting, photography, hiking, yoga and fitness, and wild swimming.

More information

For more information on a wide range of aspects please refer to Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle.