If you look on the map Sutherland might seem like rather an 'empty' land. Well it is but there are still lots of things for our guests to see in their time with us. Here are a few suggestions.  It is a long list but then that just goes to show that there is lots to do in the area if you know where to look!

HIGHLAND BIRD TOURS

The area is famous for raptors and you may see a range from the largest (golden eagles) to the smallest (merlins).   On the moors and flows you may find some of Britian's rarest and most specialised birds.   Up to 6 people can be accommodated in comfort in a fully air conditioned vehicle.   Tours include morning tea/coffee and a packed lunch fo home made soup and sandwiches.   Special dietary requirements can be arranged when booking.   Binoculars and telescopes are available in the vehicle.   Tariff:   £42.50 per person.

Contact:

Ian MacPherson, 117 Rhitongue, Tongue, Sutherland, IV27 4XW.   Telephone:   01647 611291.   Email:   macpherson123@btinternet.com   Website:   www.highlandbirdtours.com

FISHING

The hotel is the perfect centre for a fishing holiday for those who wish to fish for the famous Sutherland fighting brown trout or for sea trout on the beautiful Kyle of Tongue.
The hotel also has its own boat on the South End of Loch Hope, one of Europe’s premier sea trout lochs. Click the button ‘Loch Hope Fishing’ on the green bar to the left for full details. The boat can be booked at reception but as South End is so popular it is advisable to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

We have included a link for tide tables for the convenience of those of you who wish to fish the Kyle of Tongue and the surrounding local tidal waters.   The link is based on Portnacon about 20 miles to the west of Tongue but it will give you a rough idea of the tide times for the area.   http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/ShowPrediction.aspx?PortID=0300&PredictionLength=7   It may be necessary to use the 'refresh' button on your browser to get the latest tidal information.

PRIVATE FISHING

Tongue and District Angling Club

The Angling Club is responsible for issuing the permits for fishing in the area and at £6.00 per day is amongst the cheapest in the country. Permits can be purchased at the hotel reception.

The Angling Club also has boats on Lochs Loyal, Craggie and Hakel and along with a selection of outboard motors can be hired by the day or week.

Local ghillies are available who will be pleased to show you the best places to fish and also provide instruction in the art of fly-fishing if required. Ghillies should be booked in advance through the hotel.

The north of Scotland is a paradise for fishermen who want to take on the challenge of catching one of Sutherland’s famous wild, fighting brown trout, or ‘brownies’ as they are referred to locally. However if you are unfamiliar with fishing in this area here are a number of tips which will help you.

Generally you can fish for brown trout from 15th March until 7th October. However, in many parts of the Highlands and Islands Sunday is considered to be a non-fishing day. In Scotland you do not require a rod licence but you will be required to get a permit to fish and these are usually available from local hotels, post offices, shops, tackle shops and also direct from local angling clubs. Even the remotest hill loch belongs to somebody so don’t be caught fishing without a permit.

Each permit provider will have their own rules which should be followed. Some of the most common are that fly fishing only is allowed and that fish less than 10 inches should be returned to the loch. You may also find that there is a ‘bag’ limit on how many fish you may take from the water.

It is also an offence in Scotland to fish with set rods or lines. In other words you are not allowed to leave your rods on rests on the bank as you might do if course fishing in England. Fishing must be done with a hand held rod.

You will also find that an ordnance survey map of the area you intend to fish is invaluable. Many of the lochs are not close to roads and unless you speak Gaelic the names, in many cases, can be difficult to pronounce so asking for directions can be difficult!

River Thurso

The River Thurso in Caithness is on of the north of Scotland’s great fly-fishing only salmon rivers. It has a spring and autumn run and frequently has a run of summer grilse in July. The river is fed from Loch More and runs to the sea some 25 miles away.

Beats on the river are fished in rotation which ensures that anglers all get a chance to fish a different part of the river each day. Loch More has a dam which allows more water to be released when the loch is full.

Beats begin just below Loch More and are surrounded by the unique Flow Country of Caithness. Nearer to Halkirk and Thurso you will be fishing among the farmlands of the county. The river produces around 600 salmon and 1300 grilse every year.

To arrange fishing contact the River Superintendent, Braal, Halkirk, Caithness on 01847 831591

To arrange fishing contact the River Superintendent, Braal, Halkirk, Caithness on 01847 831591
Tight lines!

CLIMBING AND WALKING
Ben Hope (927m), Scotland's most northerly Munro, is less than 10 miles from the hotel and Ben Loyal (764m), (also known as the 'Queen of Scottish Mountains') one of the most northerly Corbetts over looks the hotel. Both these mountains are favourites with our guests all year round. For those of you who are looking for something a little less strenuous then you could do worse that climbing up to Castle Varrich which sits on a small hill opposite the hotel. There is a pathway all the way up to the top. The panoramic view from the summit is absolutely outstanding looking out to Ben Loyal, Ben Hope and up the Kyle to the Rabbit Islands and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean.

Those of you who prefer flatter ground will be spoilt for choice. With our network of single track roads guests can spend their days wandering by foot, bicycle or car through our unrivalled scenery.

Follow the link below to find out what walks and events are taking place in the north with the added benefit of Highland Council Rangers being on hand to pass on their wealth of knowledge about their areas.

www.highland.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/what-to-see/rangers/countrysiderangerevents.htm

PONY TREKKING

Pony trekking is available at Bettyhill which is about 12 miles away.   Here, amongst other rides, you can take a trek along the wonderful beach at Torrisdale Bay.   Even if you have never sat on ahorse in your life Lorna will find just the right mount for you.   There is also an outdoor riding arena if you would like a lesson.   Small parties are catered for as well as one to one treks.   Booking in advance, particularly during the summer, is advisable.    For more details contact:

Lorna MacKay

Torrisdale Pony Trekking
The Ferry House, 86 Invernaver, Bettyhill.
Tel: 0044(0)1641 521472

WILDLIFE
The countryside around the hotel supports abundant wildlife. You do not have to travel very far to see red deer, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, ospreys, pheasant, grouse and ptarmigan. In the Kyle of Tongue you can see seals playing and then watch them retire to the sandbanks. Those with patience will be rewarded with sighting of sea otters playing on the shoreline or fishing for dinner in the waters of the Kyle. If you are really lucky you might also spot whales and porpoise sporting in Talmine Bay.

SCENERY
Not everyone comes to the North Coast to do something energetic. If you are looking for peace andtranquillity after the rat race of modern life then this is the place to be.

We are surrounded by some of the most superb scenery in Scotland with miles of unspoilt beaches, reputedly some of the best surf in Europe, and more sheep than people even at the height of the season! If you visit in autumn or winter you may be very lucky and see a wonderful display of the Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights. The best place to see them is by going down to the causeway over the Kyle and looking out to sea. Occasionally you can see them from the hotel car park. Be prepared for a late night though as they are usually at their best after 11 PM (2300 hours). Sutherland's beauty truly is one of the best-kept secrets of Scotland.

SWIMMING

There is a small heated pool at Bettyhill (12 miles). It also has a sauna, Jacuzzi and a small gym. Swimming from the sea is only to be recommended for the very hardy as the water temperature does not vary by more than about 2 degrees between summer and winter.

Having said that there are wonderful beaches in the area where you can enjoy a traditional beach holiday. We are particularly fond of Talmine Bay, which is about 5 miles away, as there is a sandy beach, a rocky beach, a burn (stream) to dam and a couple of wrecks to climb on. The beach shelves very gradually and is a safe haven for children.

You might find yourself frolicking with some seals that come to see what is going on!

 WALKING

The Caithness & Sutherland Walking Festival will take place from 1-8 May 2010 with a variety of walks available to visitors to the area.  You can now see the programme at http://www.walkcaithness.com which will be updated again in January and other information on where to go and what to do during your stay in the north Highlands can be found at www.wherecanwego.com.  

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