Alladale Wilderness Reserve. Ardgay. Sutherland IV24 3BS. Tel:

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1 2018

2 Alladale Wilderness Reserve Ardgay Sutherland IV24 3BS Tel:

3 ALLADALE WILDERNESS RESERVE Alladale Wilderness Reserve s 100 square kilometres of rugged mountains, forests, rivers and lochs are located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, just an hour s drive North of Inverness. Our position at the narrowest part of Great Britain, and on the eastern side of the watershed, allows us to enjoy our own micro-climate and above average sunny, clear and rain-free days. Our two lodges and two cottages offer a variety of unparalleled experiences that allow guests to unwind and relax in a space more akin to your own home than a hotel. In addition to a multitude of activities available on the Reserve, the North of Scotland offers a host of incredible day trips; from exploring turquoise waters and golden beaches to historic castles, world famous whiskey distilleries and a variety of golf courses. Our friendly, professional hospitality and ranger teams will do everything possible to ensure your stay is special and tailored to your needs. Visiting Alladale directly contributes to the conservation, wildlife and educational projects on and around the Reserve. We look forward to welcoming you very soon. My best wishes, PAUL LISTER Alladale Wilderness Reserve

4 CONTENTS Accommodation Introduction Alladale Lodge (exclusive use) Alladale Lodge (single room booking) Ghillies Rest Cottage Eagles Crag Cottage Deanich Lodge Rates Eat & Drink Catering at Alladale 15 Activities Introduction Outdoor activities Indoor activities Chauffeured day trips Helicopter trips Retreats Events & retreats Transfers Car & helicopter Mission Our mission & vision at Alladale 31-32

5 STAYING AT ALLADALE Accommodation Alladale Wilderness Reserve is a 23,000-acre gem in the Scottish Highlands, an hour s drive North of Inverness. The reserve is famous for its owner s vision of rewilding: restoring forests and bringing back original Highland plant & animal species, such as the Scots pine, red squirrel and Scottish wild cat back to this amazing part of Scotland. Today, while working hard to realise this ideal, Alladale is a nature lover s dream. The rugged terrain, dramatic glens, colourful hills, glistening rivers and herds of majestic red deer will take your breath away. Staying at Alladale means getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Take a breath of fresh air and explore the amazing outdoors. We offer three types of accommodation on site, varying from an all-inclusive luxury stay at our Victorian lodge, to comfortable cottages (catered/self-catered) and a unique back to basic bunkhouse, deep in the reserve. Please feel free to contact us for a bespoke guest experience. Photo by Pete Helme 1

6 ACCOMMODATION Alladale lodge Highland Luxury: a fully catered & serviced experience Cottages: Ghillie s Rest & Eagle s Crag Comfortably outdoors: self/catered, Scandi / Scot style cottages with a high quality finish Deanich Lodge A spectacular off-grid experience: back to basics in one of the most remote lodges in Scotland 2

7 STAYING AT ALLADALE Exclusive use The Alladale lodge, built in 1877, is a site to behold. It sits proudly on an elevated location, overlooking the ancient Caledonian pine forest. Every day your first glance out of the window will be a lovely one. Alladale is lucky to experience its very own microclimate, with an above average number of sunny days throughout the year. This beautiful Victorian manor is comfortable and spacious, sleeping up to 14 guests. Its traditional design makes it a true Scottish home away from home. The property boasts a set of lovely extras, such as an in-house sauna, gym and snooker room. The lodge sets itself apart from other accommodations on site, not only by its Victorian style and extras, but also by being fully catered and staffed. With a talented chef putting up three beautiful meals every day, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy an evening by the fire after a day of exploring the reserve. FULLY CATERED Our in-house chef Thomas Park is known and loved for cooking up comforting Scottish dishes. Think healthy, locally sourced meals such as hearty soups, venison stews, traditional pies and mouth-watering desserts. And as far as afternoon tea goes: his scones are the best! FULLY STAFFED Get up in the morning to find a hot cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast ready for you in the dining room. Get back from a long hike on the reserve, to find your room warm, clean and tidy. Relax on the sofa with a good glass of red or a lovely cup of tea, while Tom cooks up a fantastic evening meal. 3

8 ALLADALE LODGE Exclusive use EN-SUITE BATHROOM All rooms have an en-suite bathroom, and come with bathrobes and towels. Furthermore, you will be enjoying our own range of organic beauty products, created with the Sottish thistle from our reserve. DELUXE AND CLASSIC DOUBLES The Alladale Lodge offers a range of rooms, varying from Classic double rooms to spacious Deluxe and Executive rooms with a private living area. The rooms can be turned into twins on request. The Classic double room on the ground floor is a good option for elderly or less able guests. Interior photography by Pete Helme 4

9 ALLADALE LODGE Single room use EXECUTIVE DOUBLE ROOM Our Executive Suites are the largest rooms in the lodge, with a seating area (private dinner setup possible), a comfortable super-king bed and flat screen satellite TV. The en-suite bathroom is large and comes with both a bath and a shower. Both Executive Rooms boast stunning views. DELUXE DOUBLE ROOM Our Deluxe Double en-suite rooms come with a seating area, a desk, a comfortable super-king bed and flat screen satellite TV. These are spacious rooms and have their own unique design. All Deluxe Double Rooms have great views. 5

10 ALLADALE LODGE Single room use CLASSIC DOUBLE ROOM Our Classic doubles come with a very comfortable super-king bed, a desk and flat screen satellite TV. The rooms come with a en-suite bathroom, including towels, bathrobes and our own range of organic toiletries. INCLUDED IN YOUR STAY Our talented chef Tom Park prepares all meals, which are served in our communal dining room. Wi-Fi, tea and coffee are complimentary throughout your stay. Use of the sauna, fully equipped gym, billiards room, TV-room, and board room are all included. Interior photography by Pete Helme 6

11 GHILLIE S REST Ghillie s Rest, a former bothy, is tastefully rebuilt: with its combination of wood, exposed brick and tartan patterns you will want to hide away here forever. It offers all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay, including a Wi-Fi signal. It sleeps a maximum of 4 guests. Have coffee in the morning sun, while you enjoy the spectacular view from your dining room window. Walk down to the river Alladale for a swim or get your mountain bike or hiking boots out to explore your back yard. The cottage suits couples perfectly, whether you are looking to celebrate a special occasion or are simply in need of a bit of escapism. It also serves as a lovely hideaway for small families and groups of friends. Alladale offers a wide range of on- and offsite activities to keep your travel party occupied. You can reach Ghillie s by regular car during spring and summer. However, in winter we advise you to visit Alladale in a 4x4 to make sure you re prepared for any type of weather. SELF CATERED Ghillie s has a fully equipped kitchen. You can do your shopping on the way to Alladale, or we can provide everything on your list. We also offer the option of delicious home cooked meals, delivered to your doorstep. All you have to do is re-heat your dinner. Book our chef to prepare dinner in your cottage for special occasions! COMFORTABLE & COZY Ghillie s Rest is built and decorated to a very high standard. With underfloor heating, a comfortable sitting area, including a TV and a great sound system, you can relax here for days on end. The comforting wood burner, exposed beams and high ceilings provide a cosy, homely feel. 7

12 GHILLIE S REST DOUBLE & TWIN ROOM The cottage has one large double room, which is situated on the ground floor, off the living area. There is a twin room on the top floor, which can easily be turned into a double on request. SHARED BATHROOM Ghillie s has one large bathroom that is situated on the ground floor of the cottage. It has a separate bath and shower. Towels, bath robes and our own plant-based Natura Siberica toiletries are provided. Interior photography by Pete Helme 8

13 EAGLE S CRAG Our spacious cottage Eagle s Crag is situated in Glen Alladale, a stone s throw away from the river Alladale. It boasts a modern, Scottish-Scandinavian style and offers all modern amenities you re used to, including a Wi-Fi signal. It sleeps a maximum of 8 guests. Eagle s Crag is perfect for a family getaway, a long weekend away with friends or a couple looking to take a break from city life, while enjoying a comfortable, warm and luxurious place to stay. Wake up before sunrise and get ready behind the mounted binoculars in the living room to spot local wildlife starting their day. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with spectacular views down the glen, and watch in wonder how the changing weather influences the amazing colour palette of the hills. If you have your own car, it will get you to the cottage without a problem during spring and summer. From late autumn on, we advise a 4x4 to make sure you re prepared for varying weather conditions. SELF CATERED Eagle s Crag comes with a roomy kitchen. You can pick up your groceries on the way here, or you can send us your shopping list. We also provide lovely home cooked meals, which we ll deliver to your door. All you have to do is put it in the oven and enjoy it. The luxury option: our chef Tom can prepare dinner in your cottage! COMFORTABLE & SPACIOUS Eagle s Crag has a very large living area, with high ceilings and exposed beams to give it that rustic, homely feel. With a large TV and a great collection of dvds to choose from, you don t have to leave the house if you don t feel like it. Enjoy a meal at the large dining table and enjoy a glass of local whisky in front of the fire. 9

14 EAGLE S CRAG 2 DOUBLES & 1 FAMILY ROOM The cottage comes with two spacious deluxe double rooms on the ground floor, away from the living and dining room area. The large family room on the first floor is impressive, and sleeps 4 to 5 guests. Perfect for the kids! Bedding and linen are provided 3 BATHROOM & 1 TOILET Both double rooms have their own ample en-suite bathroom with bath and shower. The family room has its own large bathroom on the top floor. There is a separate toilet on the ground floor. Towels, bath robes and Natura Siberica toiletries are provided. Interior photography by Pete Helme 10

15 DEANICH LODGE If you are looking for a true off the grid experience, Alladale has something very special up its sleeve: the reserve is home to Deanich Lodge, one of the most remote buildings in Scotland. Situated 7 miles and a 45-min drive* from Alladale Lodge, it is hidden away deep in the reserve. Available from May to October, the lodge is very basic, but has everything you need: electricity, an inviting wood burner, a kitchen, comfortable living and dining area and plenty of space to sleep. Deanich lodge can house up to 18 guests. But it s the view and location that makes this place so extraordinary: staying here is experiencing the epiphany of Scotland s rough beauty. Driving up through Glen Mor you are treated to a view of Deanich Lodge amidst impressive mountain tops which is truly something else. * Off-road capable/high ground clearance 4x4 mandatory. SELF CATERED Deanich lodge is a self-catered accommodation. It has a medium sized, simple kitchen and comes with all the basics you need for preparing up to 3 meals a day. Make sure you do all your shopping before embarking on your journey to the lodge, as it s very remote. We can also supply everything that is on your shopping list. BACK TO BASICS Deanich has one large living area that combines sitting and dining space. It s large enough to accommodate a full house comfortably. The lodge has a homely, lovely feel. It is a great place to relax with a hot cup of tea in front of the fire after a long day of hiking. 11

16 DEANICH LODGE 4 BUNK ROOMS & 1 TWIN ROOM Deanich Lodge has 2 upstairs landings. Going up the first set of stairs, you will find 4 bunk rooms, holding 6 bunk beds and 4 single beds. The second set of stairs, located on the other side of the house, leads to a landing with a twin room on the right and a separate toilet on the left. 2 BATHROOMS & 2 RESTROOMS The lodge has 2 good sized bathrooms with shower and toilet on the ground floor. There is a separate toilet across from the twin room on the first floor. Interior photography by Pete Helme 12

17 RATES From 2018, the 7 rooms within Alladale Lodge are available to book individually during low season, which runs from 1 October to 31 May. The Lodge offers 3 types of Double rooms, which can be turned into Twin rooms on request: Executive Double En-suite (2) p/night Deluxe Double En-suite (2) p/night Classic Double En-suite (3) p/night Rates are on a full board, fully serviced basis. Minimum stay of 3 nights ALLADALE LODGE (EXCLUSIVE USE) Fully catered & serviced, 7-night stay 6 guests (minimum) 8,925 / 10, guests (maximum) 12,495 / 14,700 Christmas & New Year s Premium COTTAGE GHILLIE S REST Self-catered, 7-night stay 4 guests (maximum) 950 / 1,100 Christmas & New Year s Premium COTTAGE EAGLE S CRAG Self-catered, 7-night stay 8 guests (maximum) 1,550 / 1,800 Christmas & New Year s Premium DEANICH LODGE Self-catered, 7-night stay 18 guests (maximum) 2,000 Available between May 1 Oct 30 Low Season: October May 31 18/ High Season: June 1 - September 30 & Easter 18 Seasonal closure: 12 Feb 11 March 2018 Prices are inclusive of VAT / Rates are based on a weekly let. Shorter stays also welcome, 3-night minimum stay / Cottages are self-catered, but catered options are available on request. 13

18 14 Photo by Max Milligan

19 EAT & DRINK Catering at Alladale Wilderness Reserve Alladale is proud to have a very talented chef in the kitchen: Tom Park. He joined the Alladale team in March 2017 and has already made quite a name for himself. He is known and loved by our guests for cooking amazing, comforting Scottish dishes. Think hearty soups, venison stews, hand made pies, freshly caught trout, haggis bonbons and sticky date pudding in a salted caramel sauce. And don t forget afternoon tea: his scones are to die for. When you are staying at Alladale Lodge, Tom s cooking is included. He will prepare 3 lovely meals a day during the whole of your stay, which are served in the large dining room. If you are staying in one of the cottages, he can prepare evening meals at a surcharge and have them delivered to your door. All you have to do is reheat the various courses in the oven and enjoy the lovely smells filling your kitchen. Tom prides himself on sourcing locally and organic where possible, guaranteeing fresh, premium quality ingredients. My food is wholesome, healthy and comforting. I love producing this type of food and our guests really appreciate that home away from home feeling. I cook mostly traditionally without any gadgets. I take pride in the fact that everything on my menus is homemade, using local ingredients, and is as healthy as possible Photo by Max Milligan Tom Park, Head Chef 15

20 Photo by Max Milligan Food photographs by Greig Wilding, The Highland Kitchen 16

21 ALLADALE WILDERNESS RESERVE Experience & Explore The rugged beauty of Alladale Wilderness Reserve allows guests to experience the Highlands of Scotland in all its natural glory. You can reach Alladale by regular car during spring and summer. However, in autumn and winter we advise you to drive a 4x4 to make sure you re prepared for any type of weather. Alladale is located an hour s drive from Highland hub Inverness, which makes it easy to venture out of the reserve and into other areas of northern Scotland. Being out here sometimes feels like staying at the edge of the world. Spending a few days exploring this part of Scotland is unforgettable. Go for a hike, jump on a mountain bike, or try your luck at trout fishing. Enjoy landscapes and changing scenery unlike any other. Alladale is a fantastic base to experience and explore a unique part of the Highlands. We offer a range of cultural day trips to local historical gems, or go dolphin watching before having a nice local lunch and visiting a lovely whisky distillery. 17

22 OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES 4x4 TOUR OF THE RESERVE One of our rangers will take you out for the day and share some interesting insights into the daily management of the nature reserve. Alladale is famous for its rewilding, which involves reforestation and reintroduction of plant and animal species. With a bit of luck, you will see our highland cattle, the majestic red deer, golden eagles and other wildlife species. Between mid-may and late September, you can also see salmon leaping the Glencalvie falls. Year round, weather permitting Full day, maximum of four people, 180 per vehicle GUIDED HIKES & WALKS At Alladale, you can go on a different hike every day, as the 23,000-acre reserve has plenty to explore. Why not book a guide, who can take you to places you cannot find by yourself? Learn about the plants, trees and animal species, as well as the history of this part of the Highlands. Embark on a beautiful half day walk to nearby Croick church. Or hike up one of Alladale s mountains for a stunning view of both the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. Year round, weather permitting Half or full day, maximum of eight people, 60/

23 OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES BROWN TROUT FISHING If you are a keen fly fisherman, or you re interested in giving this popular sport a try, Alladale is a fantastic location to do so. The reserve offers world class brown trout fishing. With a choice of 10 lochs and 2 rivers, you can spend days here. A guided fishing experience includes an informative hike to the loch. Great for both experienced fishermen and beginners. Between April and September Full day, maximum of five people, 60/ 120 FORAGE FOR YOUR MEAL Spend the day exploring the reserve in a very special way: in preparation for dinner. You will be surprised at what tasty produce is growing here! An expert will take you around, in search of herbs and mushrooms. Then it s off to one of the lochs to catch trout. At the end of the day, our talented chef will cook up a tasty meal, using all that you have gathered from the reserve. Between April and September Full day, maximum of six people, 200 (excluding dinner) 19

24 OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING The Victorian and Edwardian hunting parties were legendary. The ability to shoot well was a prerequisite to obtaining an invitation to the great estates. The introduction of clay pigeons made it possible to practice. Today, clay pigeon shooting is a fun outdoor activity for everyone over 12. You will be taken to our shooting range, where our rangers will guide you through the activity of shooting your 25 clays. Year round, weather permitting One hour, minimum of two people, 30 per person MOUNTAIN BIKING Enjoy many miles of stunning Highland scenery on a mountain bike. We have one available for every guest, complete with helmet. Cycle to Deanich lodge (7 miles each way) to get a taste of the rugged beauty and solitude Alladale has to offer. Or cycle along Glen Alladale and experience its majestic beauty, riding uphill for a breath-taking view. Year round, weather permitting Free of charge 20

25 INDOOR ACTIVITIES MASSAGE & WELLNESS We believe a visit to Alladale is the perfect time for a bit of pampering. That s why our experienced beauty therapist Lorraine Anderson visits Alladale on your request. She specialises in various massages and beauty treatments, such as Swedish full body massages, facials, micro-dermabrasion treatments, waxing, eye and nail treatments. Just let us know which you prefer, and we ll do the rest. Year round On request, maximum of one person, 10 to 150 WHISKY TASTINGS Visitors cannot leave Scotland without tasting great whiskies. Of course, you can choose to sit back and enjoy a glass of scotch in front of one of Alladale s roaring fires. But it is even more fun to learn about your favourite drink while you re at it. We are happy to organize an exclusive tasting on site for our guests. We can also arrange for a chauffeured visit to one of the best local distilleries, so you can see how it s all done. Cheers! Year round 1.5 hours, maximum of fourteen people, 280 Photo by Mark 21

26 CHAUFFEURED DAY TRIPS DORNOCH Explore the quaint town and Royal Burgh of Dornoch - Gaelic for pebbly place - situated on the East coast of Scotland, an hour s drive away. If Dornoch s walls could talk, they would tell an interesting story. The last witch of Scotland was burnt in this town (1727), and Madonna s son Rocco was christened here (2000). Visit the village s inviting shops and local museum, enjoy a nice lunch in a café, and go for a lovely stroll along the beach. Year round, weather permitting Half day, maximum of four people, 60 per hour Photo by John Haslam DOLPHIN WATCHING Chanonry Point and Cromarty Firth, both near Inverness, are amongst the best spots in the UK to see bottle-nosed dolphins. Your day starts with an early drive to Cromarty Firth for a boat tour. Don t forget to take a stroll at Rosemarkie Bay. Then it s time to take out your binoculars and try spotting the majestic animals from the land at Chanonry Point. On the way back, we ll stop at the Storehouse for a tasty lunch (not included). Year round, weather permitting Full day, two to four people, 200 per person 22

27 CHAUFFEURED DAY TRIPS GOLF IN DORNOCH The Dornoch Royal Golf Club is famous for its high-quality golfing. Enthusiasts (both pro and amateur) from all over the world make the pilgrimage to the natural links at least once. Alladale is situated only an hour s drive from the Golf Club, and therefore can be used as a perfect base from where to enjoy a relaxing golfing holiday. Please let us know if you would like us to arrange a day of golf for you, and we ll go through the options. Year round On request, maximum of four people, season dependant CASTLE & WHISKY TOUR Scotland is home to impressive castles. Let our experienced driver take you to the amazing Dunrobin Castle where you ll learn about its past and present. Then enjoy a short drive to the charming seaside town of Dornoch, where you ll be served a tasty lunch (not included). Your final stop is the Balblair whisky distillery. It offers great, informative tours and the opportunity to taste a few rare vintage whiskies. April October Full day, two to four people, 180 per person Photo by Paul Wordingham 23

28 HELICOPTER TRIPS With our very own helipad on site, Alladale offers guests the unique opportunity to discover the Highlands from the air. Experience the majestic beauty of Alladale Wilderness Reserve, the amazing Highlands and Scottish isles from a bird s eye perspective. Our pilot will fly you over some of the biggest highlights of the area of choice. You can combine a helicopter flight with a lunch on the Isle of Skye, a day of golf, a whisky tour or visit to the Orkney islands. And there are plenty of other options, so please do contact us for a bespoke itinerary. Our helicopter will take a maximum of 5 passengers and 1 piece of light luggage per person. For a day of golf (extra luggage), the maximum is 4. Quoted prices are per flight / per helicopter and include meals and activities on site. Trips are bookable year-round unless otherwise indicated. All helicopter trips are weather dependent. GOLF AT GLENEAGLES mins flight In 1910, railway director Donald Matheson stumbled upon the Gleneagles valley and was so impressed by its beauty, that he decided to build a large, palace-like hotel, with leisure in the form of golf. Today, with 3 championship golf courses, Gleneagles truly is the perfect place for a day of golf. En route, your pilot will fly over Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness. Maybe you ll spot Nessie from the air Year round, weather permitting Full day, maximum of four people, 7200 per hour Photo by Victoria Winters 24

29 HELICOPTER TRIPS LUNCH ON THE ISLE OF SKYE mins flight Imagine waking up in the Highland hills, enjoying a tasty breakfast and a morning stroll, before taking a helicopter to enjoy a scrumptious seaside lunch on a stunning island Book our day trip to the Isle of Skye, for a lunch at the famous Three Chimneys restaurant. En route, you will see the Torridon Hills, Eilean Donan Castle and Cuillin Ridge, amongst other beauties. Feb-Nov, weather permitting Half day, maximum of five people, 6300 Photo by John McSporran MACALLAN DISTILLERY mins flight The 390-acre Macallan estate sits proudly in its beautiful surroundings. It uses curiously small stills, for the rich, fruity, full-bodied flavours for which Macallan whiskies are famous. This distillery has a great story to tell, which makes Macallan a perfect place for a tour, followed by a lovely lunch. En route, you will be able to marvel at Urquhart Castle, mysterious Loch Ness and Highland hub, Inverness. Half day, maximum of five people, 5800 Photo by Schlaeger 25

30 HELICOPTER TRIPS ISLAND LUNCH & WHISKY TOUR mins flight Voted UK Restaurant of the Year 2018, Three Chimneys restaurant is the top spot for lunch. Add the view to the mix, and you ll want to stay forever. After a short flight over the Isle of Skye, you ll visit the Talisker Distillery, the most beautifully located distillery in the world, for a great tour and tasting. En route, we ll make sure you see Torridon Hills, Eilean Donan Castle and Cuillin Ridge. Feb-Nov, weather permitting Half day, maximum of five people, 6900 per hour Photo by John McSporran ORKNEY ISLANDS mins flight The Orkneys, 70 islands in the far north of Scotland, are truly special. With coastal cliffs and moorland habitats, many wildlife species call the Orkneys home. It s one of the best sites in the UK to spot seals, puffins and seabirds. Fly into Orkney s vibrant capital of Kirkwall and embark on a scenic tour of the island, before flying back to Alladale. En route, we ll fly over Scapa Flow, Churchill Barriers and the Italian Chapel with its amazing archaeology and World Heritage sites. Half day, maximum of five people, 6200 Photo by Delaina Haslam 26

31 ALLADALE WILDERNESS RESERVE Events & Retreats Over the years, Alladale has proven to be a desirable location for events and retreats, both from an organiser s and attendee s point of view. With true wilderness on your doorstep, comfortable accommodation, a talented chef and a team of experts within reach, events and retreats are easily organised and turned into a success. At Alladale, you can finally take the time and space to enjoy nature at its best, while delving into the things you love. Whether you re interested in mastering your photography skills or want to challenge your physical abilities, Alladale offers a range of options. Visit our website to join an upcoming event or retreat. Or get in touch if you re looking to organize one. 27

32 EVENTS & RETREATS PHOTOGRAPHY Alladale is proud to host photography retreats on a yearly basis. Award-winning landscape photographers from all over the world enjoy visiting the Reserve to capture its phenomenal beauty. Luckily, they are more than happy to show the ropes to aspiring photographers, while exploring the reserve together. Photo by Danel Solabarietta CHALLENGE YOURSELF The Reserve is a great place to challenge your physical and mental endurance, while immersing yourself in the vast wilderness that is Alladale. Go on an adventurous expedition with an outdoors expert while distancing yourself from the hustle and bustle of busy (city) life. We host events and retreats that centre around survival strategies, fitness, yoga and various outdoor sports. 28

33 GETTING TO ALLADALE Transfers Alladale Wilderness Reserve is situated in the stunning Scottish Highlands, about 50 miles north of Inverness Airport. The reserve is easily accessible via road, which takes you north on the well maintained A9 along the east coast towards Tain, then inland over small country roads and along a dirt track towards the reserve. The drive will take about one hour. We also offer the option of transfer via helicopter. This is especially helpful to guests with a limited amount of time. Alladale has its very own helipad, which allows guests to travel by air to and from the reserve. You will be treated to stunning views during your 15-minute flight. Furthermore, Alladale offers a wide range of chauffeured and helicoptered day trips, which makes the reserve a fantastic base from which to explore other Highland gems. 29

34 TRANSFERS BY CAR One of our experienced, knowledgeable drivers will be waiting for you at Inverness airport. During the drive to Alladale you can sit back and relax in a comfortable vehicle and take in a bit of the Sutherland beauty. 1.5 hours, maximum of five people, 110 BY HELICOPTER What better introduction to the Scottish Highlands than experiencing them from the air? A helicopter will await you on arrival at Inverness Airport, and fly you straight to Alladale. Enjoy stunning views of the reserve and the Alladale lodge on arrival. 15 minutes, maximum of five people,

35 LEAVING A LEGACY Protecting the Highlands for next generations In the early 80 s my father invested in Scottish commercial forestry. Over the following years I came to understand the reasons why over the last millennia, the Highland landscape had become so severely depleted. With 95% of the original mixed woodlands gone, livestock grazing, deer stalking estates and more recently exotic conifer plantations, took over. Many of the native species such as wolves, bears and lynx became a threat and were shot out by man. When I acquired Alladale in 2003, the sole purpose was to create a Wilderness Reserve and help the land recover by planting over 800,000 native mixed tree species and re-wetting our drained peatlands. We ve reintroduced the red squirrel and established a Scottish wildcat captive breeding program and also host multiple summer school trips. Nowadays our professional ranger team keep deer numbers to a more natural level to encourage natural tree and plant regeneration. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the dedicated support of our staff, stakeholders and partner organisations; to all of you, I am very grateful. We live by a simple ethos here on the Reserve: Leave the land in a better condition than you received it. Paul Lister Custodian Alladale Wilderness Reserve 31

36 ECO-LOCALISM Working together with local communities At Alladale we highly value our connection to the local community, people and businesses. The majority of our supplies are sourced locally including amazing seafood, beef, lamb, fruits and vegetables; not forgetting, of course, Alladale s wild venison. We hope, that as our business grows, we are able to further help stimulate the local economy as guests explore and enjoy nearby attractions. Alladale collaborates with Visit Scotland and The Heart of Sutherland to promote the Highlands and attract as many tourists as possible from all over the world. For almost 10 years Alladale has hosted 1000 s of children who participate in the Highland Outdoor Wilderness Learning (HOWL) programme; a specially designed and expert-led, environmental journey for schools around the region. During the tailored experience, teenagers not only improve their understanding about the natural world, ecology and conservation, but also learn key life skills within one of the most progressive conservation projects in the UK. We aim to enable those taking part, to reconnect with our natural heritage and to ignite a passion to protect, restore and enjoy the wild. 32

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