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| Activities while staying at the Sutherland Bothy |
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| Written by David Petherick | |
| Monday, 29 May 2006 | |
ACTIVITIESWithin easy reach of the bothy are fishing, bird-watching, boating, walking and numerous climbing opportunities including the nearby Munros, Ben Loyal and Ben Hope. To the east Bettyhill (approximately 8 miles away) has an excellent swimming pool complex which includes a state-of-the-art gym, a sauna, sunbed and jacuzzi. The village of Bettyhill also has a number of shops, cafes, hotels and pubs, as well as the magnificent Farr beach. To the west the village of Tongue also has a number of shops, hotels and walking routes.
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 you to see. Here are a few suggestions... FISHINGThe Bothy 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. Tongue and District Angling Club are responsible for issuing the permits for fishing in the area - at £4.00 per day, amongst the cheapest in the country.The Angling Club also has boats on Loch Loyal, Loch Craggie, Loch Hakel and Loch Cormack and a selection of outboard motors that can be hired by the day. 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. CLIMBING AND WALKINGBen Hope (927m), is Scotland's most northerly Munro, and Ben Loyal (764m), (also known as the 'Queen of Scottish Mountains') one of the most northerly Corbetts over looks Tongue.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. PONY TREKKINGPony trekking is available at Bettyhill. Here, amongst other rides, you can take a trek along the wonderful beach at Torrisdale Bay. Even if you have never sat on a horse 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: 01641 521472 WILDLIFEThe countryside around the Bothy 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.SCENERYNot everyone comes to the North Coast to do something energetic. If you are looking for peace and tranquillity 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. Be prepared for a late night though as they are usually at their best after 11 PM. Sutherland's beauty truly is one of the best-kept secrets of Scotland. SWIMMINGThere is a small heated pool at Bettyhill, and 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! |
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 29 May 2006 ) |