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Altnaharra – The Romantic Getaway

It is easy to see why the Scottish highlands are one of the most romantic destinations in the UK. The picturesque scenery and beautiful wildlife creates a fantastic environment for a weekend getaway.

Scottish Sunset
What’s on offer at the Hotel
It isn’t just fishermen that flock to the Altnaharra Hotel.  Our remote and rugged location draws couples who are looking for a quiet place to rest and relax in each other’s company – whatever the time of year! We have a number of cosy lounges with roaring log fires, a bar, an a la carter dining room and even a library for you and your other half to make the most of.

Romantic Altnaharra

For those couples not looking to get too adventurous but still craving the great outdoors (and with the likes of Ben Hope and Loch Naver on our doorstep who wouldn’t?) there is a whole host of activities to take part in, including Falconry, horse riding, walking and even star gazing!

Click here for more details on activities and days out available in the local area.

If you fancy something a little more private then why not consider one of our self-catering cottages. Located within the grounds of the hotel, the cottages were originally 19th century barns that have been into extremely cosy and well equipped holiday lodges. The kitchens contain everything you need to cook up a leisurely breakfast in bed or to open a bottle of wine in the evening. All guests staying in our cottages have access to the hotel bar and restaurant if required.

A Great Gift

Things to Do for Couples in Scotland

If you are stuck for a gift for your partners Birthday, Anniversary or other special occasion, then why not consider one of our sporting holidays? Whether they love fishing, deer stalking, clay pigeon shooting or walking, the Altnaharra Hotel can put together a bespoke weekend package (or longer) for you both to enjoy.
Click here to find out more about our fishing and shooting holidays.

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A family holiday at the Altnaharra Hotel – a teenager’s view

Fishing on Loch Naver

I’m a 17 year old girl and have been visiting Altnaharra Hotel with my family every year since it reopened. We go at Easter which I really love because it’s actually quite warm but you don’t get the midges! On my first visit in 2010 I wasn’t expecting much but I really was pleasantly surprised!

It’s usually quite an active holiday for us; we often go on walks in some amazingly beautiful places, which isn’t hard in an area like the Highlands. The chef at the hotel packs a lunch for us so we can make a day of it. We also cycle using the hotel’s mountain bikes, although there are a lot of hills so you need some energy!

I also tried fishing for the first time in Altnaharra when my dad took my sister and me out on Loch Naver in a boat. Our hopes were high to catch a huge salmon but when my line tugged I was so excited it didn’t matter what it was. As it turned out my sister and I caught 12 brown trout that day, the larger of which we took back to the hotel and the chef cooked it for our dinner. It was the best brown trout we’ve ever eaten!

The best thing I’ve ever done on my holidays in Scotland is horse-riding on the beach which the hotel arranged for us. We drove up to Bettyhill where there are stables and anyone can have a go. I have hardly ridden in my life but I was pretty eager to jump on. My horse was well suited because she was quite old so she wasn’t going too fast and it really was great fun. There were much sportier horses for regular riders, and maybe I can try one of those next year.

And even when the weather’s not so good there are still things for us to do. At the hotel there is a games room in the log cabin where we play table tennis, table football and snooker which is great because we have tournaments and we’re all pretty competitive so the rematches can go on for hours…

Obviously, being in the Highlands, you feel very secluded but I only realised the extent of that on a crystal clear night when I looked up at the stars. It was absolutely incredible, the entire sky was completely showered in them which was the most amazing sight and really let you know just how far away you are from cities further south, it’s a great feeling! I saw the Milkyway for the first time but not the Northern lights – although I gather they can be seen by those lucky enough to get their timing right, which one day I hope will be me!

So, from a less-than-convinced teenage girl three years ago on my very first visit, I’m now a regular. Our trips to The Altnaharra are part of our annual calendar and the whole family really look forward to them… including me!

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Set yourself a Munro challenge

Loch Hope

Photo taken by one of our guests on his ascent of Ben Hope looking down on Loch Hope

If you’re looking for a challenge in 2013 or you’re already a Munro bagger then look no further than The Altnaharra as your base for climbing the two most northerly Munros.

You’ve probably heard about The Munros.  They’re the mountains dotted around Scotland which are over 3,000 feet in height.  There are 283 of them in all and they’re so named in honour of Sir Hugh Munro who first catalogued them.

Here at the Altnaharra Hotel we’re lucky enough to be practically a stones-throw from Scotland’s two most northerly Munros.  We have a view of the stunning Ben Klibreck (3,156ft: 961m) from many of our windows and Ben Hope (3041ft: 927m) is just a short, and very picturesque drive away.  So if you’re a serial Munro bagger, or a newcomer looking to set yourself a 2012 challenge The Altnaharra is an ideal choice for your luxury base-camp.

Every year, quite a few of our guests climb one or both of our local mountains.  Ben Hope is an isolated monolith with a relatively easy ascent to the south.  More challenging approaches can also be taken, however whichever route is taken, the view of the lochans and moors is fantastic on a clear day.   The slightly higher Ben Klibreck has numerous ascent options, from Crask to the south, Altnaharra to the north or by the easiest and most popular route from the A836 to the west.   In good weather, it is possible to climb both mountains in the same day and we can supply our guests with a packed lunch.  However if you’re taking a more leisurely approach, just do the one and join us for a great pub lunch in our Ghillies Bar!

Check out more details about Munro climbing on www.munromagic.co.uk or  www.walkhighlands.co.uk/munros.  Both sites have good tips, advice and reviews of ascents of both Ben Klibreck and Ben Hope.  The munromagic site is particularly useful for its location maps, safety tips and weather reports.  Clearly it’s recommended to take particular note of the weather before attempting to climb a Munro as walking is done at entirely your own risk.

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