Fishing
A few steps from the Hotel, we have the fishing rights to the Garvault burn, from the Badenloch loch to the source, and that it is good for both brown trout and salmon. So good is the fishing that the head gillie said that he caught his best salmon there.
Walking
The climb of our 'home hill' of Ben Griam Môr starts at the old pony gate at the entrance and, behind, its companion, Ben Griam Beg has the highest ancient British hill fort at its top. Then there is Ben Loyal and the most northerly 'Monroes' of Ben Klibreck and Hope a drive away, so no shortage of serious walking nearby, while a stroll up the burn takes you to a couple of little waterfalls.
Bird Watching
The RSPB Forsinard reserve is half-an-hour away, but there is a fair chance you’ll see more spectacular raptors from the house itself. Ospreys can be seen over the loch and an occasional sea eagle, while the magnificent golden eagle is a regular autumn visitor. Migrating waders and upland birds land on the front lawn or on the pond, while a brace of grouse and snipe can be seen and heard all the year round.
Creative & Spiritual Retreats
The renowned and highly original Austrian painter, Richard Jurtitsch, holds painting classes in October, also a time with perfect light for photographers, while Spring has proved popular with those wishing to organise spiritual retreats.
Historical & Cultural
Sutherland & Caithness abound with Neolithic and early historic remains, from the mysterious Grey Stones of Camster to the remains of a dozen brochs, while nearby, as well as the hill fort on Ben Griam Beg, ancient stone circles on the hillside behind the house were the dwelling place of our nearest - and oldest - neighbours. Gruesome tales of murder and worse cling to the ruins of Castle Sinclair, while the sad fallen walls of Clearance Villages tell the other side of the story to the magnificent Dunrobin Castle.