Scotland - Alladale in Spring

The Alladale Lodge is beautiful and comfortable. My room was huge had great views of the mountains. The staff at the Lodge were so friendly, helpful, and kind. Everyone went out of their way to make us feel welcome and make sure we had what we needed. The meals were delicious. During the week we had local venison, duck (best duck I ever had, anywhere), salmon, and trout. We had salad, vegetables, and rhubarb that came straight from their gardens. The desserts were decadent. I thought this was one of the most interesting holidays I have ever had. Of course, we had the wonderful experience that I have come to expect from any Naturetrek holiday: every day was full of beautiful scenery, plants, and animals. But, I didn't really know anything about the specifics of "rewilding." On our first day, Reserve Manager Innes MacNeill and Ranger Ryan Munro took us though Glen Alladale and Glen Mor, and we saw just how massive a project Alladale really is. In addition to learning about replanting the forest and managing the deer population, we saw the gardens (raised beds, greenhouses, and aquaponics) and endangered Scottish wildcats that have been part of the captive breeding program. Learning about the mission of Alladale and seeing the work they are doing was both fascinating and inspiring. Alladale managed to be the perfect blend of active and relaxing. You could be busy all day, or you could knock off after lunch and sit by the fire reading and drinking tea. It is such a magical place that you just feel happy being there. I will definitely visit again.

S.D. Florida, May 24

It was at Alladale Wilderness Reserve and was extremely well organised with a very enjoyable itinerary. I saw lots of the wildlife I was hoping to see and our guide and the rangers were kind, helpful and very knowledgeable. The accommodation was first class and so was the food, service and hospitality. Everything was very well organised from beginning to end and I didn't have to worry about anything. 

F.T. Cornwall, May 23

This privately owned estate offers an insight into an ambitious project to re-wild the 23,000 acre landscape and return it to its natural habitat of hundreds of years ago. It is along term project very much in progress which allows you to see wildlife that for many people will be a new and exciting experience. It provides a chance to see the impact of positive human intervention to rectify mistakes of the past and restore habitats that will bring back species that have long disappeared. The scenery is breath-taking with vast spaces, beautiful rugged mountains and crystal clear rivers. The accommodation in the luxurious seven bedroom Alladale lodge offers a level of comfort and hospitality that exceeded expectations. In addition to the days exploring this amazing wilderness reserve,  there are day visits to nearby wildlife locations which offer sightings of a wide and varied range of birds and wildlife. It was an absolute privilege to visit this remote part of Scotland. This holiday to Alladale in May 2022 was a fortunate stroke of serendipity due to the postponement and eventual cancellation of a planned Naturetrek trip to southern Africa which was postponed in 2021 because of Covid restrictions. Not wishing to risk a further postponement we asked to be transferred to this holiday to Alladale. Naturetrek agreed without any hesitation or fuss  which was greatly appreciated. Their organisation and management of such trips are of the highest order with comprehensive information and regular communication. The Naturetrek leader appointed for our stay at Alladale was extremely knowledgeable, brilliant at bird and animal spotting and determined to ensure that every daylight hour was used to best advantage to see Scottish wildlife.

L.K. Wiltshire, May 22