Loch Hope

Sea-trout fishing

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Alternatively, there are several good hotels in the area, some of which lease Loch boats for use by their guests (which might mean you did not need to rent your own boat).

Local hotels which offer Loch Hope fishing

The Altnaharra Hotel, Altnaharra, IV27 4UE. Tel 01549 411 222

Now re-opened after several years closure, the new owners are fishing-minded  people who plan to take the hotel back to its glory days, when it was one of Scotland’s most famous and popular fishing establishments. They have boats at both South End and Middle Bay, and will be offering fishing at many other locations too. Altnaharra website.

Ben Loyal Hotel, Main Street, Tongue, IV27 4XE. Tel: 01847 611216

The Ben Loyal is a bright and comfortable hotel with 11 rooms, surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery in Scotland, including a view of Ben Hope on the horizon.  The hotel has a boat at the South End, and is only about 15 minutes' drive from the North End.   Ben Loyal website.  

Borgie Lodge Hotel, Skerray, Tongue, KW14 7TH. Tel: 01641 521332.
The Hotel lies in a secluded glen on the banks of the River Borgie. Famous for its food and the beauty of its location, it's furnished "traditionally" with antlers, Clan Sutherland tartan carpets, sporting prints and log fires. Much favoured by fishing people, the hotel leases a Middle Bay boat for its guests, and can arrange access to many other local waters too. Hope North End is about 25 minutes' drive away. Borgie Lodge website.

 

Other popular local hotels

Craggan Hotel,  Melness, IV27 4YP. Tel:  01847 601 278

The Craggan is on the western shore of the Kyle of Tongue, where the view of Ben Loyal - "Queen of Scottish Mountains" - is at its best. This is the social centre of the local community, and you'll find a warm welcome, with a peat fire in the lounge and Hamish, the landlord, behind the bar. Rooms are available at reasonable rates, and the North End is only about 15 minutes' drive away.   Craggan website .

Tongue Hotel, Tongue, IV27 4XD. Tel: 0870 418 8229

Tongue Hotel was a former sporting lodge of the Duke of Sutherland. Many original features have been retained: cast-iron fireplaces in bedrooms, tongue and groove panelling in bathrooms, marble topped washstands and brass bedsteads. Bedroom are all decorated differently and are light and  comfortable. Most have views over the Kyle of Tongue to the mountains beyond.  The North End is about 15 minutes away by car.   Tongue Hotel website .

 

Other possible sources of Hope fishing

Rispond Estate, Durness, IV27 4QE Tel: 01971 511 224

Rispond Estate leases fishing at both Middle Bay and North End, and can sometimes provide accommodation. They can offer a range of other fishing options too, including the Polla River and several productive hill lochs.The proprietor, Charles Marsham, is the person to contact. Rispond Estate website .

Strathmore Estate Mrs Heather Gow, Pitscandly,Forfar,Angus,DD8 3NZ Tel: 01307 462437

Strathmore adjoins the Hope Estate to the South of the Loch, and includes the western part of Ben Hope and the northern section of the Strathmore River. They have their own South End boat, as well as a variety of river and hill-loch fishing. They can offer accommodation too, although this tends to be booked up well in advance. The proprietor, Mrs. Heather Gow, is the person to contact.   Gow Sport website.

 

 

Where to stay

One option is to stay at Hope: we now have two self-catering cottages to offer - and for 2010 these are available to boat tenants as a special package-deal.
More details here.