Access Guide for Hill Walking on Attadale Estate
Upon entering the estate from the main road (A890), you'll find a walkers' car park immediately on the right. This area provides parking and features a detailed map of the estate with various walking routes highlighted. The walks range from short excursions to full-day trips. Please refer to this map to choose a route that suits your fitness level and experience.
Safety Guidelines
Walking in the Highlands offers breathtaking experiences but can be hazardous for the unprepared. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and much of the estate is remote with limited mobile phone coverage. Please adhere to the following safety measures:
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Inform Someone: Always let someone know your planned route and expected return time.
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Overnight Plans: If you intend to stay out overnight, leave a visible note in your vehicle detailing your plans.
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Proper Gear: Carry appropriate warm and waterproof clothing, regardless of the forecast.
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Sustenance: Bring energy-rich foods such as nuts and chocolate.
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Navigation Tools: Always have a map and compass, and know how to use them.
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Know Your Limits: Choose routes that match your fitness and experience levels.
For more detailed safety information, refer to our Hill Walking Guide.
Bothies and Shelters
The estate maintains the Beinn Dronaig Bothy, a renovated old stalker's house located at grid reference (GR) 014389. This facility serves as a refuge and overnight shelter for walkers and is open most of the year. Please note that temporary closures may occur during deer culling periods; check the main page for specific dates. Additionally, there are mountain bothies at Bearneas (GR 021431) and Maol-Bhuidhe (GR 053359).
Deer Stalking Season
Deer stalking is an essential activity on the estate, primarily occurring from the third week of September until about October 20th. During this period, walkers are requested to avoid high ground. If you plan to climb the Munros during stalking season, please contact the estate's stalker in advance to coordinate and minimize disruptions. This precaution does not affect walking on the hill road and around the forestry areas. For guidance, reach out to Thomas Watson, Stalker, at 01520 722308.
Recommended Hillwalks
The estate features several notable peaks:
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Beinn Dronaig (Corbett): A free-standing mountain over 2,500 feet, accessible via the Calavie track. Walkers are encouraged to follow the route indicated on the estate map to minimize disturbance to deer and for the most direct ascent.
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Lurg Mhor and Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich (Munros): These peaks are among the most remote in Scotland. Due to the long approach, they are recommended for experienced walkers with a high level of fitness. The terrain varies, with Bidein featuring a narrow rocky summit and Lurg Mhor offering a terraced approach with a wide flat top.
For more information, read our Hillwalking Guide Blog.
Fishing on the River Carron
The estate holds fishing rights along the River Carron, from the Strathcarron road bridge to the river’s mouth. This stretch is divided into two beats, each accommodating two rods and available on a day-ticket basis.
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Beat 1: Extending from the bridge downstream to the upper tidal limits, this beat features four recognised pools. Salmon and sea trout can be caught early in the season, but the prime period is from mid-July to the end of October. During this time, both fresh and resident fish are active. Fly and spinner methods work well, with recommended flies including the orange Ally Shrimp, Cascade, or Silver Stoat for salmon, and Butcher or Teal, Blue and Silver for sea trout.
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Beat 2: Made up of several sea pools, this beat is best fished during the flood or ebb tide. Although salmon are rarely caught here, the pools provide excellent fly fishing for sea trout, with activity starting as early as April. The main sea trout run occurs from late July through August. Even in dry conditions, these sea pools remain productive due to tidal flows. Recommended flies are size 10 Butchers and Teal, Blue and Silvers.
To book fishing on the River Carron, please contact Roddy MacLennan on 07818 032368.
Fishing in the Hill Lochs
The estate is home to numerous hill lochs, all rich with trout. While some lochs are more easily accessible, anglers willing to undertake longer walks can experience highly rewarding fishing. As these lochs are underfished, visitors are encouraged to retain all trout caught, regardless of size, to help maintain a balanced and edible stock.
The Gead Lochs also house substantial pike, but these remote locations typically require an overnight stay at the Ben Dronaig Bothy.
In response to declining salmon and sea trout stocks in the mid-1990s, the estate launched a comprehensive stock management programme. This includes a catch-and-release policy, measures to maximise the survival of released fish, and a robust stocking effort.
Anglers are provided with specially designed keep-nets, ensuring fish can recover fully before being examined, marked, and released. A blue dye and pan jet marking process allows fish to be identified if recaptured. Thanks to these efforts, rod catches have increased significantly, restoring the River Carron as a thriving fishery for both locals and visitors.