The Craggan Hotel
Melness
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The Craggan Hotel Melness
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Sutherland offers a variety of past times & hobbies from shooting to hill walking please read below to find out further details
FISHING & SHOOTING Awaiting details
CLIMBING AND WALKING Ben Hope (927m), Scotland's most northerly Munro, is less than 6miles from the The Craggan and the 'Queen of the Scottish Mountains', Ben Loyal (764m) one of the most northerly Corbetts sets the skyline with stunning views from two of our rooms. Both these mountains are favourites with our guests all year round. For those of you who are looking for something a little less strenuous then you could do worse that climbing up to Castle Varrich which sits on a small mountain just a few miles away over the Kyle of Tongue. There is a pathway all the way up to the top. The panoramic view from the summit is absolutely outstanding looking out to Ben Loyal, Ben Hope and up the Kyle to the Rabbit Islands and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean. Those of you who prefer flatter ground will be spoilt for choice. With our network of single track roads guests can spend their days wandering by foot, bicycle or car through our unrivalled scenery.
Their are guided walks by local ranger Paul Castle Contact details Paul Castle. Highland Council North Sutherland Countryside Ranger. 01641 521884.
PONY TREKKING Pony trekking is available at Bettyhill which is about 17 miles away. Here, amongst other rides, you can take a trek along the wonderful beach at Torrisdale Bay. Even if you have never sat on a horse in your life Lorna will find just the right mount for you. There is also an outdoor riding arena if you would like a lesson. Small parties are catered for as well as one to one treks. Booking in advance, particularly during the summer, is advisable. For more details contact: Torrisdale Pony Trekking SWIMMING There is a small heated pool at Bettyhill (17 miles). It also has a sauna, Jacuzzi and a small gym. Swimming from the sea is only to be recommended for the very hardy as the water temperature does not vary by more than about 2 degrees between summer and winter. Having said that there are wonderful beaches in the area where you can enjoy a traditional beach holiday. We are particularly fond of Talmine Bay, which is about 1 miles away, as there is a sandy beach, a rocky beach, a burn (stream) to dam and a couple of wrecks to climb on. The beach shelves very gradually and is a safe haven for children.
WILDLIFE & SCENERY You do not have to travel very far to see red deer, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, ospreys, pheasant, grouse and ptarmigan. From the hotel you can see seals playing and then watch them retire to the sandbanks. Those with luck and a lot of patience will be rewarded with sighting of sea otters playing on the shoreline or fishing for dinner in the waters of the Kyle. If you are really lucky you might also spot whales and porpoise sporting in Talmine Bay. Not all visitors to the North Coast want to pursue activities. If you are looking for peace and tranquility after the stresses of modern life then this is the place to be. We are surrounded by some of the most superb scenery in Scotland with miles of unspoilt beaches, reputedly some of the best surf in Europe, and more sheep than people even at the height of the season! If you visit in autumn or winter you may be very lucky and see a wonderful display of the Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights, with these been easily seen from our patio and car park, although a late late night will be needed as they are best seen towards midnight. Golf There is two golf courses near Tongue. Reay Golf Course to the east (30 miles) and Durness Golf course to the west. Both welcome visitors. Reay is the most northerly golf course on mainland Britain and Durness a 9 hole golf course with it's famous 9th or 18th hole, been a short hole you need a good shot to cross the Atlantic onto a small raised green, only for the 'bravehearted'.
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