Loch Hope

bullet1 Where to stay

One option is to stay at Hope: we now have two self-catering cottages available to let - and for 2009 these are being offered to boat tenants at a special package-deal price. More details here.

If this isn't possible, there are several good hotels in the area which lease Loch fishing for their guests - so this could be an alternative to renting your own boat.

Local hotels which offer Loch Hope fishing

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.

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 fishing lease at the South End, and is only about 15 minutes' drive from the North End.   Ben Loyal website.  

Some 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 originally built as a sporting lodge by 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 light and comfortable, and 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 providers of Hope fishing

Rispond Estate, Durness, IV27 4QE Tel: 01971 511 224
Rispond Estate reserves fishing at the North End, and can sometimes offer 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.

Park House, Lairg, 1V27 4AU Tel: 01549 402208
 David Walker and his wife Margaret offer excellent accommodationo in Park House, a fine Victorian house overlooking Loch Shin, which would make a good base for a fishing holiday in the area. David is closely involved with the Lairg Angling Club, and can offer a range of other options besides Loch Hope.  Park House website.

Lairg Angling Club. 01549 402291
The Lairg Angling Club leases a Middle Bay boat for the latter part of each week (Thursday to Saturday) and has other fishing to offer in the Lairg area also. The secretary is Jock McDonald, and you can contact him on 01549 402291 or on his mobile: 07880 542001.