Loch Hope

bullet1 Where to stay

There's little accommodation at Hope itself, so most visitors base themselves at Tongue or Melness.  But it's sometimes possible to rent the Ferryman's Cottage, which is a short walk from the North End boat moorings. This is a traditional stone house, with 3 bedrooms - a twin, a double and a single. A self-catering week costs around £370 during the season - rather less at other times. To check availability, contact CKD Galbraith on 01738 451 600.


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.  

Forsinard Hotel, Forsinard, KW13 6YT. Tel: 01641 571221
Although it's the furthest away of the hotels listed here, this is worth considering from a fisherman's point of view. With ghillies provided and free transport to and from Loch Hope (where they have a lease at the South End) the hotel can provide you with all the support you need. With access also to the Halladale and Helmsdale rivers, this a fine base for a fishing holiday.   Forsinard 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 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.

Lairg Angling Club, Park House, Lairg, 1V27 4AU Tel: 01549 402208
The Lairg Angling Club leases a Middle Bay boat, and their secretary David Walker is the person to contact. He and his wife Margaret can also offer accommodationo in Park House, a fine Victorian establishment overlooking Loch Shin, which would make a good base for a fishing holiday in the area, with a range of options available through the Club.   Park House website .