SKELPICK AND RHIFAIL ESTATE
Red Deer Stalking
Skelpick, Rhifail and Loch Strathy are effectively three different estates which form one area of 38,000 acres and provide red deer stalking in Scotland through a well managed deer population. The estate covers some of the most beautiful and remote ground in Europe, rising through steep hills and rocky outcrops to 1,322 feet. Lying to the east side of the River Naver the estate reaches from the spectacular North coast to the Kinbrace to Syre road in the south.
The area encompasses the estate lands and additional acres of RSPB land in the flow country. From the highest reaches guests are rewarded with panoramic views taking in hills from both the West and East Coast mountains, including the memorable Ben Loyal, Ben Graim and Ben Hope as well as out to Orkney.
We offer accompanied stalking with experienced stalkers. You will set off in an Argocat to one of six areas to spy the deer before stalking on foot.
At a glance
• Red deer stag stalking season 1st July to 20th October
• Red deer hind stalking season 21st October to 15th February
• Experienced stalker
• POA
Pheasant and Woodcock Shoot
The park around Rhifail Lodge features delightful birch woods which make a natural lay out for a small pheasant shoot, and in the winter woodcock. The drives are all within walking distance of the Lodge and produce some high, fast birds off the hills. The average day’s bag may be 60 pheasant and ten woodcock. Days are available to rent and prices vary according to the day.
Trout fishing
The lochs on the estate provide extensive brown trout fishing. Two popular lochs are close to Rhifail Lodge, Loch Warrander and Loch Rifa-gil. Both are well stocked with wild brown trout and have boats available for tenants.
Further afield there are many lochs which the adventurous can visit, including Loch Strathy on the east side, which can be accessed upon arrangement.
• Trout fishing season 1st April to 30th September
Salmon fishing
At the heart of the estate lies the River Naver and its world renowned salmon fishing. Skelpick tenants fish four rods on the river, two rods on the rotating Skelpick Beat and two rods on the Private Water, and are provided with knowledgeable ghillies.
The Naver is divided into six rotating beats, the Private Water and the Association Water and covers 18 miles. Starting from Loch Naver, the river flows from the heathery upland, down through birch and alder woods, meandering across hay fields, before widening out through the lower flood plains.
Over the past ten years Skelpick rods have averaged 349 fish, this rises to 400 over the last five years. Due to the popularity of this river weeks only become available occasionally. Please contact George Lopes to be added to the waiting list.
The Association Water, which consists of the lowest three pools on the river within the tidal water, is accessible to all at a daily rate. Two tickets are sold each day, for more information please contact Ray Cooper at The Store, Bettyhill (01641 521207)
Golf
Tenants of both Skelpick Lodge and Rhifail Lodge are able to take advantage of Rhifail’s nine hole golf course. Designed to beguile the keenest golfers it provides a fantastic round of golf. There are several golf clubs at Rhifail Lodge; however you are advised to bring your own balls.
Reay golf course is a lovely course situated on the coast approximately 30 minutes drive from both lodges. For those keen to explore further there are numerous links golf courses within 90 minutes, including Durness, Brora, Helmsdale and Dornoch.