Activities at Kildermorie

Walking

A stay at Kildermorie offers the ideal opportunity to enjoy the fresh air whilst taking in the sights and sounds of a wild and picturesque highland estate.

Kildermorie Estate is predominantly open hill, planted with forestry compartments at various stages of their life cycle; there are young plantations of native broadleaf hardwoods and firs, ancient forests of Caledonian pine trees, regenerated historic birch forests and areas where mature trees have been felled for timber and are ready to be replanted in due course.

The River Glasa meanders through the estate from west to east, gathering burn water from the surrounding hills. Its route affords spectacular views of the rugged twin peaks of Carn Chuinneag which dominates the skyline to the north, in sharp contrast to the lush vegetation of the low-lying grasslands beside the river.

After passing close by Meall Mor Lodge the river ends at Loch Morie, where sandy beaches offer space for play. The river, and the surrounding open hill and forestry, create an interesting and varied backdrop to a wide range of walking expeditions.

Photo: H L Duncan

Photo: H L Duncan

Those with the energy to climb to the summit of Carn Chuinneagh are rewarded with views to both east and west coasts

Photo: I C Deamer

Photo: I C Deamer

With more than 19,000 acres (7,700 hectares) to explore, there are numerous walking trails to suit all ages and abilities. The estate provides privacy and seclusion, as there is no ‘through traffic’, the nearest public road being some five miles distant, after which point unauthorised vehicles are prohibited.

Water Sports

Kildermorie is happy to accommodate guests wishing to bring their own water sports equipment (non-motorised only) to the estate. Loch Morie can provide ideal conditions for wing foiling - a relatively new wind-propelled water sport which featured in this summer's Olympic Games, as well as for the more established water sports such as paddle boarding and canoeing.

Photography

The seasonal weather variations experienced in an open glen sheltered by surrounding hills offer infinite opportunities for dramatic landscape photography.

Art

Whether drawing, painting with brush or palette knife en plein air or creating an artwork from a photograph, the Kildermorie landscape has inspirational scenes to suit all tastes.

Bird watching

Top of the list of resident birds must be the majestic golden eagle; stalkers have been known to lose sight of their quarry, their binoculars so intently focused on this magnificent bird. Osprey are also present, often seen around Loch Morie which has abundant fish, and buzzards and herons are common sights. At the smaller end of the scale the crossbills, golden plover and meadow pipit are resident, but more evident in spring and summer when busy providing for their young. Mallard, teal and oystercatcher, which tend to winter on the coast, come up to the estate in the spring to breed and take advantage of the ample food supply. Summer visitors include the wheatear, redstart, swallow and house martin. The barn owl, though resident, is more visible in the summer when out hunting voles. Of the winter visitors, snow buntings arrive in their hundreds to feast on the abundant supply of grass seed.

The estate is home to many birds also found throughout the country, for example mistle thrush, robin, pied and grey wagtail, blackbird, cuckoo and woodpecker.