From a lofty lodge to a grand castle: a journey of celebrations
From the open landscapes of northern Sutherland to the baronial surroundings of Aldourie Castle, this week-long journey is designed for a large celebratory gathering, staying in two spectacular, exclusive-use WildLand properties.
Highlights
- A private journey through wild coastlines, mountains, rivers and lochs
- Spectacular events to lift your celebration, from live musicians to ceilidh dances and long-table dinners
- Exceptional, exclusive-use properties to call home
Information
- Duration: Recommended seven nights
- Who for: Those celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, reunions or other significant gatherings
- Good to know: Experiences adjusted to suit ages and interests, with active days balanced by wellbeing, food, music and time together
- Travel: WildLand coordinates transport, guides, chefs and local collaborators to support and enhance your experience
Nights One, Two and Three
Begin at the northern edge of Scotland where wild coastlines and dramatic mountains meet marshy peatlands and meandering rivers. Stay at historic hunting Hope Lodge and its collection of cabins and cottages, which offer a base for exploring one of the Highlands’ most compelling and immersive landscapes.
Over the next few days, settle into the quiet of the north, bringing the group together on guided walks that show restoration work in action, or connect with untamed nature on hikes to waterfalls or secluded beaches. Days might start slowly with yoga and sound bath sessions or bracing cold-water swims; lunches are taken in the wild and thrills can be found by surfing the breaks of the Atlantic Coast.
Come evening, gather for fire-cooked suppers using ingredients sourced locally or foraged in nature, followed by time by the firepit, accompanied by local musicians and storytelling.
Hope Lodge to Aldourie Castle
Your final morning in Sutherland offers a chance to experience the river with a few hours of casting fishing lines, tapping into an absorbing natural rhythm. Others may prefer to take part in a conservation tour through Sutherland’s ecosystems and habitats, discovering nature’s secrets and WildLand’s restoration stories.
After lunch, begin the journey south towards Loch Ness. The changing landscape becomes part of the road trip as wide-open moorland and sparse panoramas gradually give way to pine forests, rolling glens and finally, the inky-black waters of the Loch. Arrive at Aldourie Castle and immediately feel in awe of its pink-turreted grandeur as you explore impeccable interiors, flourishing, wild gardens and the peaty depths of the loch. Sleeping up to 24 guests, Aldourie Castle offers privacy, generous living spaces and a setting well-suited to spectacle.
Nights Four and Five
Awake to peaceful views over the loch, a generous breakfast shared with friends and the anticipation of several days at Aldourie, settling into castle life, explorations in nature and thoughtful experiences that are perfect for a group.
One of Aldourie’s joys is exploring the grounds with the gardening team, learning how the formal gardens, walled garden and vegetable plots are cared for, followed by a creative floristry class. The Loch is also a constant source of curiosity, whether for a quick morning dip, a gentle paddleboard or discovering the ruins of Urquhart Castle on the shore.
Lunches and dinners make the most of your setting with midday meals in the orangery overlooking the walled gardens, boathouse lunches by the shimmering water, fine food and wine in the grand dining room and postprandial gatherings by the fire pit.
Nights Six and Seven
For your final few days, let the celebrations take hold. Challenge the group with an exerting hike into the hills for a shared sense of accomplishment or be soothed by a yoga session, followed by time in the sauna yurt. Make the most of your surroundings with unplanned afternoons in the wildflower meadows, the elegant drawing room or relaxing in your stylishly considered bedroom.
The last two evenings are for dialling up the glamour. Begin with drinks on the lawn, accompanied by local musicians or a pipe band. Dinners are a chance to showcase culinary traditions and a sense of occasion at long-table, candlelit meals. For a last-night showstopping party, a ceilidh in the dance hall with traditional musicians is an uplifting finale, bonding generations and friends in a memory that’s unlikely to be forgotten.
Your last morning is for farewells, unhurried moments by the loch and time to reflect on the shared journey from lodge to castle, with plenty of celebrations along the way.
How can I book this?
Can I swap out the activities here?
Of course, our team can create bespoke journeys to suit your needs, this itinerary is just an example of a popular journey our guests take.
