I am travelling to Scotland from Australia with my eldest son (16yo) in August. We are both keen hunters and fishermen, and hoping to spend a few days stalking and fishing while we were there. I would like an authentic experience on an estate where the stalking, fishing and Scottish culture are first class. I don't know when I will be back, so want to make this trip count.
I approached Letterewe estate, however they seem to be fully booked, and only offer week long packages for stalking. I would have 3/4 days maximum around 18-22 August.
Any advice on the best destination would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
I have a feeling that Amhuinnsuidhe have a "mixed rod" week at around that time - basically this means you don't need to book the whole estate but rather they operate on a sort of "bed and breakfast" basis for the week. It does mean that you will be sharing the fishing and stalking with a number of completely random people, but most other options will be booked this year and maybe even next year. Depending on your preferences that might be a really good thing. This is one of the premier fishing/stalking estates and is located on the Isle of Lewis, for a very many people this would be a "bucket list" location.
They have trout, salmon, and sea trout fishing with the big advantage that they have lochs as well as the rivers so if the water is low there remains a chance of good fishing on the lochs. They also have remarkable red deer stalking - the deer are genuinely wild and aren't fed beside the road so you need to actually stalk them to get one but it does mean that heads won't be as big as some places will offer.
The estate also have some self catering accommodation and may be able to offer a package with that and some fishing/stalking or they may be able to offer stalking/fishing on one of their sister estates which can also provide really remarkable days out.
One thing I will say is that this is real, wild, fishing and stalking and so it is a big advantage to be fit enough to climb the hills and walk on the moor. You do see guests getting driven up and down the track in the pickup truck on the lookout for a stag they are capable of walking to and that isn't stalking in my view, though as I get older I see the appeal of it. Also some of the fishing is extremely remote and requires a lot of walking over hills and very rough ground. Generally speaking there is no mechanical extraction, and usually you won't be driven up the hill to within a few yards of the deer in an Argo, so anything shot will have to be dragged to the track.
Some years back a forum member won an Amhuinnsuidhe attempt at a MacNab and posted a little report:
So a few folk might remember this thread from a while back:
Good, inexpensive red stag - another fantastic offer for charity
Caorach was good enough to draw my attention to the auction and I was lucky enough to bid for and win the MacNab opportunity on the
Amhuinnsuidhe Estate on the Isle of Harris (a salmon on the fly, a brace of grouse and a stag all in the same day). I'm just back and here's my write-up. Apologies in advance - it's a long one! But I've tried to insert a few photos to break it up and make it a bit more enjoyable to read. Grab a brew (or a glass of malt) and...
If you are fit enough to benefit, and want a real wild sporting experience, get in touch with the estate and see if they have anything to offer you.
Amhuinnsuidhe offers luxury accommodation in the Hebrides, unsurpassed opportunities for fishing and field sports, and warm hospitality.
reasortestates.co.uk
If that doesn't work out for you, or you maybe want easier stalking, it is worth talking to Russell Hird to see if he would have any availability. He's usually booked years ahead but you never know:
Truly Wild Sport in Scotland's Outer Hebrides with Russell Hird
www.rjhsports.co.uk
