Altnaharra Club Campsite
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So peaceful
This was an amazing experience. We had pitch 10, which was relatively secluded and right on the lochside. The views are incredible. Wardens were superb - they were relief wardens during our stay, but really went out of their way to help. Even though there is no toilet block, still giving it five as the Chemical Toilet was immaculate.
Beautiful site
I can only agree with all the reviews already posted - a fantastic site location. 3* for facilities as there are none! 3* for families unless children like walking or kayaking. All the rest 5*. We saw deer on the hilltop above the site in the evening. I also saw a very large herd of deer (40+) when out on my bike a few miles away. We visited in late April when the local pub / inn (2 miles away) was closed so cannot comment. Also, no midges in April, which is one of the reasons we went then. This site is very remote and access is by single track road, so be warned if you are towing! We were in a motorhome so no problem, especially as the roads are very quite in April outside of the school holidays. The whole expereince was enhanced by having warm sunshine and completely blue skies!
RobinCG
Reviewed on 21/05/2023 15:31
An excellent site.
We arrived to be greeted by site warden Keith, who was welcoming and efficient. Keith and his wife Sue were excellent throughout our stay and were informative, knowledgable and friendly. The location is stunning, walks and a loch for the dogs to swim.
The deer eluded us and not an eagle or otter in sight (apparently all 3 are seen in the vicinity), apart from that perfect stay at a tranquil location.
Probably the most remote site in the UK
Altnahhara is one of a kind, probably one of the most remote sites in the UK if not Europe! I've rated it 5/5 except for facilities because basically there aren't any! There are Chemical toilet and rubbish facilities which are all very clean and tidy but no toilet/shower facilities so unless you have them with you its not necessarily the site for you! The water supply is filtered from the local burn which I'm sure is safe but I expect as a backside covering measure there is a sign cautioning the necessity to boil the water. Please don't think I'm being critical of this site because I am absolutely not as we visited it twice on the same trip in Scotland and will probably go back again in a few weeks time but it is not for those who need that facility. The view from the site across the loch is beautiful and as a previous reviewer has said all the pitches have a view, but yes pitch 5 is the one to have if it's available. Baring in mind that A roads in NE Sutherland can be single track with passing places the journey to Altnaharra is quite a unique experience for driving in the UK, the remoteness and awesome vistas across the 'Flows' (pronounced as in cows) is quite memorable as you come up from Lairg past the Crask Inn. So if you want to experience Altnaharra make sure you are well provisioned for your stay and enjoy the views and tranquility. I notice that another reviewer had their BEST meal at the Altnaharra Hotel. Yes we too had a meal there and I can also say it was one of the best, not the cheapest by any means but straight forward beautifully prepared dishes (Scallops & Venison). One final point, although I had a "proper" connecting join in my cable, Keith pointed out it was actually agin the rules so thank you Keith (the warden) for the loan of your cable!
Peace and quiet
This is a simple site with stunning views. Whilst it is 20 miles from any shops the isolation adds to the attraction. Driving both East and West gives lovely scenery. I highly recommend going along the minor road to the waterfall at Glen Hope.
We had pitch 5 which is much sought after as it is just next to the Loch. Definitely the best but most pitches seem to have great views and none are far from the Loch. Make sure you take some midge repellent though as if the breeze drops the do come out!
The current warden Keith is very good. He keeps an eye on the site, is friendly and does a great job collecting up the sheep droppings!
What more could you ask for?
This location was stunning. The photographs do not lie, in fact, in reality, it's better. The site is situated where sheep and deer roam freely, and therefore, you need to be mindful if you are a dog owner.
The site is in the middle of nowhere, so be prepared! The nearest supermarket is a 110-mile round trip and the local Spar is still a 50-mile round trip. Take plenty of food and drinking water. The water on-site comes from the hills and requires boiling before drinking. There isn't a designated dog walk as such but the single-track road that you drive along to get to the site is perfect. There's hardly any traffic, so it makes for a very pleasant hike, you can walk for miles. There are, of course, plenty of hills to roam about on, but because of the wildlife, it's not advisable to let your dog off its lead.
Keith and Sue, the site wardens, are delightful. And... they sell ice cream! It's an all-around winning location.
One of the best club sites in the UK
In resent times I have toured Scotland almost every year, each time for several weeks. This site is always a must for a 4 to 6 night visit as it is so beautiful and peaceful whilst you can enjoy a lazy or energetic stay. The wardens have always run the site in a relaxed, friendly but efficient manor and this year was no different - brilliant. Although all the approach roads are single track with passing places there is no problem except for the unclassified road from Loch Hope. This road is ok for solo cars and small'ish motorhomes.
Peace.
Visited for one night in July, 22, with a 5.2m camper van, on a non-electric pitch. Only four other units there, in a quiet season, but we had our choice of unserviced pitches, all with that stunning view. We drove down Strath Naver on the B road to get here, which was a change from the usual route south from Tongue and well worth it. Both are beautiful. The site is clean, has no washing or toilet facilities (hence a lower score for visitors with families), but we knew all that and the simplicity suits us. The husband and wife relief staff team were excellent, friendly and extremely helpful. No midges! We ate at the Altnaharra Hotel, a recently refurbished hunting-lodge type hotel, with the BEST food!! It's not a cheap option, but it's not ridiculous either and we would go again!
Truly magical
This is a truly magical site and is unlike any I have been lucky enough to have stayed at. Our heart rates dropped, digital free we spent hours just sitting and soaking up the atmosphere, stunning views and relaxing. The drive from Dunnet Bay was itself special and we were lucky enough to have 3 nights here but could have stayed much longer. Our intention is to return next year as soon as we can.
