Experiences

One of the joys of Straloch is the loch with its tranquil atmosphere and lively birdlife. Go kayaking in one of our three kayaks or take out the rowing boat. Fishing for wild brown trout is available by arrangement (see Sporting below)...

There are heaps of lovely walks from your door, from a gentle stroll around the loch to the energetic Ridge Walk with stunning views. There is a file of self-guided walks in the house. We also offer guided walks according to your particular interest, whether it's birds, wild flowers or archaeology. See Nature for more information.

Or how about a bespoke picnic, prepared especially for you and delivered to the site of your choice - it could be a traditional Highland picnic up in the heather hills, down by the waterfall on the river or a romantic dinner for two on the jetty by the loch. We can even organise a banquet for 10 or more people up in our lunch hut.

There is a hard tennis court five minutes' walk away and a games room with pool table, table tennis and darts (shared between the two houses). 

Note: kayaks, rowing boat and tennis are available 1st April - 1st November only.

Families

Straloch is a wonderful place for families. Each house has play frame with swings and slide and there's a football net and other garden games you can borrow. 

Children love cycling up and down the quiet estate road to explore the Walled Garden or visit the red squirrel feeder. There's a den building area in the Millennium Wood where you can build your own or embellish the existing ones.  

We have nature treasure hunts for children to help hone their observation skills and 'Wildlife Explorer' guided walks where they can learn to identify our more elusive animals like pine marten and otter from the signs they leave behind. There's pond dipping equipment too with ID charts.

A family favourite is a campfire picnic tea on the island.  Camp cooking equipment provided.

Sporting

With a resident population of red and roe deer and wild brown trout in the loch, Straloch has plenty to offer the sporting enthusiast. Whether it's a day's stalking on the hill, or a peaceful morning on the water, you're guaranteed a memorable experience in stunning surroundings.

Stalking on the estate can be arranged in season via our agent Woodmill Shootings. Whether you're an old hand or a complete beginner, their expert stalkers will maximise your chances of a successful day. Please contact us or Steven Wade at Woodmill direct well in advance to book.

Fishing on the loch is available by arrangement at a special guest rate of £20 per rod per day (fly only, two rods maximum, rod for hire). Salmon fishing can be arranged locally with advanced notice, as well as fishing on neighbouring hill lochs. Please contact us as early as possible to book.

Birds

The diverse range of habitats makes Straloch a great place for bird watching. Part of the Forest of Clunie Special Protection Area, our hill is home to a variety of upland breeding birds, including Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Merlin, Black and Red Grouse, Peregrine Falcon, Buzzard, Raven, Curlew and Wheatear. Cuckoos are a big feature of spring. The Millennium Wood is alive with the songs of visiting migrants including Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Redstart. The tiny Goldcrest is in residence all year as well as Bullfinch and Green Woodpecker.

Autumn sees great flocks of Fieldfares and occasionally Crossbills. The bird feeders at the holiday houses attract Siskins, Goldfinch and Great Spotted Woodpecker, as well as the usual garden birds. The loch has Wigeon, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen and Little grebe. In winter we have visitors such as Goldeneye and Whooper Swans. The sound of the Oyster Catchers heralds the arrival of Spring. Grey Heron nest on the island. On the river you might see Dippers, Sand Martins, Red-breasted Merganser and the occasional Kingfisher.

Other Animals

Straloch a hind forest, meaning that Red deer hinds are resident all year. Roe deer can often be seen grazing near the holiday houses in the early morning or at dusk. In the Autumn the stags arrive for the annual rutt. From late September to the end of October you can hear the primeval sound of the stags roaring all around, right from your door step. You can often see them too, high up on the ridge behind the houses, looking after their harem and seeing off any interlopers.

We also have Red squirrels which can be seen on the feeder most days. Other more elusive animals on the place include pine marten and otter; these are difficult to spot but can be identified from their signs.  

Wildflowers & Butterflies

Straloch is known for its wildflowers and proudly boasts three SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) designated for heathland flora. These are carefully managed according to a strict grazing regime. We also have several wildflower conservation meadows.

June and July are particularly good months to visit when the wild orchids are in flower. Straloch is lucky enough to have four varieties of orchid: Fragrant, Small White, Heath Spotted and Northern Marsh. You will also find a wonderful range of typical heathland and wetland plants at this time of year, including the locally rare Greater Sundew which traps insects with its sticky tentacles, Intermediate Wintergreen and Autumn Gentian. Free guided walks are available during the flowering season.  

Common Rock Rose is profuse and we are an important site for the locally rare Northern Brown Argus butterfly. Other butterflies and moths include the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Common Blue and Chimney Sweeper moth.