Shooting

Deer Stalking: 
Morayshire is renowned for the number and quality of deer. Depending on the season, stalking would be for roe-buck and red stag up to medal class, or doe and hind. Costs involved vary considerably with top quality heads commanding high premiums, although during the winter months cull stalking can be just as challenging at a fraction of the outlay.

At Weiroch, we can arrange for professional guides to accompany stalkers on a one-to-one basis and a suitable package will be tailored to fit your needs. For stalkers undertaking Deer Stalking Certificate Level 2 most of the guides are qualified accredited witnesses. We can also arrange for the use of “estate rifles” for beginners or those without deer legal weapons. Stalking can be for just one day, several in succession, or spread over a weeks stay

Fishing
The River Spey is one of Scotland’s most prolific salmon and sea trout fisheries, attracting fishermen from all over the world. Weiroch itself is situated adjacent to the middle section of the Spey giving easy access to this part of the river. The Lodge offers perfect accommodation for small groups of fishermen. Rod holders and deep freeze facilities are available and, if required, we can provide picnic hampers so you can spend more time enjoying your sport – see catering details on the Availability page.

Although local estates control most beats, day and weekly permits to fish on parts of the Spey, its tributaries and other nearby rivers are available from local angling clubs and some estates. Alternatively, wild and released trout fishing is available on many local lochs and lakes. The nearby Glen of Rothes Fishery provides excellent stillwater bank fishing, and on the Glenlivet Estate, a short distance away, wild brown trout fishing can be enjoyed. On most trout lakes, equipment is available for hire if you don’t have your own.

Sea fishing, either beach casting or from boats hired by the day is available along the Moray Firth. Fully equipped boats offer chartered trips from a variety of locations with fishing for most salt water species including Cod, Pollock, Ling, Mackerel, Skate, Halibut, Conger eel and Shark.

Walking
There are numerous scenic forest and country walks straight from Weiroch Lodge. You can walk across the fields, explore the many forest tracks adjacent to the Lodge, or access the Speyside Way which is just a few minutes away. This world famous trail mainly follows the valley of the River Spey and runs from Buckie on the shore of the Moray Firth, south westwards to Aviemore on the edge of the Cairngorm Mountains, a distance of approximately 65-miles. Weiroch is ideal as a base to complete all sections of the walk, being situated 34-miles from each end.

For hillwalkers, there are 49 Munros plus numerous Corbetts and Grahams (smaller hills) to be conquered within the Cairngorm range and local area. The closest is Ben Rinnes, about 5-miles away, with a total ascent of 548 metres. As a guide, 2.5 hours should be allowed to complete the 4.66 mile route and, on a clear day, there are fantastic views from the summit.

Golf
Many excellent nearby courses include Ballindalloch (a few minutes drive away) Grantown-on-Spey, Nethy Bridge, Dufftown, and the championship courses of Nairn and Royal Dornoch. All of these offer day and weekly membership with prices per round costing from £10 to £100. The courses also host many competitions attracting both amateur and professional players such as Nairn Golf Club which is to stage the 2012 Curtis Cup match on their Championship course in June 2012.

Snowsports
Weiroch Lodge is situated close to the renowned Cairngorms National Park where skiing and other snowsports can be enjoyed. Two main venues are the Cairngorm Ski Centre and The Lecht where, in total, there are over 50km of ski runs and a snow board fun park, suitable for all levels from beginner to expert. Cross Country, telemark, ski touring and ski mountaineering are also available from specialist operators. Snowsports can take place any time between December and April depending on weather conditions and it is sometimes possible to ski before December and into May.

Mountain biking 
The area has miles of tracks to suit mountain bikers of all abilities. In addition to the little-used tracks within the 800 acres of woodland adjacent to Weiroch Lodge, there are the dedicated Moray Monster Mountain Bike Trails giving 19-miles of singletrack routes to suit all abilities. The main Monster Trails are linked to each other and stretch from Fochabers near the coast to Craigellachie which is only 8 miles from Weiroch. For beginners, there is a green-graded trail at Quarrelwood, near Elgin some 20 miles from Weiroch.

Watersports
Canoeing the River Spey from where it becomes navigable, through the Cairngorms National Park all the way to the sea, is a classic Highland adventure known as ‘The Spey Descent’.

This trip is suitable for those who have never canoed before as well as canoeists with years of experience. The stretch of the River Spey from Ballindalloch to Aberlour, which is adjacent to Weiroch, is the most famous section for White Water, with rapids up to grade 2, making it an ideal day trip for experienced canoeists. Equipment including canoes can be hired with instructors for those who require it.

Recreational water skiing and a broad range of associated activities can be found at Loch of Aboyne run by the Aberdeen Water Ski and Wakeboard club who welcome all visitors regardless of age or experience. Besides water skiing, sailing and windsurfing are both popular sports in the area. The Moray coastal town of Lossiemouth is one of Scotland’s hidden windsurfing gems, and the Portsoy Boat Festival held annually in July is a hugely popular event that attracts sailing and fishing boats alike.