Game & Wildlife

SHOOTING

Most of the shooting at Balvarran takes place on the higher ground at Coire Bhuraich surrounded by several large rounded hills.  At one time Balvarran boasted a very good driven shoot but numbers declined rapidly in the late 1970’s so shooting was all but abandoned.  In recent years substantial effort has gone in to improving the habitat and health of the grouse at Balvarran and numbers are rising all the time.

Our approach is to be as flexible as possible and depending on availability, we are happy to welcome small numbers, even just one or two guns, making it a perfect venue for a memorable father and son or  mother and daughter (or any other combination!) experience…

STALKING

The majority of stag stalking takes place from mid-September through to the end of the season on 20th October, however earlier opportunities may be available in some years subject to deer movements. The terrain is mostly heather hill and grass with some bogs and a reasonable level of fitness is required.

Hind stalking is available from the end of October until mid February.

An all terrain vehicle is used to bring beasts back to the larder…

FISHING

Guests renting either Mill Cottage or Coachman’s Roost are offered complimentary fishing on Balvarran’s one mile beat.  Four pools offer challenging opportunities to catch salmon and brown trout.

The salmon season on the Ardle runs from 15^th January to 15^th October…

WILDLIFE

Diverse habitats at Balvarran provide homes, nesting grounds and hunting opportunities for an array of birdlife.  The heather hill is home to an increasing population of Red Grouse and  Black Grouse which thrive in the mixed grass, heather and boggy pastures.

Long grassland slopes provide nesting grounds for Lapwings whilst Curlews occupy the wet moorland, short eared are sometimes seen perching on old ruins and peregrines often hunt along the dykes.

Ducks live on the Choilcorrie Lochan and snipe prosper in the boggy fringes.  The hills are home to hundreds of Wheatears and Pippets who dance above the heather…