If you are looking for somewhere iconic and unusual for the best day of your life then Amazing Retreats has a stunning collection of venues to choose from for your special day.
If you are planning a corporate function and are looking for a venue with a bit of a difference - something that will inspire and invigorate? then why not consider an Amazing Retreat.
We have some great offers on selected venues, including special breaks on Bank Holidays, and key dates throughout the year. 
- Clay Pigeon Shooting
Activities
The land, coastline and rivers that surround Ackergill Tower provide the perfect backdrop for some inspirational and exciting outdoor activities. At Ackergill Tower, it is always our intention to deliver exactly what our guests want and desire.
The list of activities is effectively endless, but below are some of the more 'common' requests we receive:
Archery
With the backdrop of Ackergill Tower, budding Robin Hoods come to the fore. This medieval sport is even better at Ackergill Tower. Site with your dominant eye, allow for the Caithness breeze, adjust the trajectory for distance and let your arrow fly true.
Beach Bonfires
No trip to Ackergill Tower would be complete without a Beach Bonfire on Sinclair Bay. With a hot chocolate to warm the hands, washed down with a dram and the sounds of the bagpipes, this is a side of Scotland, that most travelling folk will never see.
Cookery Demonstrations
The award winning Kevin Dalgleish knows a thing or two about cooking, having worked in some of the best hotels and restaurants in the world. Let Kevin impress you with a demonstration and an insight into his second home.
Clay Pigeon Shooting
At Ackergill Tower, Clay Pigeon shooting is a family classic and with its own walled garden shooting area, the location is fantastic for beginners or experts alike. With the latest remote controlled traps and a knowledgeable trainer in Hamish, be prepared to see crossing pairs, driven birds from the tree line, long flying birds and bolting rabbits.
Cycling and Mountain Biking
Wide open spaces, dramatic scenery and clean fresh air with routes to suit all abilities. From dedicated mountain biking trails and forest tracks for those seeking an adrenaline buzz, to quiet countryside lanes for something a little more relaxing. The landscape was born to be cycled and you can certainly work up a sweat.
Golf
Golfing in this part of the Highlands always presents challenges and will never disappoint. Three of the best golf courses near to Ackergill Tower and are great for a challenge are Wick, Brora and Royal Dornoch.
Wick - 18 holes, PAR 69, 6200 Yards
Founded by Sir George Dunbar under the watchful eye of James Braid, here are 18 holes of rare natural beauty running along Sinclair's Bay and surrounded by five coastal castles. This is true links of natural grasses, contours, finely shaped bunkers and fast fescued greens.
Here imagination and lightness of touch will see as much use as your favourite club. Protected from sea breezes you will be accompanied by curlew and peewit, skylarks and skeins of wild geese. Wild flowers of rarity and beauty surround each hole.
Brora - 18 holes, Par 69, 6110 Yards
Established in 1891 and designed by the famous James Braid, five times open Champion and prolific golf course designer of his age.
All the glories of seaside golf are here - bent and gorse provide magnificent colour in the spring and Juniper and thyme in profusion. Delightful fast fescued greens often with magnificent views over the Bay. The 13th is the signature and just one of the jewel's in Braids fine course. A true test of golf.
Royal Dornoch - Championship Course: 18 Holes, PAR 70, 6595 Yards
Royal Dornoch - Struie Course: 18 Holes, PAR 70, 6276 Yards
Initially designed Old Tom Morris in 1886 and later modified by JH Taylor and Donald Ross, this course has undergone many subtle changes over the years, mostly lengthening. It has won accolades from many quarters not least from Open champion Tom Watson making it one of the most popular golf courses in Scotland.
The course, like many historic links, goes almost straight out and straight back, but the angle changes subtly at each hole; the greens are big and undulating and many are plateaux requiring well hit shots; nothing is hidden, but it requires a golfer playing at his best to see it all and adjust his strategy. There is plenty of room off the tee, but where to place the drive depends on the wind and the pin positions.
Game stalking
The land and neighbouring estates around Ackergill Tower provide a refreshingly ‘real’ challenge for traditional country sports.
The land and neighbouring estates around Ackergill Tower provide a refreshingly ‘real’ challenge for traditional country sports.
Rugged and plentiful is perhaps the best way to describe game shooting in the part of Scotland and you will earn every bird you bag. We do not have many driven shoots but in season guns can be bought to shoot grouse, snipe, pheasant and partridge over dogs with Ducks & Geese later in the year.
Deer Stalking
Stocks are managed by all the local estates and stalking is available in season for Red Deer Stags, Red Deer Hinds, Roe Deer Bucks and Roe Deer Does. Some estates are very happy to take novices out for their first time; others will only accept more experienced shots.
Fishing
The local rivers, lochs and coastline around Ackergill Tower offer fishermen and women many challenges. Salmon, trout or deep sea fishing are all on offer.
Trout - A choice of rivers means Salmon fishing is available throughout the season from commencement in February, running right through until the end of October. Rods can be booked on the Forss, Thurso, Halladale and Naver.
Ackergill has its own loch and is centrally located for famous waters like Loch Watten, Loch St Johns, Heilan, Calder, Reay Lochs and Toftingall.
Salmon - A choice of rivers means Salmon fishing is available throughout the season from commencement in February, running right through until the end of October. Rods can be booked on the Forss, Thurso, Halladale and Naver.
Deep Sea Fishing
The coastline that surrounds Caithness is a favourite spot for National & International Anglers. The catch of the day depends on the season but fishing is possible throughout the year. From the shore Cole Fish (Cuddies), Pollock, Cod, Dog Fish, Flounder, Place, Mackerel and Conger Eel and in deeper water from a boat all of these plus Haddock, Turbot, Skate, Halibut, Ling and Porbeagle Shark. Ackergill Tower provides an excellent location for deep sea fishing in Scotland.
Falconry
Andy our Falconer will amaze you with his knowledge and skill with the eagles, hawks and owls. A spell binding display of some of nature’s most agile and graceful predators. Learn to fly the birds, appreciate them and if you wish, take them hunting to see them in their true environment.
Helicopter Rides
Take to the skies and explore the northern highlands and islands from the air in your own helicopter. Joy rides or a quick and practical way to reach other wise inaccessible points.
Horse Riding
A rare chance for riders of all abilities and ages to ride on the beach under the watchful eye of qualified instructors.
Kayaking
Paddle your own kayak from Ackergill harbour to get close up to the unique geology of the northern coastline. Explore caves, inaccessible coves and enjoy the local history as you go.
Opera House
At the very heart of Ackergill lies the country’s most northerly Opera House, once a place for Sir George to store his coaches after a 3 week trek from the south but now home to perfect acoustics and the sounds of all kinds of music.
Opera, of course, classical ensembles, jazz, our own cherished grand piano, ‘modern’ music and the sounds of traditional Scottish folk - tap your toes and reel with the lassies in a Ceilidh to keep the laughter flowing.
Relaxation and Aromatherapy
Our team of therapists will be on hand for massages, aromatherapy, reflexology and all manner of beauty treatments. So lay back in the relaxing surroundings of the Tower and pamper away the stresses & strains of modern living. Just a perfect tonic.
RIB rides
The coastline around us is teaming with wildlife, wild waters and history. Strap yourself into the 30 feet long RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) and prepare for the ride of a lifetime. The very best of natural beauty, local history and sheer unadulterated adrenalin.
Rifle Range
Our purpose built rifle range is waiting to test your skill at 25 paces or more. Calibre .22’s in the prone position, target shooting to time or rapid fire disciplines.
Walking and Exploration and Coastal Walks
Explore the great Caithness outdoors, skies that go on forever, sea to the horizon & beyond and a rugged landscape with secrets to discover. Wander alone or with friends or Neil, our ranger, will walk with you making sure you don’t miss the historical and natural wonders that this corner of Scotland has to offer.
Off-Roading
No sleeping policemen, school runs or city traffic here. Quad bikes, Land Rovers & more take on the realities of off-roading in the sand dunes.
and so much more...
If we haven’t included one of your favourite activities in the list above, simply ask us. Whatever your taste or indulgence we are happy to arrange that for you. Here are just some other activities that we can helped organise in the past.
- Bowling
- Cake Decorating
- Sporting Challenges
- Yoga
- Climbing and Abseiling
- Croquet
- Pottery
- Highland Games
- Glass making
- Jewellery making
- Photography
- Castle of Mey visits
- Quad Biking
- Paintballing
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