Mullardoch Estate, Beauly, Inverness-Shire, Highland, IV4

SITUATION
Mullardoch Estate lies principally immediately to the south of Loch Mullardoch amidst some of the most iconic Highland scenery to be found anywhere in Scotland. This part of the country is the epitomy of a landscape full of grandeur and majesty with an atmosphere of great peace and solitude. Set against a spectacular mountainous backdrop, Glen Cannich renowned for its striking scenery with dramatic mountains, ancient native woodlands and lochs.

Mullardoch Estate lies approximately 9 miles to the west of the village of Cannich and about 35 miles to the south-west of Inverness, which is considered to be the capital of the Scottish Highlands. The Highland village of Cannich sits close to the junction of three of Scotland’s best known glens: Glen Cannich, Glen Affric and Glenurquhart and at the confluence of River Cannich and River Affric which converge to form the River Glass. Cannich provides a well-stocked village store with Post Office, a primary school and village hall. There are more extensive services and facilities at Drumnadrochit, which lies about 15 miles to the east, with Inverness reached within approximately a 45-minute journey by car. Inverness provides a broad range of retail outlets including supermarkets together with excellent cultural and entertainment facilities. Inverness is well connected by road with good rail links to the rest of the UK including the Caledonian Sleeper service which runs between London Euston and Inverness. Inverness airport provides regular flights to London and other UK and European destinations.

The dramatic mountains, rugged moorlands, lochs and rivers, for which the Highlands are so famous, makes Mullardoch Estate very special, lying so squarely within this area of Scotland and an ideal place in which to escape modern life. In addition to the those offered on the estate itself, the region provides a wide range of sporting and leisure opportunities including extensive hillwalking routes, climbing and mountain biking routes all in the surrounding hills and glens, with sailing, fishing, low ground shooting and further stalking also may be taken on the surrounding estates.

DESCRIPTION
Mullardoch Estate sits in a magnificent setting at the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Extending to about 4261.65 acres (1724.63 hectares) the estate lies immediately to the south of Loch Mullardoch and comprises hill ground of mixed topography; native woodlands of principally Scots Pine and Birch along with further naturally regenerating woodlands, all resulting in a rich and varied environment offering superb conservation and biodiversity enhancement opportunities.

This combination of land uses and its splendid wilderness setting provides the ideal setting to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life on one of Highland Scotland’s jewels in the crown. Under the current ownership, which now extends to over 40 years, Mullardoch Estate is a secluded haven where the creation of four separate timber bothies (with no services) has given four distinct hideaways from where to enjoy the estate with outstanding hill walking and deer stalking. The estate is home to a wealth of Scottish wildlife including red deer, pine martins, mountain hares, black grouse, occasional ptarmigan, golden eagles, dippers, goshawks and crested tits. Conservation has formed the principal focus of Mullardoch Estate by the current owners with the presence of diverse native wildlife being of great merit. In addition, the flora and fauna of the estate has also been key with a botanist enjoying visits to the estate over many years and spotting an interesting range of hill species. Further, Mullardoch Estate is a Registered Seed Source of Scots Pine.

Mullardoch Estate rises from the southern boundary of Loch Mullardoch at 250 metres above sea level to 1101 metres above sea level at its highest point being at 745m. The munro Toma Choirnich sits partly on Mullardoch Estate, along with 3 other estates with the munro Toll Creagh also sitting on part of the estate. The land is predominately classified as Grade 6:3 by the James Hutton Institute. Access is taken from the public road leading from Cannich village on to the road leading to Loch Mullardoch Dam car park with a track to Mullardoch Estate leading to the first bothy.

Mullardoch Estate has a number of burns feeding Loch Mullardoch, with a principal one sitting just to the west of the main bothy. Subject to investigative surveys and necessary consents, it may offer an opportunity for a small hydro scheme.

Mullardoch Estate is surrounded by other land holdings including East Benula South lying immediately to the west, Glen Tannoch to the south and Glen Cannich to the east.

LOCH MULLARDOCH
Mullardoch Estate has under the current ownership, enjoyed the amenity of Loch Mullardoch. Stretching 9 miles westwards from the Mullardoch dam, it is a beautiful loch, which was formed in 1951. The present owners of the estate have an informal arrangement with both the Hydro Board and all the surrounding estate owners to use a boat on the loch and launch it from the north eastern corner of the loch.

SPORTING
The sporting rights are in-hand. The stalking opportunities have been greatly enjoyed by the current owners since they bought the estate some 40 years ago.

The 10 year average is 10 stags and 8 hinds. However recently stalking has not been undertaken.