Hillwalking & Scenic Views

One of the most prominent characteristics of this remote Highland village is the peace and tranquillity. Many people who come to visit (and even live) say it is the perfect place to get away from it all. Rogart is a beautiful area to explore with lots of sheltered glens, forests, burns, and spectacular hill-top views. You are welcome to share it with those fortunate enough to live here, and to walk in most places.

Worth Seeing

The following is a list of places which may be of interest to visit in and around Rogart.

• Rovie Gardens [map, link]
• Dalmore Monument [map]
• WW2 Monument [map]
• Ben Bhraggie [map]
• Quarry [map]
• Dunrobin Castle [map, link]
• Shin Falls [map, link]
• Dornoch Beach [map]
• Glenmorangie Distillery, Tain [map, link]
• Clynelish Distillery, Brora [map, link]

Cycling

With its miles of empty peaceful winding roads, passing through beautiful highland countryside, Rogart is an ideal area for any cycle ride. There are many so called "back roads" (single track B roads) in the area, providing a huge number of possible unique routes for the keen cyclist.

Free bicycles are offered for people staying in the Sleeperzzz hostel. [map,link]

Wildlife

There are a number of great bird watching spots around the area. [map] Birds are not the only animals you are likely to find here. The parish has all sorts of wierd and wonderful animals including: highland cows, sheep, salmon, trout, deer, goats, wild cats and of course, rabbits. Venturing to the nearby coast offers excellent opportunities to make friends with the local sea life. For example, Brora is a good place to spot seals.

A great advantage with this remote countryside is the freedom. Provided visitors pay respect to their surroundings (Eg. not littering, closing gates etc) they are free to roam wherever they please! However, first time visitors may like to soak up the local knowledge of the area, provided on nature walks. They are organised by a long standing respected community member - John McDonald [link, map]

Hunting

Shooting in Rogart is offered by Tressady estates. [link, map]

Roe Buck stalking is available for two months during May and June. Roe doe stalking can be arranged during the season between 21 October and 31 March.

Red Deer stalking is available from the end of September to 20 October. Stalking is for one rifle per day normally on five days each week accompanied by the Estate stalker. Stags are taken of the hill with Glenalmond all terrain vehicle. Hind stalking is also available from 21 October onwards.

Mr Steve Wonderley with one of his prize birds.

Fishing

River bank fishing is available on the River Fleet [map], a small spate river with runs of salmon and sea trout from mid July onwards to the end of the season on 15 October. Occasional salmon may also be caught on the Upper Brora [map].

Hill loch fishing for brown trout is available on four hill lochs, [map] two of which have boats. Yves Loch, within a few minutes walk of Tressady lodge [link, map], offers exciting fishing for hard fighting stocked rainbow trout. Loch Bad na h Erba [link, map] offers boat or bank fishing for brown trout.

Archaeology & Heritage

Rogart has been inhabited for countless generations. As you walk through the countryside you will become aware of many piles of stones, hummocks and bumps in the land below your feet. These are often the remains of a building left by our ancestors who lived along the hillsides thousands of years ago. They built impressive burial chambers, cairns, and substantial houses that now remain as hut circles, dating from around 1500BC. Few areas can boast of a larger number of prehistoric remains. [map]

During medieval times in Rogart, small scale farming occurred in almost every glen and people lived by a clan or feudal system. The Highland clearances changed this way of life forever in the early and mid 1800's.

Rogart Heritage has a publication of the life and times in the parish. Mainly about the 20C, it also contains stories from previous times and personal recollections of parish people. Available on line, contact John McDonald. Or from Rogart Post Office Stores, Rogart, Sutherland, IV28 3XA.- Tel: 01408 641 200.
John McDonald also conducts heritage guided walks around the area, incuding many points of interest,  shortcut paths, hut circles, iron age fort, pictish broch, standing stones and features, granite quarry, clearance settlements. E-mail John McDonald or telephone 01408 641265.