Activities at Ackergill Tower
Activities 1 | Activities
2 | Seasons 1 | Seasons 2There is something happening every month of the year at Ackergill Tower. This guide to the seasons and months shows what the Tower could offer you.
January
Often glorious with pale blue skies and still, early morning frosts. The same temperature as Kew Gardens so bonfires on the beach are a must. Wild ducks on the loch and the start of Salmon fishing on the Thurso. The new season's sloe gin for tasting and in the garden the first signs that Spring is just round the corner. Burns Night is celebrated with haggis, the finest rib of Caithness beef and the best Johnnie's cellar has to offer.
February
Warm and hospitable inside, clear and fresh outside. Aconites and snowdrops carpet the woods & verges, inspiration wherever you look and the Northern Lights perform on a calm, frosty evening. St Valentines in the middle of the month is a popular House Party for romantics of all ages. The seas around Orkney provide Oysters and Scallops and the hills of Helmsdale heather-fed lamb.
March
Barbours and mufflers for walks on the beach, the household will not allow you out without ensuring you will be as warm as toast in any bluster. More than 20 different varieties of Daffodil fill the borders and line the drive. To the Bothie on the shores of Loch Killimster for a barbecue like no other. The first of this season's trout stirring with the arrival of Spring.
April
Clear skies and the last nip in the air. Spring is in full swing, flowering current bushes, bluebells and whitebells abundant in the Walled Garden. The new season's Turbot is high on cheffie's shopping list. The end of the curling season.
May
Everyone is happy in May; find the early puffins and black throated divers. The ferry from John O'Groats to Orkney starts the season and May Day House Party guests revel in the company of friends old & new as they picnic on the foreshore. Stephen is tending the lawns & borders ablaze with colour, will the asparagus be plentiful this year?
June
The longest days of the summer just a little dim to nature's clock around 1.00am and the annual Midnight Golf Competition at Reiss Links. A very special Golfing House Party hosted by former Ryder Cup Golfer, Ronan Rafferty & Scott Cranfield, coach to the professionals - golfers don't miss it. Wild Salmon and Grilse from the local rivers making an appearance, fresh strawberries from Halkirk and the first new potatoes & carrots from the garden are a sure sign of summer.
