Outdoor Activities Scotland

Adventure in the Highlands

If you're staying in one of our lovely properties in the Highlands, such as in the Cromdale area, and are looking for a little outdoor adventure, then you're in luck. The area is home for everything you could hope for, with activities suitable for groups of any age and ability level.

The central belt of Scotland and areas like Grantown-on-Spey and Aviemore have some of the best views and peaceful locations in the country, all close to the Cairngorms National Park. Fresh air and outdoor adventure activities make for a great time and a family-friendly holiday that won't easily be forgotten.

Take a shot

Leave your people skills behind for an hour or so and have some friendly competition. Form a crew, or go solo in a game of laser tag, or don your goggles and prepare for battle in paintball. 

For something less competitive, you can pick up a bow and try your hand at archery. Venture into the woods and take aim, perfect for teens and adults. Companies such as Bow Hunt Archery offer exciting games and 3D targets to provide a fantastic day out around the Highlands.

And of course, what Scottish holiday would be complete without the nation's favourite pastime. The area is filled with excellent golf courses you can get a few games at while in the area such as Ballindalloch Castle Golf Course and Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club.

Take a ride

There's plenty of ways to traverse the mountains and sometimes walking just isn't enough. So, choose your ride:

Sledge-dogging

For something truly different, you can pay a visit to Cairngorm Sleddog Centre where you can go sledging, surrounded by the stunning views of the Cairngorm Mountains and the local wildlife.

Mini quad-bikes

You'll get muddy, but you won't care. Speed around the tracks in a min quad to get the adrenaline pumping. You can find equipment, routes and quad bike tours at some fantastic places such as Cairngorm Quad Bikes.

Mountain bikes

Grab your bikes or visit one of the local mountain biking centres for rentals and see the sights at your own pace, taking it easy or during a heart-thumping ride up and around the trails.

Ponies

Meet an adorable new friend and go for a ride.

Purpose-built enclosed tracks, off-road or popular trails all offer fun experiences for couples, birthday parties or solo rides can be found around the area, provided by the friendly staff at companies like Rothiemurchus and Highland Horse Fun.

Take to the skies

Get off the ground and experience the Highlands from the sky. Whether a novice or an experienced climber, you can visit various crags and spots like Huntly's Cave for climbing, abseiling and gorge walking.

High rope courses are a fun but challenging activity that gives you a monkeys-eye view of the area. When combined with the zip wires, you can get a unique tree-top highlands experience. 

An example of where you can have this unique experience is in Aviemore and right on the shores of Loch Lomond, run by TreeZone.

Hit the water

If you'd rather have your fun in the river than in the trees, there is also a wide range of water sports available. You can find a quiet fishing spot for a relaxing afternoon or go for some thrills white water rafting down the River Findhorn.

Between relaxing and high-speed rafting, there are the leisurely options of kayaking and canoe trips along the river. Seeing the environment from the water is a unique experience and one that can be enjoyed solo or in boats that accommodate 2-4 people.

So if you want to boat, sail or swim, then you can take your pick of any of the stunning lochs and rivers in the area or venture a little further out to the world-famous Loch Ness.

Take it easy

If all the above activities sound like too much, or you need a break between thrills, then there are more relaxing activities available. You don't always need vigorous outdoor activities to improve your experience of Scotland's breathtaking scenery; you can experience the Highlands the old fashioned way. There are many walking trails you can take to see some spectacular views so that you can pass the day surrounded by natural beauty, unlike anywhere else.

So if you're a family, a group of friends or a business there is plenty to do on your visit. For the thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies, you can seek out some of the amazing adventure activities in the area. For families and those wanting to relax; however, you can just focus on experiencing the best the great outdoors of the Scottish Highlands has to offer.

If you want to learn new skills, create something beautiful or grow as a team, you will find what you need. What's most important is you enjoy yourself surrounded by what Scotland does best; stunning views, friendly people and unforgettable experiences.