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Scottish Highlands Activities
The Scottish Highlands are some of the most diverse regions in the world, which is obvious by the abundance of activities available to residents and visitors alike. Whether you are seeking a country sporting experience or an extreme adrenaline rush, there is a multitude to choose from. If you desire a tweedy, traditional day out, why not don the waders and cast your fly in one of the many rivers or lochs of the Highlands? Sea fishing is also very popular in an area with a wide and varied coastline. The noble and ancient sports of falconry and archery are offered through activity centres and estates. Clay pigeon shooting, a sport rapidly gaining in popularity with women, is widely enjoyed in the Highlands.
Scotland is the home of golf, and excellent, world-renowned golf courses can be found all throughout the Highlands. Some, as the rugged and beautiful seaside course in Brora, Sutherland, even share their fairways with sheep and cows!
Scottish Highland scenery is unparalleled, and what better way to experience it firsthand than take advantage of the many walking paths and trails high and low. Hiking and cycling offer a chance to both immerse yourself at your own pace and get off the beaten path. A wonderfully wide variety of horse riding and pony trekking outings are also available. The equestrian can choose from a short afternoon trail ride or, for the more adventurous, a coast-to-coast trek for a week or more.
The Scottish Highlands occupy three-fifths of Scotland and are home to countless inland rivers, lochs, tarns and burns. As well, Scotland’s irregular coastline comprises myriad sea-lochs and firths. With so much water, it’s no wonder there is a wealth of water sports to enjoy, including boating and sailing, waterskiing and windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking, and both river and white water rafting. You will very likely encounter some of the Highlands’ diverse wildlife—seals, otter, dolphins, and even whales—while enjoying these activities. Diving and surfing are options for those who wish to don their wetsuits and jump right in; whereas, swimming is quite popular along the coastal and lochside beaches in the summer, or at one of the many leisure centres year round.
A unique distribution of rocky moorland, straths and glens, and mountains as high as 900m comprise the Scottish Highlands. This facilitates some great opportunities for adventures like mountaineering, canyoning, gorge walking, and rock climbing. The expert outdoorsmen and guides available in the Highlands mean you don’t have to go it alone, and help to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Mountain biking and bungee jumping have become quite popular, as well. The Cairngorms offer fantastic winter sports like snow skiing and snowboarding, and even the opportunity to mingle with the area’s reindeer population.
If you’re just looking for a different kind of outdoor adventure, the Scottish Highlands can accommodate. Speed and adventure enthusiasts will enjoy quad biking and karting in rugged surroundings. High ropes courses are offered by many local estates and outdoor adventure companies, providing a great day out for groups and parties. Paint balling is another outdoor adventure, fun for families as well as groups. Finally, if you’ve run the gamut of outdoor sports and activities and want to try something new, check out the extreme sport of zorb balling—or zorbing—where you can roll down a hill in a giant, transparent plastic ball!
The Scottish Highlands are the perfect location for visitors and residents—they combine the romance of a gallant history with breathtaking scenery, Highland hospitality, castles and monuments, and virtually any outdoor activity you aspire to. Indulge your favourite pastime, or try something new today!
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