Things to Do on the North Coast 500 This Summer with Liquid Footprints
The North Coast 500 is often described as one of the world’s greatest road trips, but anyone who has actually travelled it will know it’s about far more than the driving and the viewpoints. The real magic of the North Coast 500 comes from the experiences you have along the way, especially in summer when the Highlands feel at their most alive. These North Coast 500 summer experiences are what turn a scenic drive into something far more memorable.
For travellers who want to experience more than just the road, Liquid Footprints offers outdoor adventures designed to help visitors connect more closely with the landscape. From immersive canoe trips and sea kayaking adventures along the coastline to creative outdoor activities that are ideal for families, there is something to suit different types of travellers exploring the NC500.
Canoe Experiences on the North Coast 500
There is probably no better way to slow down and take in the Highlands than from the water. Away from the winding roads and busy viewpoints, canoeing gives you the chance to experience a quieter side of the North Coast 500, where the pace feels slower and the scenery somehow even more impressive.
For anyone looking for memorable things to do on the North Coast 500, Liquid Footprints offers a range of canoe experiences designed to feel immersive, relaxed and easy to enjoy. Whether it is a peaceful paddle across a loch or a full day adventure on the water, these experiences are all about helping visitors connect more closely with the landscape and enjoy a different side of the Highlands.
Dog Friendly Canoe Trips
Travelling the Highlands with your dog has become a big part of the NC500 experience for many people, and these dog friendly canoe trips make it easy to bring them along too.
The canoes have plenty of room for both people and dogs, and the team has lots of experience taking four legged adventurers out on the water. If you are worried about your dog falling in, dog friendly buoyancy aids are also available free of charge. These purpose built flotation aids fit comfortably around your dog and include strong grab handles if needed.
More than anything, it is a relaxed way to spend time together outdoors while exploring a quieter part of the Highlands. When it comes to family friendly North Coast 500 experiences, it is hard to beat spending time out on the water with your dog beside you. Find out more
Luxury Picnic and Canoe Experience
For those who enjoy good food as much as outdoor adventure, the Luxury Picnic and Canoe Experience combines both perfectly.
Created in partnership with The Storehouse, this full day experience includes canoeing on either a peaceful river or scenic Highland loch before stopping for a luxury picnic in a beautiful outdoor setting. Using locally sourced produce from across the Highlands, the picnic includes cheeses, meats, breads and freshly brewed tea and coffee.
It is the kind of experience that feels perfectly suited to summer in the Highlands, where long days on the water are paired with good food and incredible scenery. For travellers searching for more unique things to do on the North Coast 500, it offers a slower and more immersive way to experience the route. Find out more
Afternoon Tea and Canoe Experience
The Afternoon and Tea Canoe Experience takes things at an even gentler pace. After a leisurely paddle across a beautiful Highland loch, there is plenty of time to take in the scenery, spot wildlife, take as many photos as you want and enjoy the quiet surroundings before returning to shore for afternoon tea overlooking the water.
Prepared by The Storehouse, the afternoon tea includes finger sandwiches, handmade cakes, pastries and scones served alongside freshly brewed tea and coffee. Served from china cups with views across the loch, it feels far removed from the usual pace of everyday life and offers a completely different kind of Highland experience. Find out more
Sea Kayaking Experiences on the North Coast 500
The coastline along the North Coast 500 is one of the most memorable parts of the route, with hidden coves, dramatic cliffs and quiet beaches that are often missed when travelling by car. Sea kayaking offers a completely different way to experience the Highlands, allowing you to explore the coastline more closely while taking in the scenery from the water.
Snorkelling and Sea Kayaking Adventures
One of the most unique experiences combines sea kayaking with snorkelling, giving visitors the chance to explore both above and below the water along the Highland coastline.
The day begins with a guided paddle from sheltered bays along the NC500 before arriving at the snorkelling location, where guests swap paddles for wetsuits, fins and snorkels to explore the marine life hidden beneath the surface.
Safety is a key part of the experience, with safety buoys marking the snorkelling area and instructors remaining nearby with kayaks on hand if needed.
There is also the option to include a picnic or BBQ prepared by The Storehouse using locally sourced Highland ingredients, making it an easy way to spend a full day on the coast. Find out more
Luxury Picnic and Sea Kayaking Experience
Similar to the canoe experience, the Luxury Picnic and Sea Kayaking Experience combines time on the water with a relaxed outdoor picnic, this time exploring the coastline rather than the lochs and rivers of the Highlands.
Starting from a small seaside village, the trip follows quiet stretches of shoreline by sea kayak, passing hidden coves, secluded beaches and dramatic coastal scenery along the way. Partway through the journey, guests stop for a luxury picnic beside the sea before continuing the paddle back along the coast.
The trips are tailored to each group, so you do not need previous kayaking experience to enjoy them, making it an easy and memorable way to experience a different side of the North Coast 500. Find out more
Family Experiences on the North Coast 500
The North Coast 500 is often thought of as a road trip for scenery and viewpoints, but it is also an incredible destination for families looking for hands-on adventures together. Some of the most memorable North Coast 500 things to do are the ones that get everyone involved, especially when they bring a bit of fun, imagination and a sense of play to the Highlands.
Liquid Footprints offers a range of family friendly experiences designed so children and adults can take part together, creating shared memories on and off the water.
Pirates and Mermaid Adventure
Combining canoeing with storytelling and games, the Pirates and Mermaid Adventure is designed to keep younger explorers fully involved from start to finish.
The experience begins with dressing up, with costumes provided for children and even a few for adults who want to join in. Water pistols are also included, adding a playful twist to the adventure.
Once on the water, the family sets off in canoes with a guided instructor, following a treasure hunt across the lochs. Along the way there are treasure maps, riddles to solve, “magical islands” to discover and plenty of chances for water fights and games.
It is a light-hearted, imaginative way to explore the Highlands and a great option for families looking for something different during their NC500 trip. Find out more
Wee Arty Explorers
Wee Arty Explorers blends canoeing, nature and creativity into a hands-on outdoor activity for children who enjoy making and exploring.
The journey begins in canoes, guided by an instructor, with regular stops along the shoreline where children collect natural materials to use in their artwork. These are carefully chosen from the environment without taking anything living, keeping the experience respectful to nature.
After exploring and gathering materials, the group returns to the launch site for an art session where children can create their own pieces on canvas. Aprons are provided, so they can be as creative as they like without worrying about the mess.
While the children are busy creating, adults can relax with a hot drink, making it a calm and enjoyable experience for the whole family. The finished artwork is dried on site so it can be taken home as a keepsake. Find out more
Weasling Adventure
For families with a slightly more adventurous side, Weasling offers a fun mix of scrambling, exploring and squeezing through natural rock formations just outside Inverness near Loch Ness.
Wearing boiler suits and helmets, families enter a landscape of boulders left behind by ancient glaciers, creating tunnels, gaps and natural passages to explore. It feels part caving, part obstacle course, but with daylight throughout and a strong focus on fun rather than challenge.
A fully trained instructor guides the experience at all times, and the protective clothing helps keep everyone clean while helmets add reassurance for younger participants.
It is a brilliant option for families looking for active North Coast 500 experiences that go beyond the usual sightseeing stops. Find out more
If you’re searching for unique things to do on the North Coast 500, these activities offer a more hands-on and memorable way to explore the Highlands. From sea kayaking and canoeing to creative family adventures, Liquid Footprints adds something truly special to your NC500 journey.
