Action & Adventure
The North Highlands abound with opportunities to get active, step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Whether you’re looking to get out on the water, scale one of Scotland’s famous mountains, or just to immerse yourself in nature, our selection of adventure and outdoor experiences have something for everyone.
ACE Adventures & Hideaways
Spend time at ACE Adventures & Hideaways either at the beginning or the end of your North Coast 500 travels. Located near Forres, just a short drive from Inverness, ACE Adventures offers some of the best white water rafting in the UK, as well as a host of other activities to suit visitors of all ages and groups of all sizes. Choose from canyoning, river tubing, cliff jumping, paint balling and disc golf – and much more! For adrenaline junkies, why not try bungee jumping? Ace Adventures will transport you to Killiecrankie, where you can bungee jump from the River Garry Bridge. Now that’s how to make a trip truly memorable!
All equipment – from paddle boards, kayaks and wet suits, to mountain bikes – are available for hire with motorhome rental from ACE. Why not get a little closer to nature and make the most of their wide range of camping options – from rustic, traditional camping to luxury glamping?
James Curley Fly Fishing
With an experienced fly fishing guide such as James Curley Fly Fishing, enjoying great fishing in the Sutherland area couldn’t be easier. With the renowned lochs of Cam, Veyatie and Urigill on his doorstep and exclusive fishing rights on the Ledmore river, James offers a fantastic range of sport for all abilities and ages. Families are most welcome. The sooner children start fishing, the better!
Your experience can be as adventurous or relaxing as you’d like to make it. However, for a little effort there can be rewards. The deeper you venture the more wildlife you’re likely to encounter, and some of the more remote lochs and burns hold better specimens simply because they are fished so infrequently.
James provides guided days and tuition for individuals or parties, families or the seasoned enthusiast.
Torridon Outdoors
As a guest of The Torridon Hotel, take the opportunity to reserve a complimentary place on the hotel’s action-packed activity programme. Activities take place along the beautiful west coast of the North Coast 500, range from archery to clay pigeon shooting, gorge scrambling, mountain biking and guided cycling, coasteering and kayacking – just take your pick! The Torridon also offers full adventure experience packages, including Munro bagging; just select a peak and let one of their experienced guides take you on a journey that you will always remember. Spaces on The Torridon Hotel’s activity programme are limited, so please remember to book early to avoid disappointment.
Gairloch Canoe and Kayak Centre
At Gairloch Canoe and Kayack Centre, trips out onto the waters of Wester Ross are closely tied to education; the perfect opportunity to learn more about the local scenery and the wildlife which inhabits this beautiful section of the North Coast 500. Try your hand at sea kayacking around Gairloch, or canoeing on Loch Maree. If you would rather keep your feet firmly on dry land, why not take the opportunity to bag one of the Torridon Munros while you’re in the area? You’ll be paired with a guide as you scale one of the six Munros in the area, such as the ever-popular An Teallach.
Photos: Gairloch Canoe & Kayak Centre
Sea Kayak Plockton
If you’re looking to learn or practice sea kayaking on your travels along the North Coast 500 or on a a trip to Skye, Sea Kayak Plockton is the company for you! The sheltered bays around Plockton are ideal for beginners, while the more challenging waters of Loch Carron are the perfect playground for the more experienced kayaker. All bookings with Sea Kayak Plockton include a guided journey and full equipment hire, allowing for a stress-free trip which allows you to observe the beauty of the north and west Highlands from a completely different perspective: out on the open water.
Photos: Sea Kayak Plockton
Liquid Footprints
Experience the very best of the dramatic landscapes that the Scottish Highlands are most famous for with Liquid Footprints. As the company is not based in one place, this allows them to tailor all activity sessions to your and your group’s requirements, offering a range of outdoor experiences including snorkelling, canoeing, sea kayaking, gorge scrambling and mountain guiding. For an activity break, unwind with a barbecue on the beach. Perfect! Don’t forget to check out their luxury foodie canoe experience – for those who love quality local food.
If you’re planning to be in the North Highlands during the winter months, why not join Liquid Footprints and see why the North Highlands are a truly year-round destination? Take part in a winter climbing course, or even create your own snow palace!
Liquid Footprints: Building a snow palace
Hamlet Mountaineering
All sessions at Hamlet Mountaineering are tailor-made to you and your group’s requirements, allowing you to create a trip which is truly personal. Based in Achiltibuie within the North West Highlands Geopark, a world-renowned UNESCO heritage site. Choose from land-based activities including mountain guiding, scrambling, rock climbing or water-based adventures such as kayacking and canoeing. Along the way, Hamlet Mountaineering will introduce you to local wildlife, help you identify flora and fauna, and explore the diverse range of geology in the area.
For a more immersive experience, why not join an expedition with Hamlet Mountaineering? Suilven Camp mixes the best of both water and land-based activities, allowing you to canoe along Loch Veyatie and hike Suilven, the iconic mountain recently depicted in the critically-acclaimed film Edie. Moving further away from the North Coast 500, if time allows, you could also tackle the Aonach Eagach ridge in Glencoe or the famous Cuillin ridge in Skye.
Photo: Tim of Hamlet Mountaineering
North Coast 500 Ltd: Outdoor activities carry a certain level of risk and possible injury. Please remember to only attempt these activities if you are comfortable to do so or in the presence of an instructor. North Coast 500 can accept no responsibility for any injury or incident which may occur.
