The Scottish Highlands is a land of stunning natural beauty, rich history and culture that offers many opportunities to enjoy a wide range of activities. Whether you're a keen sportsperson, a cultural enthusiast, or simply looking for a place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors, the Highlands have something to offer everyone.
You’ll discover many recreational activities and experiences to choose from here in the Highlands. We’ll explore just some of these in this article, including:
Walking
The Scottish Highlands are a walker’s paradise. With its rugged mountains, lush forests, and stunning coastline, there are endless possibilities for exploring on foot while surrounded by Scotland’s unique and wonderful wildlife.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned hiker, you're sure to find a walk that's perfect for you. You’ll find an extensive network of waymarked paths and routes to suit people of all abilities.
Here are just a few of the most popular walking trails in the Scottish Highlands to tackle in part or entirely while staying in the area:
Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail: The main focus of this pleasant 2.5 miles (4 km) trail is the magnificent viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films. There are other rewarding sights to see, such as the views of Loch Shiel and a visit to the poignant Glenfinnan Monument.
The West Highland Way: This 96-mile (154-kilometer) trail is one of the most popular long-distance walks in the world. It starts in Milngavie, near Glasgow, and ends in Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles. There is an element of hillwalking on parts of the route, so not all of this route will suit everyone.
The Great Glen Way: This 79-mile (127-kilometer) trail follows the Great Glen Fault, a glen that cuts through the Highlands from Loch Ness to Inverness.
The Speyside Way: This 65-mile (105-kilometer) trail follows the River Spey, a famous salmon river, through the Cairngorms National Park.
The Cateran Trail: This trail in the heart of Scotland runs through Perthshire and the Angus Glens. The perfect walk for history buffs, you’ll come across castles like Blackcraig, Dalnagler, and other prehistoric buildings. And if you’re looking for more of a challenge, you can choose the optional detour to Mount Blair
The Birks of Aberfeldy: This famous walk in the bustling Perthshire town of Aberfeldy – a short drive from the Logiealmond Estate – is a pleasant riverside route that features a statue of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet. This walk is suitable for all fitness levels.
The Hermitage: Another truly spectacular walk that’s easy to access from our estate, The Hermitage is a magical stretch of Perthshire forest surrounded by Douglas firs. This walk is ideal all year round but is especially memorable in the autumn as the leaves change colour and start to fall. You may also catch a glimpse of the salmon leaping up the river at this time of year too.
For more challenging hills and hikes, check out the information on hillwalking and hiking in our related article, Sporting Opportunities in the Scottish Highlands.
Sailing
Sailing in the Scottish Highlands is a truly magical experience. With its rugged coastline, stunning lochs, and towering mountains, the Highlands offer a variety of sailing options for all levels of experience.
The coastline of the Scottish Highlands is diverse, made up of inlets and firths, sea lochs and bays, and dotted with myriad islands, many of which are only accessible by boat.
Whether you're a beginner looking for a relaxing day sail or an experienced sailor looking for a challenge, you will find the perfect sailing spot in the Highlands.
Here are a few of the best places to go sailing in the Scottish Highlands:
Loch Ness: This famous loch is a popular destination for sailors of all levels. The waters are relatively calm, making it an excellent place to learn to sail or to take a leisurely cruise.
The Western Isles: These islands are known for their beautiful scenery and remoteness. Sailing here is a great way to experience the unspoiled wilderness of the Highlands.
The Firth of Clyde: This large sea loch is home to various islands, making it a great place to explore. The waters can be choppy, so it's best for experienced sailors.
Loch Tay: This beautiful loch – Perthshire's largest loch and one of Scotland’s deepest lochs – is a short drive from the Logiealmond Estate. You can hire a boat from Legend Sailing in Killin or enjoy a spectacular tour in the biggest and fastest boat on Loch Tay, the Iolaire, owned by Loch Tay Safaris.
The Highlands is home to some of the best sailing experiences in the world, all within reach of the Logiealmond Estate, making our luxurious rental properties the ideal base for your Scottish sailing experience.
Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding (often known as SUP – Stand Up Paddleboarding) is the perfect way to explore the many serene waterways of the picturesque Scottish Highlands. It is a relatively easy pastime to learn, and it is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. You’ll find that paddleboarding in the Highlands is typically available from April to September.
Here are some of the best places to enjoy paddleboarding in the Scottish Highlands:
Loch Tay: Not far from the Logiealmond Estate, this popular loch offers a safe yet spectacular location for paddleboarding, complete with beautiful islands and epic mountain vistas
The River Tay: Outdoor activity providers like Splash offer guided paddleboarding trips on suitable sections of the stunning River Tay for groups
Loch Morlich: This loch is located in the Cairngorms National Park and is a popular spot for paddleboarding. The waters are relatively calm, making it a good place for beginners.
Loch Ness: This famous loch is another popular spot for paddleboarding. The waters can be a bit choppy, so it is best for experienced paddleboarders.
The Firth of Lorne: Located on the west coast of Scotland and home to a variety of islands, the Firth of Lorne is a great place to explore the coastline and see some wildlife.
The Isle of Skye: This island is known for its stunning scenery and rugged coastline. It is a great place to go paddleboarding if you are looking for an adventure.
There are a few things to remember when paddleboarding in the Scottish Highlands:
The weather can be unpredictable, so it is essential to check the forecast before you go out
The waters can be cold, so it is important to wear a wetsuit or dry suit
Be aware of the tides and currents, and always paddle within your limits
Wild swimming
Growing in popularity over recent years, wild swimming is associated with many mental and physical health benefits. It’s another rewarding and memorable way to explore the Scottish Highlands.
Wild swimming is simply swimming in natural bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and lochs. It is a great way to cool off on a hot day, get some exercise, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
The Scottish Highlands are a great place for wild swimming. The clear waters, stunning scenery, and abundance of lochs make it a perfect destination for this activity.
Here are some of the best places for wild swimming in the Scottish Highlands:
Inverness: Inverness is a fantastic base for wild swimming in the Highlands as not only is the city within close proximity of the beauty of the Highlands, but there are lots of lochs to have a dip in
Loch Morlich: This loch is located in the Cairngorms National Park and is a popular spot for wild swimming. The waters are relatively calm, making it a good place for beginners.
Loch Ness: This famous loch is another popular spot for wild swimming. The waters can be a bit choppy, so it is best for experienced swimmers.
Glen Etive: A long river canyon with high cliffs and deep water that’s popular for wild swimming and wild camping.
Faerie Pools, Bla Bheinn: Discover a dramatic waterfall and numerous pools with beautiful clear water and a stunning backdrop en route up to Bla Bheinn, a magnificent mountain on the Isle of Skye.
River Tay: Flowing through the stunning Perthshire countryside, the River Tay is the perfect location for a memorable wild swimming experience – all within easy reach of the Logiealmond Estate.
Horse riding
Another popular activity in the Highlands, the rugged terrain, stunning scenery, and abundance of glens and forests here make this magical part of Scotland a perfect place to explore on horseback.
There are many different places to go horse riding in the Scottish Highlands. Here are a few of the most popular options:
The Cairngorms National Park: This vast national park is home to some of the highest mountains in the Highlands, as well as many glens and forests. There are several stables in the park that offer horse riding tours.
The Isle of Skye: This rugged island is known for its stunning scenery and mythical history. There are several stables on the Isle of Skye that offer horse riding tours.
The Western Highlands: This region is home to some of the most remote and unspoiled areas in the Highlands. There are a number of stables in this region that offer horse riding tours.
Perthshire (Southern Highlands): Perthshire’s varied landscape offers the novice and more experienced horse rider a chance to take in the highland air and enjoy the glorious views of Perthshire on horseback. You’ll find many trekking and learning centres to choose from, including Perthshire Trekking Centre and Mains of Taymouth Stables. And you are welcome to bring your own horse to the Logiealmond Estate to explore the heather-clad hills and stunning scenery on horseback within easy reach of your luxury accommodation.
Blair Castle International Horse Trials & Country Fair (Perthshire): If you prefer watching other people ride, then take a trip to Perthshire in August when the International Horse Trials are held at Blair Castle. Polo, show jumping, working horses and dressage competitions are all displayed at this prestigious Perthshire four-day event.
With a small amount of planning and preparation, you can have a safe and enjoyable horse-riding experience in the Scottish Highlands. Here are some additional tips for horse riding in the Scottish Highlands:
Choose a reputable stable that has a good safety record
Make sure the horses are well-trained and in good condition
Be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to stop if necessary
Have fun and enjoy the scenery!
Driving experiences
The Scottish Highlands are a beautiful and dramatic place to drive, with stunning scenery, winding roads, and charming villages. There are many different driving experiences to enjoy in the Highlands, from leisurely drives and challenging road trips to unforgettable offroading and supercar driving experiences.
The North Coast 500: One of the Highland’s most popular routes, this 500-mile (800-kilometer) loop takes in some of the most spectacular scenery in the Highlands, including the Isle of Skye, the Torridon mountains, and Loch Ness.
The Great Glen Way: This 79-mile (127-kilometer) drive follows the Great Glen Fault, a glen that cuts through the Highlands from Loch Ness to Inverness.
The Whisky Trail: This 100-mile (160-kilometer) drive takes in some of Scotland's most famous whisky distilleries, including Glenmorangie, Glenfiddich, and The Macallan.
The Castle Trail: This 150-mile (240-kilometer) drive takes in some of Scotland's most famous castles, including Eilean Donan Castle, Stirling Castle, and Dunnottar Castle.
The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park: This 30-mile (48-kilometer) drive takes in some of the most beautiful scenery in the Highlands, including Loch Lomond, the Trossachs mountains, and the Falls of Bruar.
Perthshire (Southern Highlands): Our partners at Aberdeen 4x4 can provide the perfect self-drive, go-anywhere vehicle for your holiday in the Highlands. Priding themselves in their ease of hire, with delivery and collection from any hotel, airport, train station or other location throughout Scotland, they have a great range of vehicles to choose from with full insurance and breakdown cover/roadside assistance should you require it.
No matter what kind of vehicle you’re driving while in the Highlands, there are some incredible sights to enjoy and places to visit on your journey.
Tips for driving in the Scottish Highlands
The roads can be narrow and winding, so be prepared to drive slowly.
Be aware of the weather conditions. The Highlands can be prone to rain and fog, so it is important to drive with caution.
Rent a car with a good set of tires. The roads can be wet and slippery, so it is crucial to have good traction.
Fill up your fuel tank before you set off. There are not many fuel stations in the Highlands, so it is important to be prepared.
Allow plenty of time for your journey. The distances between places can be long, and the roads can be slow going.
Be respectful of the environment. Drive on the left side of the road and be aware of wildlife.
Have fun and enjoy the scenery!
Other recreational activities to enjoy in the Scottish Highlands
We have covered just some of the many recreational activities available to enjoy in the Scottish Highlands. There are all kinds of other opportunities to enjoy your favourite pastime, hobby, or interest or to try something completely different. Here are just a few suggestions:
Yoga
Wellness retreats and spas
Shopping
Stargazing
Bird watching
Motorbiking
Luxury accommodation for exploring Scotland and the Highlands
The Logiealmond Estate is conveniently located at the gateway to the Highlands in stunning Perthshire while also allowing easy access to Scotland’s cities, including historic Edinburgh and vibrant Glasgow.
You’ll find our bespoke five-star lodges, cottages, and farmhouses spread throughout the estate in stunning locations, each designed with luxury, comfort, and convenience in mind.
You can check property availability on our website or contact our team, who will be happy to provide more information about our properties and the many activities to enjoy on and near the estate.
Tell us what you need from your Scottish Highlands getaway
Are you thinking about visiting the Scottish Highlands to enjoy some sporting, recreational, and cultural opportunities but aren’t sure where to start? Reach out to our hospitality team, who can provide guidance on creating an unforgettable escape to the incredible Highlands of Scotland.