Rev Your Engines!
Rothiemurchas forest offers thrilling quadbike adventures
When…
Every Saturday and Sunday in December, plus December 23, 27, 30 and 31
How Much…
Adults £25, children 5-15 £19, children 12 months - 4 years £12.50. First class for up to six (all ages) £175
Where…
Platform 3, Aviemore Railway Station, PH22 1PY. From the south, 275 metres (300 yards) on your right in Aviemore
HIGHLAND VENTURE is a family-run firm, which operates an incredible quad-biking experience in the heart of the Rothiemurchus forest. Mike Norton – who started the business in 2000 – daughters Emma and Sarah and chief instructor Andy Burnett know exactly what it takes to make a family tick. Their routes wind through forest, across moorland and farm pastures, and through streams – and can be altered depending what the guests would like to experience.
“We cater for all ages, abilities and sizes of groups,” says Emma. “This is exactly why I love my job so much. Each trek we go out on is totally different.
“Parents sometimes say they are there for the kids but their inner child soon comes out and that ensures everyone enjoys the trekking adventure.
“We have an age limit of 12 years and over. This came about from years of experience in the off-road industry and having an understanding of peoples’ varying abilities, with other factors taken into consideration such as a child’s strength. We consider the activity we provide and the terrain we ride on is most suited to those ages.
“It’s great when we get family groups come along together and there’s mum, dad, the children and maybe even the grandparents too.”
The quadbiking offers a thrilling outdoor experience and an education into the area. The Rothiemurchus Estate is a fascinating landscape and extends from the River Spey at Aviemore to the Cairngorm summit plateau.
“Their inner child soon comes out”
“People seem to be more and more interested in the local area, the wildlife and the history of the estate,” says Emma. “This is something which we are most passionate about and is exactly why we live and work here.”
Emma was introduced to quadbiking at an early age and feels it’s a sport that anyone can quickly adapt to.
“I always say if I can ride a quad bike, then anyone can!” says Emma. “I believe in the way in which we deliver our briefing. We are trained and very experienced instructors and have the skills and knowledge to help guide people and give them the confidence to safely ride our quad bikes.
“The quad-trekking provision has snowballed. We are very busy and have a large number of return visitors, many of whom have been trekking with us for years.
“A large majority of people have the opportunity to learn to drive but there are only a few who have the chance to head out into the country on a quad bike.
“It is not just a personal off-road experience but a real outdoor adventure.”