Make a splash with a Highland adventure
Perfect area for outdoor life, culture or taking it easy
OUR magnificent Highlands, with inspiring landscapes, dramatic history and enchanting culture is the perfect backdrop for an autumn adventure. There’s a plethora of events and festivals taking place at this time of year too.
The Highlands offers a widerange of adventures: from Munrobagging in Torridon and paddling by Glenuig in Lochaber, to mountain biking along the Great Glen Way, whitewater rafting on the rivers Moriston, Garry or Orchy, or canyoning near Fort William – and there are plenty more outdoor events that will appeal to adventurers.
There’s the Cairngorm Adven- ture Triathlon Canoe, Run & Bike which uses Aviemore as its base or the Glencoe Skyline ultramarathon – both are taking place next weekend. Or try the Reiff Climbing Festival in the North West Highlands, taking place from October 13 to 16.
This event is ideal for club members, individuals, experienced climbers, beginners and families alike, with workshops for those who want to improve their skills, family activities and a ceilidh.
If you’re looking for something more gentle, then take a motoring trip along Lochaber’s geotrails and explore some of the fascinating geology of the area with short strolls from the car. Or get up close to spectacular Highland wildlife at the Glencoe & Loch Leven Autumn Festival (October 21–30), where there are chances to witness the remarkable red deer rut, set against stunning scenery – a supremely evocative Highland experience.
In the Cairngorms National Park, you can join the ranger-led walk every Wednesday at Boat of Garten, where there is a good chance of spotting golden eagles, red squirrels and capercaillie in dramatic alpine settings and ancient Caledonian pine forests.
Some natural events that you won’t want to miss on a trip here, when conditions are just right, include stargazing in Skye’s stellar Dark Sky on a clear night or witnessing the other-worldly dancing colours of the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis.
Alongside adventure, the Highlands is renowned for its captivating history, which comes to life with events such as the Highland Military Tattoo. This extravaganza, taking place this weekend and set within mighty Fort George near Inverness, brings together top military performers, talented young local performers and some of the world’s finest re-enactors.
The history theme continues later this autumn, with the Highland Archaeology Festival (October 1-16), which includes a fantastic selection of walks, talks, exhibitions and activities.
At the Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve, explore the surprising secrets beneath the mountains of the North West and learn more about this stunning area through poetry, sculpture and art during a special Knockan Crag Deep Time walk. Further celebrations this autumn include the Autumn Speyside Whisky Festival in Dufftown (September 22-26) and the Torridon Inn Ale Festival (October 6-9).
Don’t forget to soak up the vibrant culture of the Highlands at one of the many events and festivals too. Tap your toes to traditional music at Blazin’ in Beauly, listen to some stunning Gaelic singing at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on Skye or see a host of dancers and pipers at the Invercharron Highland Games next weekend. www.visitscotland.com/highlands