Top The Scottish Highlands Outdoor Activities

Set sail across the misty waters of Loch Ness and discover the eerie legend of the Loch Ness Monster on this sightseeing cruise from Inverness. Cruise past the majestic ruins of Urquhart Castle as you explore one of Britain’s largest freshwater lakes and use the ship’s sonar system to seek out the loch’s notorious resident.

Immerse yourself in Scotland’s spectacular natural landscapes on a day tour of the Scottish Highlands from Inverness. In a small group limited to eight, visit Loch Ness, home to the legendary Loch Ness Monster at Chanonry Point. Plus, stop at the Clava Cairns (Stones of Clava), Culloden Battlefield, and Glen Ord Whisky Distillery.

Travel from Inverness to the Isle of Skye on a 10-hour day trip through the Scottish Highlands. Pass through glens and rugged mountain scenery, with stops at Loch Ness, Broadford and the ruins of Eilean Donan Castle, before reaching the purple heather–swathed hillsides of Skye. Then see the isle of Eilean Ban on the journey back to Inverness.

From ancient ruins to cinematic landscapes, Loch Ness to Ben Nevis, see the Scottish Highlands’ key sights in the space of a single day. With just a small group for company, travel by climate-controlled bus, and trade the bustle of Inverness for the beauty of the countryside. Visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle, see the Glenfinnan Viaduct (made famous in the 'Harry Potter' films), and more.

Take on the UK's highest mountain and experience the best of the Scottish countryside on this 8-hour Ben Nevis hike from Fort William. Follow a guide along rugged trails to the peak of Ben Nevis, and gain insight into the wildlife and geology for which the mountain is famous. Along the way, admire spectacular views over the surrounding lakes, forests, peaks and valleys. Enjoy the feeling of achievement at the top, then perhaps finish your day with a refreshing pint back at base!

Visit Eilean Donan Castle and the spectacular Isle of Skye on a full-day trip from Inverness, and explore an iconic Scottish landscape of wind-swept valleys, rock formations, and coastal cliffs. Travel in a Mercedes mini-coach, following a route through the mountains of Wester Ross on your way to Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye, then visit the island’s highlights with an experienced guide. This full-day tour departs from central Inverness, and it’s the perfect introduction for first-time visitors to the Isle of Skye.

Take a break from the city on a full-day trip through the Isle of Skye with convenient round-trip transport from central Inverness. In addition to navigating, your guide offers commentary about the area’s top landmarks, including Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, and the Old Man of Storr. Bring your camera: This trip offers endless panoramic views of Scotland’s natural landscape.

Check out the Isle of Skye on a day trip from Inverness. With a Scottish local in a kilt as your driver-guide, you’ll discover the history behind the island plus some famous landmarks along the way. Pass Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, then cross Skye Bridge to spend time on the island itself. Visit the town of Portree, travel through the Cuillin mountains, and discover beguiling natural sights such as the Old Man of Storr. Numbers are limited to just eight people for a small-group experience.

Escape the mainland for a full-day tour of the far-flung Orkney Islands from John O’Groats. Journey by ferry across the Pentland Firth to the wind-swept Orkney archipelago, bursting with postcard-perfect natural vistas and mystical landmarks. With a local guide, cruise along the Churchill Barriers to visit villages steeped in Viking mystery like 5,000-year-old Skara Brae and landmarks like the Lamb Holm Italian Chapel and St. Magnus Cathedral.

Seek out Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, on a 2-hour cruise from Dochgarroch Lock. The boat is fitted with a special Nessie sonar, but if the elusive monster doesn’t show up, the area's other sights will charm you instead. Pass along the Caledonian Canal into Loch Ness to see Urquhart Castle, Bona Lighthouse, and the crash site of a World War II bomber. You'll learn about the loch’s history and legends as you cruise.

This biking tour around Inverness takes you to more places than you'd see on foot and to places that buses and cars cannot reach. The Waterways Tour rides along the River Ness and The Caledonian Canal, making many stops along the way to learn about the area from your guide who has lived in Inverness all their life.

Leap, splash, paddle and plunge through Scotland’s beautiful countryside on this 6-hour white-water rafting and cliff jumping adventure in the Scottish Highlands. Pull on your wetsuit, grab your paddle and hop into your raft to explore the wild twists and turns of the Findhorn River. Listen as your guide calls out instructions to navigate the choppy waters safely, then relax with a simple lunch by the riverbank. Afterward, leap through the air off high rock faces into the swirling waters below. This trip is suitable for everyone from age 13+.

Your Guide will accompany you up and down the Ben Nevis Mountain path. They are there to provide you with advice and information about the path and the history and nature of Ben Nevis. Your Guide will know the mountain well and will be fully qualified and insured for the activity that they are leading.

Beat the lines by booking your entry ticket to SeaLife Loch Lomond in advance. Inside the interactive aquarium, you’ll have access to exhibits such as Predators of the Reef, an Ocean Tank, and Tropical Ocean Tunnel, home to diverse marine life such as sharks, clown fish, and manta rays. Plus, you’ll have the chance to touch starfish in the immersive rock pools. A fun-filled family day out is guaranteed at SeaLife Loch Lomond.

2 hour group surfing lesson All equipment provided An amazing experience to have with your family and friends.

Explore Loch Ness at your own pace on this independent 1-day cycle tour from Inverness. Hop on your bike in Bellfield Park and — with your map and directions to hand — head into rural Scotland toward Loch Ness. Head along winding country roads at your leisure and enjoy fine views over the countryside scenery. Spin through the peaceful village of Dores to the banks of Loch Ness, then perhaps enjoy lunch in a local café before strolling along the shoreline. Bike hire, map and directions are included on this tour.

2 hour private surf lesson All equipment provided This is for up to two people and will be exclusive to your ability in surfing and what you want to achieve, Wheather that’s just having fun in the water or taking your surfing to the next level.

Set sail for a scenic summer cruise from John O'Groats, Scotland’s northernmost point, and enjoy wildlife spotting along the windswept Pentland Firth. Keep a lookout for Atlantic grey seals, puffins, porpoise and whales as you pass by dramatic sea cliffs and deserted islands on the boat ride, then watch as flocks of guillemots, arctic skuas, and kittiwakes swoop overhead.

This cruise takes you on an adventure in to the wilderness. Starting in the busy Glenfinnan area where we describe all the sights and detail the history of the village both old and modern. We soon whisk you off down the loch to the land of eagles, deer, Harry Potter landmarks and the home of the MacDonalds of Glenaladale. Gaskan cottage was the home of well known naturalist Mike Tomkies for many years whilst he studied and wrote of the local wildlife, especially the eagles and wildcats there. It can only be accessed by boat or very long walk so this part of the loch is very serene and unspoilt.

Check a visit to John O’Groats, the northernmost point on British mainland, off your bucket list on a full-day tour through the Northern Highlands with convenient round-trip transport from Inverness. In addition to navigating, your guide provides live commentary and anecdotes about each stop on the itinerary, from Dunrobin Castle to lunch in the ancient Viking town of Wick (own expense).

Spend the day exploring Scottish scenery and whisky on a full-day tour from Inverness to Cairngorms National Park and the Glenfiddich Distillery. Join an experienced guide for a trip through the park’s scenic highlights, then learn the secrets of Scottish distilling at a family-owned distillery that makes the best-selling single malt whisky on earth. This tour includes round-trip transport from Inverness in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach and is limited to sixteen people for a personal experience.

Cruise through history and modern culture all at the same time! Harry Potter and historic monuments, you will learn about them both. Loch Shiel has featured in many films, Highlander in the 80s and now Harry Potter has brought it worldwide fame. This cruise can also be great for spotting Golden eagles up above the mountains, red deer on the hill sides and other water birds such as the Black Throated Diver (Loon). Glenaladale is a beautiful glen, secluded from the busy world. It is an area famous for being a home of the MacDonald clan, for centuries the MacDonalds worked the land and lived here but later were forced to leave for new starts further afield. The glen still attracts people visiting the home of their ancestors from all over the world. There is a toilet on board and a well stocked bar with malt whiskies as well as a good selection of wine, spirits, soft drinks, snacks and hot drinks. Please park at the main Glenfinnan car park and walk down to the jetty if possible.

Discover many of the Scottish Highlands’ highlight attractions—as well as locals-frequented areas that many tourists miss—on this full-day tour from Inverness. Meet in the city center, and set off with just a small group for company. Visit scenic Loch Ness and Glen Affric, and explore Plodda Falls: one of Scotland’s tallest waterfalls (take a plunge, if you wish). You’ll also drop by charming villages, will stop for refreshments (own expense), and more.

Beyond its incredible scenery, the Scottish Highlands produce one of the world's most widely-loved spirits: Scotch whisky. Join your kilted guide for an adventure to taste some of the best whisky around, with hassle-free transportation between your tastings. Stop at Dornoch Castle Hotel and select distilleries—with tasting fees at your expense—and even sip a few drams of single malt from your host's collection.