Scotland's Wild HeartScottish Highlands
Mountain ridges rise like hulking giants from the wide horizon, rivers rush through deep valley gorges and open countryside stretches as far as the eye can see. The famous lochs are still and silent, home to rare (and sometimes even mythical) wildlife, with pine forests reflecting in the crystalline waters. The Scottish Highlands are an iconic part of Scotland;s heritage, and there really is nowhere else like it. Kayak on the lochs, wander the forests, climb the mountains and bag some Munros or scramble the gorges: this is a paradise for thrill-seekers or those who simply wish to admire the breath-taking scenery.
The Scottish Highlands cover the vast mountainous areas of northwest Scotland. Within its borders, it encompasses many popular Scottish tourist destinations, landmarks and attractions such as Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, the Moray Firth, Ben Nevis (the UK’s highest mountain), the Glencoe valley and The Cairngorms National Park, which is Britain’s largest national park.
Explore the Scottish Highlands
Adventures that you can do on your own, with the right knowledge, skills and equipment
Hill Walking
A’ Chràlaig
Inverness, Highland
Mountain Biking
Abriachan
Inverness, Inverness-shire, IV3 8LB
Gorge Walking
Achnashellach Canyon
Achnashellach, United Kingdom
Surfing
Ackergill
Ackergill, Wick, KW1 4RG
Mountain Biking
Aldie Burn
Tain, Highland, IV19 1PL
Wild Swimming
Allt A’ Choire Ghreadaidh
Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye
Local Guides
Find local specialists who provide organised adventures in this area, great for those without experience or equipment
Gorge Walking, Coasteering, Climbing
Hebridean Pursuits
Oban PA34 9AN, United KingdomWebsite
Email Address
Phone Number
Hebridean Pursuits is an adventure and activities operator located in Scotland.
They offer canyoning, climbing and coasteering for groups of all abilities alongside a variety of technical courses.
Equipment and professional instruction are provided.
Gorge Walking, Canoeing, Climbing, Mountain Biking
In Your Element
In Your Element Scotland, Inverness, United KingdomWebsite
Email Address
Phone Number
In Your Element is an adventure and activities operator with various locations in Scotland.
They offer canyoning, climbing, canoeing and mountain biking for groups of all abilities alongside a variety of technical courses.
Equipment and professional instruction are provided.
Gorge Walking
Military Mountain Adventures
IV48 9ABWebsite
Email Address
Phone Number
Military Mountain Adventures is an outdoor adventure and activities operator located on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.
They offer canyoning for groups of all abilities alongside a variety of technical courses.
Equipment and professional instruction are provided alongside accommodation, catering and transport options.
Gorge Walking, Canoeing, Kayaking, Coasteering, Mountain Biking
Aquaplay Scotland
Aquaplay Scotland, Seafield Square, Rothes, United KingdomWebsite
Email Address
Phone Number
Aquaplay Scotland is an outdoor adventure and activities operator located in Cairngorms National Park, Scotland.
They offer canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, coasteering and mountain biking for groups of all abilities alongside a variety of technical courses.
Equipment and professional instruction are provided alongside access to a self catering bunk house.
Gorge Walking, Canoeing, Kayaking, Rafting, Climbing, Mountain Biking
Active Outdoor Pursuits
Active Outdoor Pursuits Cairngorms Adventure Centre Craigower Lodge, Newtonmore Cairngorms National Park PH20 1ATWebsite
Email Address
Phone Number
Active Outdoor Pursuits is an adventure and activities operator located in Cairngorms National Park, Scotland.
They offer canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting, climbing and mountain biking for groups of all abilities alongside a variety of technical courses.
Equipment and professional instruction are provided alongside a range of accommodation, catering and transport options.
Gorge Walking, Rafting, Mountain Biking
Full On Adventure
Full On Adventure, Old Pavillion, Inverdruie nr Aviemore, Rothiemuchus, PH22 1QHWebsite
Email Address
Phone Number
Full On Adventure is an outdoor adventure and activities operator located in Pitlochry, Scotland.
They offer canyoning, white water rafting and mountain biking for groups of all abilities alongside a variety of technical courses.
Equipment and professional instruction are provided. They can recommend a range of accommodation options if required. Shower and heated changing facilities are available on site.
Popular Activities
Our favourite activities in the Scottish Highlands
Hill Walking
The United Kingdom boasts a huge variety of mountains and hills – rewarding tired legs with space, solitude and spectacular views across the country.
Climbing
With many different variations, there’s a form of climbing to suit all abilities – both indoors and out, and great places to climb wherever you are in the UK.
Kayaking
From paddling the flat waters of the UK’s canals to riding the waves on a sit-on-top kayak or tackling the white water of a raging river, there’s a type of kayaking to suit every type of adventurer.
Mountain Biking
Whether racing downhill, riding a single track or cross-country, there are few better ways to explore the UK countryside than by mountain bike and few better ways to get seriously muddy in the process.
Adventure Inspiration
Everyday Adventure stories from the Scottish Highlands
A Roadtripping Adventure Through the HighlandsSoaked in Scotland
Veronika Cesalova
Braving the Weather in the Scottish HighlandsHills and Haggis
Matt Holland
Cycling and Wild Swimming on Easdale IslandWild Waters
Stacey and Max Holloway
Hillwalking on the Isle of ArranFrom Summit to Sea
Patrick Wheeler
Hiking on the Isle of SkyeEndless Skye
Luke Smith & Nell Sleet
Skiing in Glen CoeA Charm of its Own
Rona McMillan