Active Highland holidays
For those who prefer their holidays to incorporate lung-bursting outdoor pursuits and plenty of perspiration, there is no shortage of challenging sporting events around Loch Ness and Inverness during the summer and early autumn months this year.
The season kicks off in March with the Great Glen Paddle Fest (23rd-25th) to mark the official opening of the Great Glen Canoe Trail – a 60 mile route along the Caledonian Canal from Corpach at Fort William on the West Coast, to Clachnaharry at Inverness in the east.
In order to mark the inauguration of the trail British Waterways Scotland has joined forces with the Scottish Canoe Association to host the first ever Paddle Fest – a three day extravaganza of fun and learning on the water.
Visitors can sign up for waterborne workshops offering instructions in canoe, kayak and paddle board disciplines, with something to suit all levels and abilities, or can opt for guided activities offering the opportunity to see more of the stunning surroundings. Coaching will be provided by experts and boats will be available to hire at the time of booking.
The event will also be celebrated in traditional Highland style with an energetic evening ceilidh on the Saturday night
It’s back to the Great Glen in May, with the annual Whole Way Walk, the longest ranger guided walk in the country. This 79 mile journey takes participants to the heart of the Highlands by combining six days of guided hiking with other events showcasing the area’s history and heritage. From May 6th to May 11th participants will trek the width of the country from Fort William on the west coast to Inverness on the east offe0ring a unique opportunity to experience this amazing environment up close and personal.
Alternatively, adrenaline seeking visitors in the month of May might like to take part in the Drambuie Pursuit, which runs from the 11th to the 13th of the month.
The nine-stage event takes in the Loch Ness area, with events at Invergarry, Fort Augustus and the River Ness and combines a wide range of outdoor activities including archery, buggy racing, white water rafting, rock climbing, abseiling, hill running and mountain biking.
Not for the faint hearted, this high-energy Highland challenge offers an exciting and inspirational introduction to the area.
Heading into June outdoors enthusiasts have the opportunity to join a range of events at the ‘Outta Affric’ Glen Affric Walking Festival. This four-day festival (1st-4th June) offers graded and guided walks taking in a selection of Munros and Corbetts alongside a packed programme of entertaining, interesting and informative extras.
For those who like to inject a little variety into their travels, June brings a selection of exciting challenges taking in the Loch Ness area.
The first is the Scotland Coast to Coast event. This two day challenge (June 15th and 16th) allows entrants to select their own level, taking one or two days to tackle the route from the east coast at Nairn to the west coast at Ballachulish by running or walking, kayaking and cycling through its tough terrain either alone or as part of a two man team.
June 16th will also see walkers gathering at Gairlochy on Scotland’s west coast for the 24 hour Caledonian Challenge, where participants attempt to complete a 54 mile route through some of the Highland’s most spectacular scenery in just one day all in aid of the Scottish Community Foundation.
And just a week later the area will play host to the Highland Cross duathlon event (invitation only) The Highland Cross takes place on 23rd June with participants attempting to complete a 20 mile walk and 30 mile bike ride through the rugged terrain of Glen Affric and Strathglass to finish in the beautiful village of Beauly.
August sees the arrival of the Monster Swim at Loch Ness. This open water aquatic event offers the opportunity to tackle either the one mile Big Yin or the half mile Wee Nessie course – both of which offer the opportunity for participants to truly immerse themselves in the surroundings and see spectacular scenery from an entirely new angle.
The season of exertion and exhilaration is rounded off on 30th September with the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon which offers a rare opportunity to race on the roads round this iconic loch location. This must-run route takes in 26 miles of spectacular surroundings, with the finishing line in the Highland capital of Inverness.
More information can be found at: visitlochness.com.
