This is a very large and scenic National Park that covers about the lower half of the Scottish…read moreHighlands. We were on Highway A9 which looked like the main route on the western side of this park. I had only one chance to catch the welcoming park sign upon entering (something I like to do if at all possible) from the south, and I missed it, and the only other sign apparently was 55 miles away in the other direction, duh. Ahh, we'll get 'em next time lol!

If you're driving through Scotland, and you don't visit Cairngorms National Park, what are you even…read moredoing in Scotland? Yes, of course the scotch is unbelievably delicious in that country, but you simply cannot miss visiting this national park. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. It expands for miles and miles with only a few roads to traverse. Of course, since this is Scotland, there are distilleries scattered throughout the national park. Always a great touch. By the way, the distilleries located in the park serve some phenomenal scotch. You would be missing out greatly by not visiting both Cairngorms National Park and the distilleries located within. As soon as I get another chance to visit Scotland, i will definitely be back.

We found the Falls of Foyers 100% on accident, but I'm so glad we did!…read more It's a bit of the beaten path-- a ways off a side road off the B road on the east side of Loch Ness. You get to see some Highland Cattle (aka fluffy cows) on the drive in. There was plenty of parking at at the top. The hike to the top viewing point is short and not too steep, but I'd still make sure to have good shoes, and be careful if you have limited mobility at all. The stairs and trails are very well-maintained, but still a bit uneven, and there isn't always a railing. The hike to the lower viewing point was steeper, but well worth the effort. The trails past this viewing point are quite pretty as well, and lead to great views of a river leading into the Loch. We ended up turning around after a bit because we were short on time, but there's a longer loop you can do that is likely gorgeous. Keep an eye out for red squirrels, as well as plaques with poetry and explanation about the falls. Don't rush when you're driving through the Highlands; definitely take the time to follow signs pointing vaguely to a waterfall so you get to see incredible views like these.

Nice little falls, although rather more modest than some of the descriptions suggest. Nonetheless,…read morewell worth seeing after the pleasant drive to their location. The walk to half way is modest and very manageable for most. But, try and avoid the holiday makers we ran into. They were rude and blocked the narrow and slippery path. Phooey to them.

Amazing Road Trip We…read morewere travelling England, Scotland and Ireland for a few weeks by car with our doggy. Northern Scotland of course was high on our to-do list. We weren't able to do the whole way, only about 2/3 of it (Inverness - whole East Coast - John O'Groats - Thurso - and a bit further than Durness). But the part we did was amazing - beyong any words. I've done some good Road Trips before. The Route 66. The US / Mexican Border. Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway). Australia (Uluru - South Coast - East Coast) and more. And this here belongs to the very top Road Trips I know. The landscape is simply amazing. Every few minutes you feel the urge to stop, get out of the car and take in the wonderful views. You could do that - if you have a bunch of weeks time. We took about 5-6 days for our part of the NC 500 and we still felt it flew by so fast. After Thurso the main road becomes a one-lane. That's for both directions! There are enough spaces though to let other cars pass....about every 100-200 meters. Most drivers are very respectful too. Sometimes some Caravan Drivers acted like they own the road though. Besides that it's a fantastic ride - almost a rollercoaster somtimes :) So many lovely towns, views, vista points and landmarks. Some that we think you shouldn't miss: Inverness: lovely town, good shopping Wick: a good lunch stop Duncansby Head: one of the most amazing landscapes we've ever seen, great walks - way better than Dunnet Head Thurso: nice town, also a good base for exploring the area The Road to Dunnet Head: great views, nice small lakes, Dunnet head itself is a bit disappointing Dunnet Bay: huge (and empty) beach, pet-friendly, great views Kyle Of Tongue: amazing views, backed by many mountains Durness and Sango Bay: good stop for lunch, lovely Beach The stretch between Thurso and Durness were for us the most impressive. Fantastic all the way. The landscape along Loch Eriboll is also magical. It's a wonder this Road Trip is not more popular. There is some traffic, yes. But still not much. But that's a good thing! Better keep it secret....oh, I shouldn't have written this review then :)

This is a really good trip to go on if you time it right. It was the first time I had seen dolphins…read morein the wild and we had several jumping out of the water. We were lucky as we were the first trip of the day to see dolphins so it can be hit or miss but you sometimes have to take that chance.

Great little boat trip. Best to phone for tide times before you go or you have to wait a while…read morebefore you can get out on the boat. If you are not lucky enough to see the dolphins you may see the seals or red kites. The man on the boat has good knowledge of the area and the dolphins.

A fantastic Spey decent with a great group of people. Very…read morewell organised from the initial enquiry ... responsive, helpful and professional. Highly recommended

Superlative outdoor activity centre. A wonderful location…read moreand excellent facilities. I visited the centre back in April 2024 and was pleased to be accepted for the Instructor training course. After a 20 year long stint of being a mental health practitioner within the NHS, it was time to focus on myself. I was immediately welcomed by Gethin, the operations manager and indeed by the other instructors. Commencing my instructor training in July 2024, at a grand old age of 53! This has not been an issue at all! Having kept pace with other student instructors, some less than half my age! The facilities and homely environment are wonderful. We soon became a mutually supportive 'family' of Rookie instructors. The first weeks settling into a new environment with a packed itinerary were fun & challenging due to a lifestyle change, but what a lifestyle change in a part of the world that oozes adventure, beauty and outdoor challenges. Supported by an absolutely cracking team, Alfie, Ross, Rowan, Liam, Fionn, Tom, Laura & James and the knowledge, welcome and encouragement from Roy and Sophia GIbson (The Owners) - themselves incredibly experienced outdoor folk! Whom were quick to share guidance, support, stories and encouragement, was more than enough to make me feel right at home and to achieve my ultimate goal - to deliver, encourage, and support others in realising their outdoor pursuit adventures, whilst giving me a first huge step onto the exciting ladder of outdoor adventure & instruction and a multi-opportunity list of qualifications. Indeed, everything is here for those who want to grasp an opportunity to learn and develop a career in outdoor pursuits. Reflecting back just now, on the last couple of months, having climbed and hiked the highlands, canoed, kayaked, rafted, and paddle-boarded the many beautiful, lochs, rivers, rapids and coastline that exists here...makes me 'pinch myself' daily...as if this is a dream! Recently, having the opportunity to instruct a local school group of youngsters in paddle-sports has really helped to hone skills and encourage young folks to literally 'pick up the paddle!' The essence of Active Outdoor Pursuits is Team work....but personal goals and challenges are always encouraged and supported with staff on hand 24 hours a day! Maintaining health and safety in any environment is paramount. Indeed the instructors and free lance instructors are totally on the ball here and always ensure safe practice and risk assessment, whilst in the realms of fun, adventure and learning, are in place. Whether I climbed a crag, wondered at the views from the Munros, to paddle sports & safeguarding youngsters and the team, to ensuring equipment is appropriate for the activity and venues selected carefully to compliment the chosen location - I always felt safe and confident in the skillset of staff and equipment. Furthermore, despite being a learned practitioner, I gleaned a vast amount of new skills in the first aid course, appertaining to the outdoors - Whilst I never wish to use these skills!, I feel confident that I am now equipped to! Like anything in life, you reap that which you sow and indeed 'get out what you put in!' Pushing myself, supporting others and being part of the team is truly wonderful, and I am proud and honoured to be a part of the Active Outdoor Pursuits team, as my course draws to a close. I wish all of my fellow rookies, the awesomely personable and qualified instruction team, and Roy & Sophia, whom have been right behind me since the start of the course the absolute best for your careers. To coin a phrase 'Look at where we are!'... LOL!' Thank you all ! Oh and if you even have an inkling of curiosity and want to find out for yourself, of what the centre has to offer, call in! go and do an activity - see this beautiful part of the world from a new exciting perspective - and help make a change! Get Active!! Get Orange! and live the adventure - 'It is not the pursuit of happiness, Happiness is within the Pursuit!'.. (PP 2024)

This is a great park in which to take a leisurely stroll. Accessed via footbridges on either bank,…read morethe heavily treed area is well bestowed with walking paths. There is even a surprise appearance by Nessie on one of the pathways (Nessie made from a log, that is). Mainly, however, this park is a great place to enjoy the beauty of the Ness River and the wooded surroundings. The park is accessed following the riverside trail downriver (south) from city centre until you reach the footbridge that crosses to the islands. We walked the west side of the river to get there and the east side back. Of course, you can so this in reverse if you prefer as there is indeed a similar bridge on the east side of the river as well. If you are in Inverness, this is worthwhile, especially in good weather in the summer when sundown is not until 10-ish PM. You can do this in the evening without taking time from your daytime activities. It's only about a 15-minute walk from town.

One of our favorite stops on our trip! We appreciated you could drive through certain parts but the…read morerest you were able to walk through at your own pace. The open concept also allows you to circle back to any animals who may have been hiding the first time! Very family friendly. Can bring all the snacks and bags that you need or leave in the car and run back. They do have a cafe on site with limited options but was good for us for lunch.

A nice drive ended up with us here at the Highland Wildlife park. It was a chilly afternoon and…read moreall but the toilets in the main building were down, leaving the masses to use port-a-lets. I'm thankful the temperatures were down for that alone. We started walking, seeing Red Pandas, Birds, A few small wolves, snow leopards and polar bears, Deer of some kind and the wild cats who weren't at all cooperative in being viewed, but it was day time and they are cats, so it's understood. I did marvel at their enclosure, which was done in such a way that the cats could have their free reign to go between the 4 or 5 different enclosures without being impeeded by the humans below. Once we'd walked what we wanted to walk, We went back and got in our car for the ride around part on the open safari type land. We saw deer with great horns still flocked in velvet, buffalo and Oryx, I believe, Some wild horse who were very playful. All in all it was a fabulous trip, I would come back again and again.

This is a really good swimming pool that is a true asset to Nairn. There are lots sessions and it…read moreis always busy. The pool itself is 25m starting at 0.4m, with a gentle slope leading into a dive-able deep end. There is a gym on sight as well as spinning sessions and various get fit/keep fit classes. Prices for individual sessions are a bit expensive but membership is only £16.50 a month, which gives you unlimited access to all facilitates and classes. It's really nice to see it being used so much by the local community.