The Great Glen Hostel, South Laggan, Spean Bridge PH34 4EA
Sitting in the shadows of Ben Nevis, on the northern and eastern slopes of Aonach Mòr mountain, Nevis Range is Scotland’s highest snowsports centre. It’s located near the town of Fort William, less than two hour’s drive from Inverness. The range offers skiing and snowboarding, snowsports lessons and equipment hire in the most spectacular setting. There’s a gondola lift, along with chairlifts and ski tows, which give access to a variety of runs, from beginner to advanced. Other outdoor activities on the mountain include mountain biking, tree adventure courses and paragliding. It also has a café and restaurant. So there really is something for everyone at Nevis Range!
Skiing and snowboarding are available with a season pass and there are snowsports lessons and equipment hire available. There are also several walking and mountain biking trails. Many are located in the lower forest area, but some must be accessed via the gondola lift. You can hire bikes and there is even a bike wash! In addition, there is a Tree Adventure obstacle course for some great family fun. And for the thrill-seekers, paragliding and hang-gliding are on offer from either the Sgurr Finnisg-aig or Meall Beag viewpoints.
Please note, many activities are seasonal and may have age or height restrictions, so please check the website before travelling. Tickets for many activities can be purchased online in advance.
The range is located just 7 miles from Fort William. There is a car park (charges apply) and a café and restaurant on site. The centre is also dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed on the gondola lift, on the walking trails and in the cafe and restaurant, however, they must be on a lead at all times. Find out about opening times, ticket prices and travel directions here.
Torlundy, Fort William PH33 6SQ
Based in the heart of the magnificent Cairngorms National Park, Cairngorm Mountain is an activity centre offering both summer and winter sports. In the summer you can enjoy such things as guided walks, adventure play and tubing. While in the winter snowsports season, skiers and snowboarders head up the slopes for some adrenaline-filled fun. Whatever the time of year you visit this mountain has so much to offer. So why not plan to head along and enjoy some good, fresh Scottish air and scenery.
And when the winter sets in hopefully so does the snow, opening up some of the most fun snow sports in Scotland. With the addition of the white powder the mountain landscape morphs into something new. And with it come those who enjoy speeding down the slopes on a set of skis or a snowboard. However, in the times of waiting for some snow, a technical snowmaking structure is taken advantage of. This sees the ‘Lower Snow Zone’ made usable for winter sports lovers.
And when the snow arrives a variety of runs open and makes use of the 11 ski lifts that operate. Here you can access a choice of red, black, blue and green runs when enjoying some Cairngorm Mountain skiing and snowboarding. And of course, when you tackle these there are spectacular views to behold on a clear day. Panoramas of the park can be seen with Loch Morlich glistening in the valley below. It is a truly exhilarating experience that leaves you energised and full of delight. Whatever your level there is something for everyone.
Additionally, there is a cafe you can visit to refuel. Found on level 2 of the Day Lodge, it serves hot and cold food and a variety of drinks. And with a cosy wood-burning stove it provides a lovely spot to warm up on a cold winters day. Be it a quick bite or a sit-down lunch you can choose from a variety of dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
Furthermore, there is the Cairngorm Mountain shop. This offers a great choice of outdoor gear and accessories. Choose from items such as locally handmade crafts, art and homeware or branded souvenirs. And if it is outdoor goods you are looking for they stock a good range of top brands ready to help equip you for the mountain.
So if you want a good day in the great Scottish outdoors, head to the Cairngorm Mountian. Located just 9 miles from Aviemore, 1 hour from Inverness and a 2.5hrs drive from Glasgow and Edinburgh it makes it accessible to a wide range of people. All you need to do now is get planning.
Ski Area, Cairngorm, Aviemore PH22 1RB
Are you in Inverness and looking for fun things to do with your family? Then why not try out River Ness Rafting? Here you can enjoy a scenic paddle along River Ness. And with a fully qualified raft guide on board, you will learn about the history, landscape and wildlife as you paddle along the river. Furthermore, with the addition of a Go-Pro you can savour the memories with your own video of your trip. Important to point out is children need to be 12 years and above for the longer trips and 5 and over for the shorter ones.
Why not ‘push the boat out’ and enjoy a raft ride topped off with afternoon tea and even a Prosecco? This fun adventure starts with a gentle raft ride along the River Ness and ends up in the luxurious Riverside Hotel. Here you will enjoy a selection of tasty delights and if you opt for the Prosecco option some bubbles too! A great day to enjoy with your friends. And if you want to treat someone to a special day out, you can buy gift vouchers too!
It really is a wonderful experience to enjoy which sees you experience a nice relaxing watersport in Inverness. If you have any questions or want to get in touch you can contact River Ness rafting with any queries. And if you want to check out more things to do when you visit Inverness check out our comprehensive things to do section. All you need to do is visit and enjoy yourself!
5-7 Huntly St, Inverness IV3 5BP
Archery is great fun for everyone. This outdoor activity involves shooting an arrow with a bow and hitting a target. Think .. Robin Hood, Legolas or Princess Merida! If this sounds like the sport for you, why not give it a go at Bowhunter Archery? A woodland archery centre near Inverness which offers instructor-led sessions for ages 9 and over. There are a range of sessions and packages available, ideal for large or small group bookings. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned archer, Bowhunter Archery has the perfect activity!
There’s also a range of Group Experiences and Party Packages available. Great for team building, hen and stag parties and other celebrations and get-togethers. Moreover, packages can be tailored to suit your group. Packages include the use of an undercover picnic area, where you can continue to have fun with your group after the activities are over.
To book an archery session or group package, simply contact Bowhunter Archery with your preferred date and activity. They will then check availability and advise on deposit and payment details. Please note, there are age restrictions and there may be minimum group numbers for some activities. Full instruction, all equipment and insurance are included. If you have any special requirements or additional support needs, please let the team know when booking. You can check all activities and prices here and see directions on how to get there here.
Balnagowan Woods, B9092, Nairn IV2 7QX
If you are looking for an adventure park near Inverness then head for a day out at Wildwoodz Adventure Park. An exciting outdoor venue offering paintballing, archery, laser tag, axe throwing and much more. There are lots of fun activities to choose from. With 5 star service and equipment, you are in capable hands. So read on to find out more.
Furthermore, you can get involved Lasertag again with adult, kids and family offerings. As in the title, a laser gun is used. Head into the woods and let the fun begin. With up 10 lives and unlimited ammunition you can hunt your enemy without the mess that comes with paintballing and also less the bruises! It’s a great activity to get your family involved with, creating everlasting memories. Hearty laughs along the way and trying to stop the adults from taking it too seriously adds to the experience. So what are you waiting for?
Wait did you say more? Yes, there is also Axe Throwing (and yes we did say axe throwing) for you wannabe Vikings out there. This will see you throwing a 12-inch tomahawk (sharp axe) into heavy-duty targets. And there is more… once you get the hang of it. But that is something you will just have to wait and see when you try this fun sport out. Tuition is part of the package so you and the rest stay safe!
You can also get involved in Bushcraft Adventures. This sees you living off the land and learning ancient skills. Get in touch with your inner Bear Grylls. Learn foraging skills, how to light a fire and even Zombie Survival. You need to try it out to see what it’s all about. A great fun, eye-opening and exciting day out.
Fancy trying out WWZ Zombie Survival? For those with an active imagination, this sees you heading deep into the woods. Here you learn how to exist undetected, how to avoid infection, invent new weapons plus create your own rules. Want to know more? Then go along and try it out! Lasting 4 hours you will use your imagination and skills to survive in what may happen one day in the future. Exhilarating, exciting and certainly thought-provoking.
So what are you waiting for? Book a fun day with family, friends or even colleagues and create everlasting memories! Contact and find Wildwoodz here. And once you have completed a day at Wildwoodz return to our site to plan your next adventure. Check out more fun outdoor activities here to plan your trip of a lifetime.
Explore More Outdoor ActivitiesIn Your Element is an outdoor experiences company, which operates near Inverness and Loch Ness, along with various other locations across Scotland. Services include scheduled canoeing and gorge walking activities. Along with bespoke group activities such as abseiling, climbing, mountain biking, archery, canoeing and kayaking. In addition, they offer canoe and kayak hire and group mountain bike hire.
If you wish to hire a canoe or kayak, plus equipment, IYE can help. Furthermore, they offer boat and equipment hire, expedition outfitting and shuttle transport. Servicing the Great Glen Canoe Trail, Glen Affric, West Coast and North West Scotland, River Beauly and Moray Coast there is much to explore!
There is also the option for group mountain bike hire (minimum of 5 bikes). Helmets are included. You can collect them yourself or they can deliver and collect them for an additional fee.
Inverness and Loch Ness is a magical place to enjoy these fun outdoor experiences. Surrounded by stunning Highland landscapes, it’s the perfect setting for adventure and fun! For more information about what’s on offer, see the In Your Element website. You can contact them here if you’re ready to book or have any questions or queries.
Explore Highland is an outdoor paddle sports company based in Inverness, which offers a range of activities for all ages and abilities. Services include canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddle board experiences. Along with boat and equipment hire, guided trips and skills courses. Experiences are led by Donald Macpherson, local paddle sports expert and coach, who offers a wide range of adventures right here in the Scottish Highlands.
Stand up paddleboarding is a popular water sport, where you use a large, board and a single blade paddle to move across the water. You can paddle on your knees and then progress to standing up when you get your balance.
Inflatable stand up paddleboards (ISUPs) are available for hire at Explore Highland. These can be used in suitable canals, lochs and sheltered coastal waters, but not in rivers. There are also a number of SUP guided sessions and trips to choose from.
Planned open group trips, private group bookings and canoe and paddleboard hire services are available to book on the Explore Highlands website. Either by booking online or filling in the relevant booking form. If you need any help or have any questions you can contact Donald here.
Unit 4B, 23 Harbour Rd, Inverness IV1 1SY