The Highlands are synonymous with its rich whisky heritage, world-class golf courses and bountiful opportunities for all kinds of outdoor activity.
The 'Water of Life' is everywhere…
Perfect growing conditions for barley combined with pristine water sources all around has made The Highlands perfect for whisky production. The North of Inverness Tour starts on the doorstep at Glen Ord, just 25 minutes away. You can follow the tour all the way to Old Pulteney near John o’ Groats sampling prized whiskies such as Glenmorangie, Brora, Dornoch, Clynelish, Teaninich, Balblair, Dalmore and Royal Brackla along the way. Please remember that each distillery visit involves an expert-led tasting session so leave your car keys at home!
Small clubs and world-class courses…
Golf is Scotland’s national sport and the Highlands is the best place to experience some of the most friendly and prestigious clubs and courses. Royal Dornoch with its gorse-lined greens and Cabot Highlands (formerly known as Castle Stuart) with its elegant Art Deco clubhouse are among the highlights. Nairn has hosted both the Walker and the Curtis cups. For the keen golfer, a trip to the Highlands is essential as stunning scenery combines with pristine fairways. Closest to Erchless Castle is the Muir of Ord Golf Club, a challenging 18-hole course with picturesque views of Ben Wyvis, Beauly Firth and the hills above Loch Ness. It is a friendly and welcoming club for both juniors and seniors, beginners or experienced, and has a bar and restaurant for refreshments after your game.
Clans and castles galore…
The Highlands isn’t short of a castle, or two, or thousands, in fact! Starting here, Erchless Castle was built in the 13th century by the Bissett family before passing into the hands of Clan Chisholm in the 14th century. A trip to the Highlands would not be complete without a visit to Dunrobin, the seat of Clan Sutherland on the Sutherland coast. Appearing to the eye from the cliff side like a French château with high conical spires, it is a 189-roomed architectural wonder. Experience falconry demonstrations here, too. Inverness Castle overlooks the city and the River Ness and was for centuries fought over by Clans Mackenzie, Gordon, Munro and Fraser but now lies in the custody of the Highland Council. The Highlands are steeped in myth and legend and a long history of clans seats and castles will not come to an end anytime soon!
Golden beaches and marine life…
The area around Erchless has many beautiful sandy beaches to discover, those at Nigg, Tain, Dornch and Embo being among the finest. The sand dunes, a beautiful view in themselves, are home to waterfowl and butterflies, and looking out to sea marine life thrives with dolphins and seals frequently making an appearance. Further afield is Moray’s Sunshine Coast, a vast expanse of golden sand that stretches as fair as the eye can see. Excellent walking routes take you through ancient woodlands to golden beaches and back for lunch in one the area's small towns and villages. There is always somewhere to eat a delicious lunch - a reward for the morning’s hike.
Fishing for dinner or rafting for thrills…
There is no shortage of river activity whether sinking a line beneath the surface to catch a fish or enjoying river water sports. The Highlands enjoys a reputation for some the best salmon and trout fishing in the world. The nearby River Beauly or River Glass both offer excellent opportunities to fish for your supper. Some distance away but prized by anglers, the River Spey is long and fast-flowing providing an excellent challenge for the experienced angler. The Findhorn offers world class white water rafting as it winds its way up to the Moray Firth. Highland rivers are alive with activity!
A wild landscape to lose yourself in…
Close your eyes and put your finger anywhere on a map of the Highlands and you will find a National Park or National Nature Reserve such is the unspoilt nature of this land. Manicured lawns and smart gardens are one thing but the craggy paths of Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve are quite another. The brave may wish to 'bag a munro' and climb or cycle to the top of Ben Wyvis. There are many biking challenges on the way down, too, through Novar Estate to the Fyrish Monument at Alness with impressive views over Cromarty Firth. For everyone else there are myriad ways to access the beauty surrounding us on foot, water or horseback. Miles of paths and bridleways wind their way along the coast and through ancient forests filled with Scots Pine, Birch, Oak, Ash, Willow, Rowan and Aspen.
