The top 4 adventure activities on an iconic Scotland road trip

When was the last time you packed your bags and when on a Scotland road trip? Probably not in a while or ever, if you don’t live in the area, but it is something that we all should do.

Thrill seekers, high-energy exercisers, and adrenaline junkies – look no further than Scotland for your next activity-packed adventure holiday. At less than 80,000kmsq this country is relatively small – around the size of South Carolina in the USA – but that doesn’t stop Scotland from having a wealth of stunning landscapes to explore, from its ancient capital Edinburgh to the enigmatic Highlands and remote islands like the Hebrides. If anything, its compact size is a plus for visitors to Scotland as it means you can cover a large part of the country in one holiday. 

One of the best ways to explore Scotland’s most alluring destinations is to drive the North Coast 500, a circular lap of its northern border that starts and ends at the castle in Inverness. This route takes you on a coastal tour through the country’s lush hill country, a carpet of green fields and dramatic dark mountains interspersed with magical lochs where mythical monsters lurk out of sight. Along the way, there is endless opportunity to get out of your vehicle and immerse yourself in these incredible landscapes. Planning for your Scotland road trip should start now.

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Wildlife lovers will rejoice in the opportunities granted by this gloriously untamed area. Look out for proud stags in the protected nature reserves, and the once-elusive red kite wheeling overhead. In the water, you can spot salmon swimming upstream in gushing waterfalls, or gaze out to sea in search of seals and acrobatic dolphins. Birdwatching is perhaps most rewarding, with countless quiet places to hide away and observe the many species that call this country home.

For those who prefer more energetic activities, the North Coast 500 really comes into its own. With lakes, rivers, and the open ocean providing ideal settings for water sports and the picturesque countryside as the backdrop for challenging hikes, bike rides, and rock climbing, the world really is your oyster when it comes to adventure activities in Scotland. Take advantage of specialist companies offering advice, expert guides, and protective equipment – while you can investigate claims in the event of injury it is best to avoid this by making safety a priority during your trip. Discover our top four adventure activities in Scotland and how to add them to your itinerary.

Top 4 adventure activities in Scotland

Hike along Scotland’s amazing natural beauty

Obviously, hiking is one of the most popular activities in this part of the UK. The routes range from gentle woodland walks such as the path to Rogie Falls and strolling the secluded Sandwood Bay to more challenging hikes such as the craggy way out to see the spectacular Duncansby Stacks at the most northerly point of Scotland’s mainland. It is worth getting a guidebook or researching potential routes online before you go to make sure you do not miss anything.

Explore the countryside while mountain biking

In the same vein, the North Coast 500 is also rewarding for mountain biking, whether you want to test your stamina on steep peak climbs or enjoy a gentle ride along the coastline to take in the amazing views. From short routes suited to families to single-track paths that cut through the hills and take you out to spectacular secret viewpoints, there are a lot of levels to choose from.

Who wouldn’t want to go kayaking

Anyone who loves being out on the water will find themselves in heaven when doing their chosen sport in Scotland. A multitude of water sports are possible, from snorkelling and surfing to windsurfing, but it is kayaking that draws most tourists to this part of the country. Novices can stick to traversing the wide, smooth lochs where the water is calm, and you are sheltered somewhat by the surrounding mountains. Those with more experience can head out to sea, although it is recommended to be accompanied by a guide who knows the character of the waves and the areas where it is safe to sail the sea in your kayak. This will give you a unique perspective of the coastline from the other side to the view that will dominate your road trip.

White-water rafting is a great break on a Scotland road trip

If you like to live life at a quicker pace, try out white-water rafting down one of the fast-flowing rivers that intersect this landscape. The River Garry runs into the iconic Loch Ness and offers grade-3 rapids that are sure to prove exhilarating for you and your team! The Findhorn offers longer and more varied routes, from challenging 11km runs of grade 4 and 5 rapids to a 7km stretch with grade 2-3 rapids more suitable for families with younger children.

Should you go on a Scotland road trip?

This is a no-brainer. Start planning your Scotland road trip and make sure you cover the best routes. If you think we’ve missed out on any activities that you love doing, drop us a message or leave a comment.