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10 quirky Highland adventures to try this autumn!





The leaves may have started falling and the temperature is getting noticeably cooler, but there’s still plenty to do around the Highlands during the autumn.

For those looking to try something different, the Inverness and Loch Ness area is hosting a range of quirky activities – all part of the upcoming Loch and Land Festival.

Enjoy a guided canoe on Loch Ness with In Your Element.
Enjoy a guided canoe on Loch Ness with In Your Element.

From shooting haggis to guided yoga sessions, and from spooky excursions to white-water fun, there’s something for every taste.

Here are the top 10 quirky autumn adventures to try:

1 Wand carving: Fancy trying something magical this spooky season? Dundreggan Rewilding Centre is holding a wand carving workshop for adults and children on November 2. Carve a hollow spiral handle, add fine details then cast your own spells!

https://treesforlife.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/58554?catID=46565

2 Standing Wave Watch with Loch Ness Exploration: See Loch Ness from a different perspective and observe a fascinating natural phenomenon - a standing wave! A standing wave occurs when two waves moving in opposite directions combine, each with the same amplitude and frequency, and is often mistaken for Nessie. This free event on November 2 will help equip keen Nessie spotters with the knowledge to differentiate between the mystical beast and the natural phenomenon.

https://lochness.com/whats-on/standing-wave-watch/

3 Shoot a haggis: From October 31 to November 1, join Bowhunter Woodland Activities and Adventures for some woodland archery with a twist. Not only will you hone your bow and arrow skills, but you’ll also have the opportunity to shoot a haggis (if you’re quick enough!). Those wishing to protect the rarely seen haggis can try woodland axe throwing instead.

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bowhunterwoodlandactivities

Try out archery with Bowhunter Woodland Activities and Adventures - and maybe catch a haggis.
Try out archery with Bowhunter Woodland Activities and Adventures - and maybe catch a haggis.

4 Coos and Castle Tour: What’s more Scottish than a Highland castle and Highland coos? See both in one of many Coos and Castle Tours taking place from October 25 to November 3. Tours will visit a working croft above Drumnadrochit, with panoramic views of Loch Ness and historic Urquhart Castle, before visiting the castle itself.

https://www.lochnesstravel.com/loch-and-land-festival/

5 Rewild and Restore: Rewild yourself in an immersive, nature-based experience at Dundreggan Estate in Glenmoriston. Relax into guided yoga sessions and restorative breathwork practices, connect with nature and enjoy nourishing food at this weekend of relaxation and restoration from October 25-27.

https://visitdundreggan.co.uk/rewild-restore/

6 Inverness Dark Side Tour: Walk in the footsteps of murderers, executioners and malicious fairies on this after-dark Halloween tour of Inverness. Join one of two daily tours between October 31 and November 2 for a 1.5-hour special event bringing Inverness’s dark past into the light.

https://walkingtoursin.com/scotland-tours/inverness/invernessdarkside/

7 Whitewater Sledging: Who needs snow when you can sledge on the River Moriston?! Join In Your Element on October 26 for a rare opportunity to negotiate strong currents, waterfalls and rapids, and surf waves on a sledge! If you prefer something more relaxed, In Your Element also has an overnight Loch Ness canoe and camp adventure on October 29 and a guided canoe of Loch Ness on October 30.

https://iye.scot/viln-festival-2024/

Anna Wells will share her winter adventure climbing all 282 Munros in three months.
Anna Wells will share her winter adventure climbing all 282 Munros in three months.

8 Inspirational adventure talks: Join adventurer Anna Wells on October 29 as she shares stories from her challenge to complete all 282 Munros in three, very harsh, winter months. On October 31, spend an evening with presenter, author and outdoor swimmer Calum Maclean for stories about his swimming adventures and passion for the great outdoors. Finally, join climber Robbie Phillips for tales of his most memorable adventures and watch his new short film on November 1. All talks take place at The Ledge, Inverness.

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/visitinvernesslochnessltd/1291297

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/visitinvernesslochnessltd/1330039

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/visitinvernesslochnessltd/1291321

9 Sunrise skinny dip in Loch Ness: On Sunday, November 3, bare all and take a sunrise dip in what is likely to be a rather refreshing Loch Ness! Safety information and cover will be provided, and £6 of the £12 entry fee will be donated to Trees for Life at Dundreggan.

https://iye.scot/viln-festival-2024/

10 Sauna by the Loch: Enjoy an early morning sauna on the shores of Loch Ness after your skinny dip (clothed or unclothed!) on November 3. Book your slot in advance to enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits of a wood-fired sauna provided by Highland Hot and Cold.

https://highlandhotandcold.com/index.php/book-now/

Those coming to enjoy the activities from further afield can also take advantage of “stay and play” offers from local hotels and accommodation providers including Kingsmills Hotel, Palace Hotel, Glen Mhor Hotel, The Lovat Hotel, Caley Cruisers, Longfield Cottage and CooCoo Campers.

Take a step towards inner peace with yoga sessions.
Take a step towards inner peace with yoga sessions.

The activities are part of Loch and Land Festival, organised by Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN). The festival is sponsored by outdoor performance equipment and clothing brand, Alpkit.

Alpkit is also holding a Loch and Land competition for the chance to win £250 to spend at Alpkit on performance kit and clothing.

For more details on the festival, visit: www.visitinvernesslochness.com/loch-and-land-festival


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