First of all - the path to The Cobbler is not on The Chalets, that was just the closest I could…read moreget. You can park in car park off the A83 just across from that street (The Chalets). Cross the street and you're in! Logistics: The first part of the climb is a steep-ish zig-zag through the trees. It's not too hard, but will get your heart pumping. When you get above the tree line is when things really start to get fantastic. You walk through a magnificent valley filled to the brim with mountain streams, flora, and giant rocks that give the landscape an otherworldly feel. It's just one gorgeous vista after another, and the best part is it's mostly flat! But then...it gets tough. The ascent to the mountain is steep, and you will need serious hiking boots. Don't make the mistake we did. When you get to the fork, go right. If you go left, it is faster, but it's also a perilous climb up a rocky riverbed. If you go right, you will stay on a trail which is both easier and safer to climb. The Cobbler receives rave reviews all over the interwebs, and having tackled it this weekend, I can see why. I didn't even get to see those spectacular views from the top (it was foggy at the peak) and I was still amazed by it. I'd say anyone who is in reasonably good shape and has a pair of hiking boots and a waterproof jacket can do this round-trip in under six hours. This is the day trip to beat all day trips! You will be surrounded by beauty and feel amazing afterwards.

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.

The Scottish lake, Loch Ness, is a large, freshwater loch and the second largest loch in Scotland,…read moreafter Loch Lomond, based on surface area, covering an impressive 56 Km. At its longest point, its waters stretch 36km (about 23 miles), and it has a maximum width of 2.7km (about 1.7 miles wide). We had 2 hours in our hands to explore Fort August. first we explored the Lock (a series of bridges and a loch that let you pass the canal to lochness), then we roamed around the city, and finally we spent some quiet time here. no public, no one, it was a very serene feeling to sit here and stare at this big lake and question your life's mistake ... hahaha But jokes apart, the views of the legendary Loch Ness are stunning and serene. It's a perfect spot for taking photos and enjoying the natural beauty. The atmosphere is peaceful And yes, we did not see Nessie (that famous Loch Ness monster), of course i did not even expect it ;)

We did a stop here on our Rabbies Isle of skye tour and glad we did. I know it's a tourist thing…read morebut hey I'm a tourist and it's one of the famous stops. We took a quick look at the lake and they walked about the town and to the dam. I did't see the bridge raise for the bigger boats but wish we had. Our Rabbies tour info listed this as a might happen stop but so glad we did. other used ai to take people out of pics and to even put nessie in the lake ... need to learn to master these skills.

If only the weather (and sea temperature!) was warmer, the beaches of north-west Scotland would be…read moreunbeatable. But the lack of tourist hordes is to the benefit of those who wish to walk and enjoy the breathtaking scenery, rather than roast on a beach all day. One of the best known and beautiful areas is around the village of Morar, just south of the ferry-port of Mallaig. The route - either by train or road - south from Mallaig to Arisaig along the coast is enchanting, as bays, lined with dunes and trees come into and out of view between rocky headlands. The sands around Morar are known for their lovely silvery-white colour, hence the name. Inland, the deep (very deep, in fact - at 328m, or 1,077ft, the deepest in the UK) waters of Loch Morar provide fabulous lakeside and mountain scenery. Morar is also held by legend to hold its own monster, cousin to that in Loch Ness. A road provides superb access to the Loch's north shore.

On the way to Mallaig choose the coastal road and you will see some spectacular natural views of…read morethis gorgeous coastline. The best thing about this area to me was the lack of people and especially tourists thou I am one myself. This area is really worth a visit and you can either drive or get a steam train to Mallaig from Fort William what out of interest takes you over the multi arched bridge what was in the Harry potter movie. We wanted to go by steam train to Mallaig but as we didn't book the day before we had to drive what was the point of this review as because we drove we had the opportunity to stop at the silver sands. We practically had the full area to ourselves and it was all breathtaking. Ideal just to sit on the beach, light the BBQ and chill out whist the kids and dogs run them selves out of steam. It is a gorgeous place with no shops and nothing really in the area else to do so it is just ideal if you fancy getting away from the crowds and tourists and chilling out. The drive to the area is also pleasurable but don't forget to take the coast route when you see the sign.

This was my first bothy experience. My friend told me all about it before we headed out to it. It's…read morebasically a giant cabin or hostel out in the middle of the wilderness and its FREE. This one held about 14 people in a giant bunk bed that covered the entire back wall. The bothy also came with a kitchen area that you can cook in. It is located right off of the coast of the Isle of Skye. The ocean is literally 40 yards away. We backpacked about three miles from the parking area which is on a one lane road. While you are hiking out, you will be traveling through the pasture, so be sure to close the gates so the little sheep don't get out and keep your dog on a leash. There is a decent about of elevation gain and loss to get out here, so be sure to pack light or be prepared to get tired. The grass in this region is typical of what you will find in the highlands. I don't know much about it, but it's super wet. Once you get to the top of the hill looking down towards a lake, you will see several bothy's, but only one is open, which is the bothy on the left. Be sure to respect other people you see and leave the house to the right alone. They are very close to shutting the bothy down due to people not respecting the land. So don't be "that guy" and ruin it for others. As this is a shared space, be prepared to share sleeping space with other people. I was pretty nervous for this as my first hostel experience was a little strange, but I got super lucky! My friend and I met some people from Belgium, and Germany and all got along great. We shared stories, food, and all showed each other respect to make the day go by well. Be sure to share the same respect for others and the land, by clicking on this link below and following the rules of the bothy. http://www.mountainbothies.org.uk/usingabothy.asp

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 hike just outside the bonanza of quaint that is Callander. The website given here…read moregives a very exact description of how to get there, where to park, and the hike itself so I'll leave that for you to click yourself and get on to reviewing the experience. Well, it's not as spectacular as the beloved Cobbler, but it's also not as strenuous. It's a steady incline up and up, with some very boggy spots if it's been raining recently (and when hasn't it?). But you are rewarded with fantastic 360 degree views at the top, and lots of places to sit and contemplate. This is a great hike for even the most novice hiker--the path is clear, there are no scary scrabbling spots or perilous gradients, and it only takes about four hours in total. Bring hiking shoes, a waterproof jacket, a hat (it's windy!) and a packed lunch and you are pretty much good to go. This is a very rewarding day trip that allows you to explore Scotland's beauty.

Beautiful lake in the Trossachs area of the Highlands. We came on an extremely cold day or we would…read morehave taken a boat tour. Pretty area to hike or bike around. The tiny gift shop has hot tea served by a friendly staff.

If ever I needed encouragement at the mid-point of a challenging, torturously hilly 32 mile cycle,…read morethen catching sight of Loch Katrine was it. The Aberfoyle/Dukes Pass/Loch Katrine loop we tackled was a beautiful, scenic route and any difficult climbs paid off in the abundance of awe-inducing views as we came soaring back down. Loch Katrine was a definite highlight for me. She's a beauty and well-worth the visit whether you're planning on biking, walking or taking a trip on the flagship Sir Walter Scott steamship which we were lucky enough to catch sight of. Cyclists, this whole area in general is just great and this route has been my favourite so far. The hills are tough but coming down them is genuinely breath-taking. I definitely want to return to Aberfoyle again and do all kinds of lovely touristy things. Visiting Loch Katrine will definitely be one of them.