Five active adventures for families in the Highlands this Easter
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The Easter holidays are coming – we asked the team behind the Wee Adventure and Wheel Adventure books to suggest their top five family activities
There are so many to places to love and explore around the Highlands and Moray so it was very hard to pick our top five! After some deliberation, we picked these because they are suitable for all the family and take you to some beautiful hidden gems that you may not otherwise find.
Full details of these routes can all be found in our two books aimed at getting families outside and active, Let's go on a Wee Adventure, Inverness and Wheel Adventure.
Inside you'll find dozens more route ideas for feet and wheels, with ideas to challenge and inspire everyone from toddlers to teens, and from grandparents to competitive dads!
1. Avoch to Ormond Castle and Wood Hill, Back Isle. 7km loop.
This family walking or cycling loop starts from the ancient fishing village of Avoch. Skim some stones as you pass by the Moray Firth shoreline, then head on to one of the oldest and most fought-over hill fort sites in the area, Ormond Castle.
The castle is all but gone since it's heyday in the 12th century but you will still get a birds-eye view of the area, and kids will definitely feel inspired to learn about the history of this special place, with an information board by the gate.
The route finishes with a loop of Wood Hill and amazing views over Munlochy Bay. Take some time to visit the pretty harbour in Avoch on your way back too. The route is suitable for off-road prams and bikes, but the final 100m walk up to the fort top needs to be done on foot.
Full route details are on page 60 of Wheel Adventure.
2. The Touchstone Maze and the Cat's Back, Strathpeffer, Ross-shire. 4km or 8km loop.
There are not many places better for an Easter egg hunt combined with a walk than the Touchstone Maze! With 81 huge boulders from all over Scotland, placed in the shape of prehistoric labyrinth, it's the perfect hiding place for little people – or eggs.
This is an easy 4km loop by itself, suitable for off road prams. It's then possible to extend the walk by 4km and head up the Cat's Back, a long, heather-covered ridge line that leads to Knockfarrel hill fort, a Pictish fort with stone remains.
The top has great views of Ben Wyvis, Loch Ussie and the Cromarty Firth. Try the village square or the old steam rail station in Strathpeffer for an after-exercise refuel.
For the maze and the Cat's Back we recommend starting at Blackmuir Wood, Forestry and Land car park in Strathpeffer (see Pictish Discoveries on page 60 of Let's go on a Wee Adventure). The Touchstone Maze is well signed from the car park and is suitable for off-road prams and wheelchairs.
It is possible to reach the Cat's Back from a few directions, including Dingwall (see Where Vikings Meet on page 69 of Wheel Adventure). The Cat's Back section is for feet or mountain bikes only.
3. Loch Moy, Inverness-shire. 6.5km loop.
Enjoy the beautiful and ever changing views of Loch Moy this spring as you navigate a track around the shoreline. Spot an island monument, grand old stone gateways, abundant wildlife and wild flowers.
Loch Moy has the feeling of being miles from anywhere but it's just a quick nip off the A9 from Inverness, so it is very easy to get to.
This route is through varied scenery but not too hilly along stone track or tarmac, so it is a good choice for prams and wheelchairs with an off-road capability, and most bikes.
For full route details and parking information see Loch Moy Discovery on page 26 of Wheel Adventure.
4. Abriachan Forest, Inverness-shire. 0.5km to 4km loops.
You have probably been to Abriachan Forest Trust but it is constantly evolving so it is definitely time to visit again! This Easter, try their brand new pump track and multiple mountain bike trails for all levels of cyclist.
Or take a walk up to Carn na Leitire for a short but satisfying challenge. The best thing about Abriachan is it really caters for all abilities – you don't need to go far very at all to enjoy their woodland play park area, dipping pond and easy boardwalks through the forest to climb the tree houses and find the bird hide over Loch Laide.
There are route boards located by the car park and play area, or refer to Treehouse Fun on page 32 of Let's go on a Wee Adventure.
5. Kilravock Castle and River Nairn, Croy, Nairn-shire. 5km loop.
Starting from the village of Croy, this loop follows established tracks into ancient woodland, with the chance to have a paddle in the River Nairn before heading past Kilravock Castle.
The castle played a part in the lead up to the Battle of Culloden in April 1746, with soldiers reportedly getting lost in this forest on the eve of the battle.
The woodland is also famous for bluebells in May and daffodils in April and don't forget to marvel at the huge Douglas fir and beech trees lining your path.
If you have time, head to the Anta Milk Bar in Croy for local ice cream and great coffee. This route is suitable for off-road prams and bikes. See Kilravock Castle Adventure, Wheel Adventure, page 48.
- Let's go on a Wee Adventure, Inverness and Wheel Adventure are available from the charity's website weeadventure.co.uk, and from many local retailers, priced £5.99 each.
