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Sporting opportunities in the Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands is a land of stunning natural beauty, rich history and culture that offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and sport. Whether you're a keen sportsperson, a cultural enthusiast, or simply looking for a place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors, the Highlands have something to offer everyone.



The Highlands is an ideal location to be active. You’ll discover many sporting opportunities and experiences here that you won’t find anywhere else. From golfing on Links courses used for Open Championships or angling in one of the many spectacular lochs and rivers to game shooting, hillwalking, and mountain biking, the Highlands have it all.


Fishing


The many magnificent lochs and rivers throughout the Highlands are home to some of the world’s best fishing experiences, attracting keen fishing and angling enthusiasts from all over the world.



Loch fishing in Scotland


Loch fishing is a popular activity in Scotland, and the Highlands is home to some of the best fishing in the world. These freshwater lakes provide many fishing opportunities for beginners and experienced anglers and some incredible scenery to enjoy while you wait for a bite.


Some of the most popular lochs for fishing in the Scottish Highlands include Loch Lomond, Loch Ness, Loch Earn, and Loch Tay, all home to large populations of brown trout and salmon throughout the year.


The River Earn is challenging to fish but can be rewarding. The river is home to some large salmon, and anglers can expect to catch fish up to 20 pounds. Loch Earn is a more forgiving lake to fish and a good place for beginners to learn how to fly fish. The loch is home to a variety of trout, and anglers can expect to catch fish up to 10 pounds.


Loch Earn and Loch Tay are both within an hour’s drive of the Logiealmond Estate, making it the perfect place to stay in complete comfort and convenience while enjoying some of the finest lake fishing and scenery in the world.


River fishing in Scotland


Scotland is a prime location for salmon and trout fishing. Popular rivers for fishing in Scotland include the River Tweed, the River Spey, and the River Dee.


But where better to enjoy Scotland's best river fishing than the country’s longest river? The River Tay is one of the most famous rivers in Scotland for fishing and is known for its large salmon population. The sheer size and volume of water in the River Tay make it one of the most prolific and accessible salmon fishing rivers in the world. The salmon season on the Tay runs from January to October, and you can expect to catch fish up to 60 pounds. The Tay also has a good population of brown and rainbow trout.


Another rewarding spot for river fishing in Scotland is on the Logiealmond Estate. Our guests speak highly of the beautiful stretches of water, holding pools, and fishing facilities found throughout the estate that offers prime opportunities to enjoy the challenge of catching salmon or trout. Whether you’re fly-fishing, spinning, or trying your hand at harling – a traditional and exceptionally effective Tay fishing technique – everything you need is here, including experienced and helpful local guides.


Learn more about fishing on the Logiealmond Estate. You can also contact us for advice about choosing the best time of year to fish in Scotland.


Golf


Scotland is home to some of the world's most beautiful, challenging, and historic golf courses. The first game of golf was played at St Andrews on the east coast over 600 years ago. From the links courses of the east coast to the parkland courses of the west, there is a course to suit every golfer across Scotland and the Highlands.



Links golf courses


Links courses are the heart of golf in Scotland, playing host to the world’s most famous and competitive events, including Open Championships.

  • Old Course at St Andrews: The Old Course at St Andrews is arguably the most famous golf course in the world. The course is over 600 years old and has hosted the Open Championship 29 times.

    • Location: Fife, Scotland

    • Distance from Logiealmond Estate: Around 50 miles (1 hr 15 mins by car)

  • Carnoustie Golf Links: Carnoustie is another famous Links course that has hosted the Open Championship 14 times. The course is known for challenging conditions and is often described as the "toughest test in golf."

    • Location: Angus, Scotland

    • Distance from Logiealmond Estate: Around 46 miles (1 hr 10 mins by car)

  • Kingsbarns Golf Links: Situated 7 miles from St Andrews along 1.8 miles of picturesque North Sea coastline, Kingsbarns is a Worldwide Top 100-ranked course that co-hosts the annual European Tour’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship (1-8 October 2023) and hosted the Women’s British Open in 2017.

    • Location: Fife, Scotland

    • Distance from Logiealmond Estate: Around 55 miles (1 hr 20 mins by car)

Highlands golf courses


The Highlands are home to some of Scotland’s oldest and most enjoyable golf courses, making the drive to reach them entirely worthwhile.

  • Royal Dornoch Golf Club: Royal Dornoch is widely regarded as one of the finest golf courses in the world. The course is set in stunning coastal scenery, and it offers a variety of challenges to golfers of all levels.

    • Location: Scottish Highlands

    • Distance from Logiealmond Estate: Around 156 miles (3 hrs by car)

  • Castle Stuart Golf Links: Castle Stuart is a relatively new course that opened in 2008. The course is set in stunning scenery and has quickly become one of the most popular golf courses in the Highlands.

    • Location: Scottish Highlands

    • Distance from Logiealmond Estate: Around 120 miles (2 hrs 30 mins by car)

  • Nairn Golf Club: Nairn Golf Club is a historic course in the Highlands founded in 1867. The course is set on the Moray Firth, and it offers clear views of the coastline.

    • Location: Scottish Highlands

    • Distance from Logiealmond Estate: Around 130 miles (2 hrs 30 mins by car)

Perthshire golf clubs


There are around 40 golf courses in Perthshire alone, often found in spectacular mountain and moorland locations.

  • Gleneagles: Gleneagles is home to three championship golf courses: the King's, the Queen's, and the PGA Centenary. The courses are set in beautiful parkland surroundings, and they offer a variety of challenges to golfers of all levels.

    • Location: Perthshire, Scotland

    • Distance from Logiealmond Estate: Around 20 miles (30 mins by car)

  • Rosemount at Blairgowrie: Offering three top quality Championship courses set in picturesque Perthshire countryside, Rosemount offers a pleasant and memorable round of golf for all keen golfers.

    • Location: Perthshire, Scotland

    • Distance from Logiealmond Estate: Around 25 miles (40 mins by car)

  • Royal Perth: The oldest royal golf club in the world, Royal Perth offers an excellent golfing experience with views to match – all within 25 mins drive of our estate.

    • Location: Perthshire, Scotland

    • Distance from Logiealmond Estate: Around 12 miles (25 mins by car)

As you can see, some of the best golf courses in the world are within easy reach of the Logiealmond Estate, making our luxurious rental properties the ideal base for your next Scottish golf experience.


Game shooting


Game shooting is one of the most popular traditional sports in the Scottish Highlands and a great way to experience the stunning scenery and wildlife of the region. Game shooting season in Scotland varies depending on the species, but it typically runs from August to February.



Some of the most popular game birds to shoot in the Scottish Highlands include:

  • Red grouse: the most popular game bird in Scotland found on heather moorland

  • Partridge: a smaller game bird than red grouse found on heather moorland

  • Pheasant: found in a variety of habitats, including woodland, farmland, and moorland

  • Woodcock: a migratory bird found in woodland and scrubland that arrives in Scotland in the autumn

  • Duck: a popular game bird found on rivers, lakes, and reservoirs (protected in some areas)

We have 14 shooting drives here at Logiealmond that provide a full mix of sporting birds to our guests who travel from all over the world to shoot and stay with us. Partridges and pheasants are driven over our deep gullies and present an incredible sport for our guests. Our luxury lodges provide five-star accommodation to our guns with full catering from our expert chefs, whether you want to shoot here or elsewhere.



Clay pigeon shooting


Also known as simulated game shooting, clay pigeon shooting is a game of skill and precision where participants attempt to hit clay targets launched into the air at high speeds. It’s a sport that everyone can enjoy, regardless of age and physical ability.


Whether you're a seasoned shooter or have never touched a gun, the Scottish Highlands offer many opportunities to enjoy clay pigeon shooting in dramatic surroundings.



You can enjoy clay pigeon shooting while staying with us on the Logiealmond Estate. Our expert-led simulated game shoots will let you practice and hone your shooting skills in a safe environment while enjoying time outdoors.



Skiing and snowboarding


Scotland is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the UK. The Highlands have several ski resorts that offer excellent snow conditions and stunning scenery.



  • Glencoe Mountain Resort: Glencoe is one of the most popular ski resorts in the Scottish Highlands. The resort has a variety of slopes to suit all levels of skiers and snowboarders, and it offers stunning views of the Glencoe Valley.

    • Distance from Logiealmond Estate: Around 70 miles (1 hr 45 mins by car)

  • Nevis Range: Nevis Range is the largest ski resort in the Scottish Highlands. The resort has a variety of slopes to suit all levels of skiers and snowboarders, and it offers unforgettable views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles.

    • Distance from Logiealmond Estate: Around 102 miles (2 hr 15 mins by car)

  • Glenshee: Glenshee is the largest ski resort in the Cairngorms National Park. The resort has a variety of slopes to suit all levels of skiers and snowboarders, and it offers stunning views of the Cairngorm Mountains.

    • Distance from Logiealmond Estate: Around 47 miles (1 hr 15 mins by car)

No matter your experience or fitness level, you’ll find that a visit to a ski resort in the Scottish Highlands will impress.


Cycling


Cycling is an excellent way to explore the Scottish Highlands, and there are many different routes to choose from, catering to all levels of experience. It’s the perfect location for your next cycling day trip or cycling holiday in Scotland.



  • The Loch Ness 360: An 80-mile route of good quality paths and forestry trails starting and finishing in the Highland capital of Inverness, with some steep uphill and downhill sections with lightly trafficked road

  • The Caledonia Way: This 135-mile route follows the old drovers' roads from Fort William to Inverness

  • East Highland Way: This 82-mile route takes you from Fort William to Aviemore through the Cairngorms National Park and boasts a variety of scenery and ancient landscapes to explore

  • The West Highland Way: This 96-mile route is one of the most popular long-distance walks in the UK but can also be cycled. The route is challenging but offers stunning scenery of mountains, lochs, and forests.

  • Great Glen Way: This relatively flat 79-mile route follows the Great Glen, a natural fault line that cuts through the Highlands from Fort William to Inverness, passing three scenic lochs along the way

No matter your experience or fitness level, there is a cycling route in the Scottish Highlands that’s perfect for you and any travel companions. And the Logiealmond Estate here in rural Perthshire makes the perfect base for many popular cycling routes in Scotland.


Mountain biking


Enjoy a wide range of excellent mountain biking trails and facilities in the Highlands. There’s something here to suit all levels of experience and fitness.



  • Aviemore: Aviemore is a popular destination for mountain biking, and it is home to a variety of trails for all levels of experience. The trails range from easy to challenging, offering stunning views of the Cairngorm Mountains.

    • Distance from Logiealmond Estate: Around 80 miles (1 hr 45 mins by car)

  • Comrie Croft: Not far from Logiealmond Estate, Comrie Croft boasts an award-winning network extending over 21km, as well as a skills park with berms, jumps, a pump track, skinny climbs, and rock gardens, along with a range of trails suitable for beginners to experts.

    • Distance from Logiealmond Estate: Around 15 miles (25 mins by car)

  • Deuchny Bike Park: Deuchny’s bike park offers a range of jumps and drops in a beautiful woodland setting, with great tracks to explore for cross-country rides and links to the wider countryside near Perth

    • Distance from Logiealmond Estate: Around 15 miles (35 mins by car)

Bring your own mountain bike while you stay in one of our luxury properties, and explore the network of trails around the estate. And, of course, you can explore Scotland’s many national forests by mountain bike too.


White water rafting


White water rafting is a popular activity in the Scottish Highlands, and it is a great way to experience the excitement of the rapids and the stunning scenery of the region. There are many different rivers in the Highlands that are suitable for white water rafting, catering to all levels of experience.



  • The River Spey: The River Spey is a grade 3-4 river near Aviemore. The river is a good choice for intermediate and experienced rafters.

    • Distance from Logiealmond Estate: Around 94 miles (2 hrs by car)

  • The River Dee: The River Dee is a grade 2-3 river near Ballater. The river is a good choice for beginners and families.

    • Distance from Logiealmond Estate: Around 67 miles (2 hrs by car)

  • The River Findhorn: The River Findhorn is a grade 3-4 river near Inverness. The river is a good choice for intermediate and experienced rafters.

    • Distance from Logiealmond Estate: Around 113 miles (2 hrs 40 mins by car)

  • Splash White Water Rafting: Whether you’re a regular adrenaline seeker or a water sports beginner, our partners at Splash can tailor the perfect outdoor adventure experience for you or your group, with a variety of activities to choose from, such as white water rafting, canyoning, and much more. There is an activity for every age and ability.

    • Distance from Logiealmond Estate: Around 22 miles (35 mins by car)


Find out more about a white water rafting experience in Scotland.


Hillwalking and hiking


Visit the Highlands for some genuinely unforgettable hillwalking and hiking experiences. There are many different hillwalking trails catering to all experience levels. It’s an excellent way to explore the spectacular scenery and spot local wildlife.



If you’re searching for a more challenging walking experience, why not tackle some of Scotland’s impressive mountains? Known locally as ‘Munros’, these impressive Scottish mountains are all over 3,000 feet (914.4 meters) tall and take their name from Sir Hugh Munro, who published a list of Munros in 1891. There are 282 Munros to explore, including some suitable for less experienced hillwalkers.


Tips for hillwalking and hiking in Scotland


  • Be prepared for any weather: The weather in the Scottish Highlands can be unpredictable, especially when tackling a Munro, so it’s essential to prepare for all types of weather conditions. This includes packing waterproof clothing, warm clothing, and a hat.

  • Plan your trip carefully: There are many different hillwalking trails in the Highlands, so it’s important to research and select a trail appropriate for your experience and fitness level.

  • Be aware of the risks: Hillwalking can be dangerous, so it is crucial to be aware of the risks involved and to take all necessary safety precautions. This includes carrying a map and compass and letting someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.

  • Have fun: Hillwalking is a great way to experience the beauty of the Highlands and to bond with friends and family. So relax, have fun, and revel in this unique and memorable experience!


Traditional Highlands sporting events


You can also enjoy some of the many traditional sporting events held in the Highlands throughout the year, including the Highland Games.



Luxury accommodation for exploring Scotland and the Highlands


The Logiealmond Estate is conveniently located at the gateway to the Highlands in stunning Perthshire while also allowing easy access to Scotland’s cities, including historic Edinburgh and vibrant Glasgow.


Spread throughout the estate in stunning locations, you’ll find 13 bespoke five-star lodges, cottages, and farmhouses, each designed with luxury, comfort, and convenience in mind.



Book a property for your stay in Scotland

You can check property availability on our website or contact our team, who will be happy to provide more information about our properties and the many sporting and recreational opportunities on the estate.


Tell us what you need from your Scottish Highlands getaway


Are you thinking about visiting the Scottish Highlands to enjoy some sporting, recreational, and cultural opportunities but aren’t sure where to start? Reach out to our hospitality team, who can provide guidance on creating an unforgettable escape to the incredible Highlands of Scotland.