Running, walking, swimming, cycling, paddle boarding, canoeing, horse back riding or the gym…. Whatever your favourite way of keeping fit, Dornoch is the place to be to get active this Autumn and Winter!
1. Horse Riding at Achavandra Stables
Why not come and view the magnificent scenery that the Highlands has to offer from the saddle of a horse?!
Whether, it’s a leisurely stroll through ancient pine forests, a wander along majestic Glens or a gallop across sandy beaches, we can cater rides to suit all preferences and abilities. Give them a call on 07712 165 306. Or visit their website www.dornochhorseriding.co.uk. Opening hours 9am to 4pm daily but you need to book in advance.
Silverback Gym is a strength gym with an interesting side focus on functional fitness at our Dornoch site with a bespoke Rigg that’s excellent in pushing your fitness levels. You can bench, you can squat and you can deadlift here….or you can have some fun on our cardio equipment. You can register via their website www.silverbackgym.co.uk or pop in during staffed hours (Monday – Friday 8am-12pm and 4pm-8pm and Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm) You can buy a pass for a day or a week, so it is the perfect way to stay fit during your holiday. Outdoor sessions?
3. Bowls at Dornoch Bowls Club
Dornoch Bowling Club welcomes visitors and offers temporary membership for £10 for a fortnight or just £3 for a day ticket, available from the golf Pro Shop at Royal Dornoch Golf Club which is adjacent to the Bowling Club on Golf Road.
The tennis courts are situated on Golf Road. For access, go to the Golf Pro Shop at Royal Dornoch Golf Club which holds the keys to the court. Dornoch Squash Club is situated near the Meadows, just south of Castle St and close to the Fire Station. Keys to the court are available from Lisa and Dick Dickenson 01862 810973 & Grants of Dornoch: The Dornoch Deli, Embo Road: 01862 811822 for a returnable deposit of £5. Use of the court costs £5, tokens (for lights) cost £3 for 45 minutes court time.
The Dornoch Firth Golf Pass courses offer play over some of the finest and most authentic links courses you could ever hope to play. For the first time, The Dornoch Firth Golf Pass brings together five of the Highland’s finest golf courses to offer an easy to book golf card for the visitor enabling great discounts to be taken throughout the year.
With a £40 Dornoch Firth Golf Pass you receive 25% off when you play Brora, Golspie, Tain and Royal Dornoch’s Championship Links and Struie course. (There is a £30 supplement to play the Championship course at Royal Dornoch)
This part of Sutherland was made for cycling – quiet roads, gentle gradients, and just so much to see. All our cycle routes start from the centre of Dornoch, and they have been planned to avoid major roads and steep gradients wherever possible. They take in the most spectacular scenery, historical sites and places where you’re most likely to see some of our Highland wildlife. Please take care on A9 as traffic travels at speed. Bikes are available to hire from Heaven Bikes, Sam’s Bike Shed or Dornoch Bike Hire.
No holiday in Scotland would be complete without a walk to enjoy our scenery and wildlife. You can do it all from Dornoch – woodland walks, hill walking or a stroll along our beautiful beaches each one building lasting memories you’ll treasure. Pop in to the Dornoch Hub where the Visit Dornoch visitor centre is situated and pick up leaflets with guided walks starting in the centre of the town.
Go Wild Highlands is a small, family-run company running open canoe trips down the Kyle of Sutherland and other Sutherland locations. This slow-moving, easy river with its narrow creeks and wooded islands is ideal for the beginner or anyone looking for a relaxed adventure rich in wildlife, scenery and history. You can choose from all day trips with a homemade lunch supplied, a Swallows and Amazons trip combining canoeing with bushcraft or an evening paddle looking for the local wildlife. Click here for more information.
10. Watersports
Dornoch beach is the perfect place to do some wild swimming whilst you are staying in the Highlands. But it is not the only beautiful stretch of water to explore in the area. There are Lochs and rivers as well as many other beaches to enjoy. Make sure you follow wild swimming guidelines and fully research your spot before venturing out. If you would rather swim inside then there are pools in Golspie and Tain.
Stand-Up paddle boarding (SUP) is one of the fastest growing watersports, combining the physical exercise and exploration of traditional paddle sports with a simplicity that makes it a sport accessible for everyone. Why not hire some boards and enjoy the many beautiful spots on a loch or in the sea around Dornoch? Heaven Bikes is based in the Dornoch Hub, so pop along to pick up your Paddle Boards and get exploring! (Book your hire ahead by contacting them through their website.)
A paddle boarding initiative set up by two local women, Beth Simco and Rebecca Dunphy, and supported by Lairg and District Learning Centre, Sutherland Girls on Boards provides free and affordable paddle boarding lessons to women and girls in Sutherland.
Book your accommodation at one of our Hotels, B&Bs, Self Catering properties or Glamping and Camping sites. There really is something for every budget and taste, take a look at the options here.
