Activities A-Z :

Abseiling

Giving a huge sense of achievement, this is a physically easy but mentally challenging way to spend half a day. Or, if you have already tried a conventional abseil and want something a little different, why not try our variation on the theme and descend the rock forwards? With our range of venues we can make the abseil as gentle or as challenging as you prefer, at any time of the year.

Archery

A great sport for all abilities and fitness levels, you will spend some time being taught the basics before an element of challenge is introduced. With plenty of scope for games and good-natured competition this makes a great year-round activity.

Canoeing

With our versatile Canadian  open-canoes we can tailor an activity session to suit your requirements be it a birthday treat with lots of games (we guarantee some ’unintentional’ swimming during the games!), a tranquil loch trip, a gentle paddle down an easy river or a bouncy experience on a bigger river. Perfect for all occasions, canoes are also an excellent way to get closer to the unique wildlife in the area.  These versatile boats are easy to load up for a wilder trip to some of scotland’s most remote corners via the lochs and rivers which give access to our best mountain scenery. Try combining a short expedition by canoe with ticking off that Munroe which just seems too far to walk in to.

Climbing: Indoor

We have two indoor climbing walls within easy reach of Boots ’n’ Paddles and, whatever your needs, we can run a session to suit. Do you want to gain experience before venturing out onto rock, have a taster to see if climbing is for you, or are you just trying to escape the dreaded midge?! Let us know your requirements and we’ll fit around you.

Climbing: Rock

Tried an indoor wall and keen to climb on the real thing? Are you a complete novice but prefer to be outside in the sunshine? No problem. With a range of venues close to Boots ’n’ Paddles we can choose the most suitable crag for your needs from first trys to really learning the ropes for yourself. 

Expeditions

Let us take the logistical hassle out of your expedition. If you can give us an outline plan we can organise the rest whether you want to be on foot, on the sea, in a canoe, on a bike or on skis. With our extensive knowledge of all areas of Scotland we may even be able to suggest different venues you had not considered before.

Gorge Walking

Suitable for younger children and families, our gorge walking venues will get you laughing and wet without too much technical difficulty or specialist clothing needed.  Suitable for non-swimmers.

Gorge Swimming

A more committing version of gorge walking with wetsuits, bouyancy aids and helmets provided. You will fight your way upstream against the flow, clambering up small waterfalls, swimming through calmer sections and jumping into deep pools. When you reach the top just turn round and float/slide back down to the start. A hugely popular choice with both clients and instructors and a favourite hangover cure on stag weekends! 

Highland Games

Do you fancy staging Scottish Highland Games. We can come to your venue and, abily assisted by our International Highland Games competitors, we will set up and run a genuine Highland Games for you.  The events can include putting the shot, throwing the hammer, weight over the bar, tug of war, chucking the wellie and of course, tossing the caber.

Hill Walking

What more perfect location could you choose? Boots ’n’ Paddles is within easy reach of the Cairngorm National Park to the South, whilst to the North and West there are the vast areas of Sutherland and the Rosses to explore. Whether you prefer the popular Cairngorms, the challenge of Torridonian peaks or the geological grandeur of the far North West our knowledgeable instructors will be delighted to show you the best of Scotland on foot.

Mountain Biking

On a bike you can cover more ground than on foot but still at a pace slow enough to appreciate the wildlife and surroundings. Alternatively we can take you over more technical ground where you won’t have the chance to look up! With the North of Scotland being mountain biking heaven we can offer some of the most scenic, pleasurable biking in Scotland, or some of the most technical. The possibilities for day trips are endless, with plenty of opportunities for longer, expedition-style trips for those with more time on their hands.  We also specialise in coaching for singletrack skills to take your trail riding to the next level of fluidity and control. Difficult singletrack trails will never have been so ridable!

Orienteering

A popular choice as part of a multi-activity week. We will teach you the basics of map reading before sending you out in pairs or small groups to find markers hidden in the woods. We can make orienteering as short and simple or long and complicated as you wish.

Raft Building

A popular half-day activity which can be done purely for fun or as part of a team building day. We provide the equipment and occasionally some hints whilst you provide the design, ideas and building skills.

Sea Kayaking

Boots ’n’ Paddles is well placed to choose either sheltered sea kayaking for novices to find their feet or more exposed sea conditions for the confident paddler. With a choice of single or double crafts we can accommodate any age and ability for either day trips or multi-day expeditions.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Within easy reach of the Cairngorms and the Lecht, with a slightly longer drive to the Nevis Range, Boots ’n’ Paddles is well situated for finding the best snow in our erratic winters. We can offer piste based Alpine (downhill) skiing and Snowboarding plus backcountry Ski Mountaineering and Telemarking all with qualified instructors and leaders. If you do not have your own equipment we can organise hire for you, or provide you with names of reputable companies if you prefer to arrange your own hire. Wherever possible if the snow lets us down we will offer alternative activities from our extensive range. We aim to send you away thoroughly pleased and possibly even a little exhausted by your Boots ’n’ Paddles experience, whatever the weather.

Team Building

We have a vast range of staff experience and equipment to choose from here. Contact us with your requirements and aims and we’ll pick and choose from our stock to deliver a day that you will find both fun and thought provoking.

Weaseling

Wriggling, scrambling and squirming like a weasel, you enter an underground labyrinth of tunnels, voids and tight spaces under a jumble of vast boulders that have lain undisturbed since the ice age. Don’t worry, this is not caving and there is always an easier route! You frequently pop up into daylight before exploring the next chamber. Great for all the family. It doesn’t matter what the weather is outside, it’s a different world in the tunnels.

Winter Skills Courses

One or two day courses designed to give you the skills and confidence to make your walking and mountaineering a year round activity. From the basics of navigation, to using axes and crampons to the more subtle skills of fitting all those plannig and route finding decisions around the avalanche hazard, we can equip you for the fabulous world of the winter mountains.  Combine the skills courses with a guided day or two to fulfil those long held  summit aspirations in the UK or as preparation for bigger things abroad.