Things to do in Strathnairn
Loch Ruthven
The RSPB nature reserve at Loch Ruthven is a great day out for all the family in spring, summer and autumn - in the winter to Loch often ices over meaning there is little birdlife in the area.
Set around a serene Highland loch, with sedge and birch woods providing additional habitats, visitors to Loch Ruthven can take to the hide for the chance of spotting a number of bird species including the rare Slavonian grebe, known as the “jewel of the Highland Lochs”because of its beautiful red feathers. Other birds to look out for on your visit include divers and Ospreys.
Entrance to the reserve is free, although donations to the RSPB are welcomed, and dogs are allowed, but should be kept on a lead during nesting season (April to August) and owners should ensure they clean up after their animals.
Visitors are advised that there are no toilet or refreshments on site and should plan their visit accordingly – the loch is a great place to picnic when the weather permits.
Image Valenta under license
Tazball Paintball and Lazer Combat
Looking for a day of adrenaline fulled fun? Tazball paintball and laser near Loch Farr offers activity days for families and groups – with a choice of games to suit all ages. Choose a paintball or laser combat battle, archery, throwing activities and even Nerf wars!
Booking in advance is available through the website, and you can even pre-order food for the troops to eat when the fun is done!
Image Paul Gallo under license
Set in eight acres of grounds, Lochann is a private spot that allows only 16 advance-booked anglers each day and can be booked for exclusive use. Aimed at the trout fisher the loch is particularly suited to the dry fly fisher.
Visitors will enjoy a welcoming warm drink on arrival, together with fishing advice for the day, before heading out for their first casts. Lunch is served on site, with BBQs often on offer in the summer months.
Anglers can even enlist the help of expert fishermen who can offer one to one tuition for an additional fee.
Dunlichity Graveyard
This ancient site houses the graves of some of the fallen from the infamous battle of Culloden and is also believed to have once hosted St Finan who gave sermons on the site.
Visitors can tour the headstones at the site where the clan chiefs of McGillivray are buried, and see the marks in the stone walls where it is believed that they sharpened their swords on the way to battle.
Image Dave Fergusson under license
Esker Trail Inverarnie
Fans of hiking and hillwalking will enjoy the Esker Trail at Inverarnie, which offers a choice of three clearly marked walks of differing levels. Opt for a stroll through the surrounding woods or head for the hilltops for amazing views of the area.
The narrow trails take you through a landscape carved by glaciers – along ridges and past pools, with some short steep climbs along the way.
Image Dave Fergusson under license
Bring your bicycle or hire a bike when you arrive and you can explore all that Strathnairn has to offer under pedal power. Miles of empty roads and stunning surroundings make Strathnairn the perfect place to explore on two wheels, weather permitting – just don’t forget to pack a picnic!
- Interested in visiting Strathnairn? Why not check out The Steadings Hotel or Gask House Farm Cottages as just a couple of great accommodation options.
