Outdoor Pursuits

Fishing

The Glen Orrin Trout Farm and Fishery, across the road from Druimorrin, has the man made Loch Kelpie for stocked loch fishing and the Tarvie fishery, further up the road towards the west has fly fishing from bank or boat in a stocked natural loch. Salmon fishing in the area is by permit only and rivers close by are the Conon and the Blackwater. Fishing in the River Orrin is allowed by arrangement with Mrs Bartlett across the road here, but it is only a little river, with brown trout to match; just fishing for fun, really.

Taking to the Hills

Druimorrin makes a good stopping off point on the way to the hills and mountains of the Northern and Western Highlands. To take a virtual look at a variety of suggestions for walks, have a look here.  Highland Council Ranger Service offers a programme of guided walks beginning in April.  You can download the schedule here.

Riding and Trekking

There are also several pony trekking facilities within half an hour or less drive from here, including the Drumglass Riding Centre at Maryburgh. Tomich, by the village of Cannich, has treks and hacks through some wonderfully peaceful countryside and woodland.  For lessons closer to Druimorrin, the Chapelton Farm Equestrian Centre in Muir of Ord has an indoor school and is registered with Riding for the Disabled.

Quads and off road vehicles

There is quad biking available on the Black Isle.

Golf

Golfers are unlikely to be bored staying here, with the nearest course at Muir of Ord.

Even if you've never tried before, there are golf lessons on offer. There are plenty of other courses in the area, including two at Inverness and one at Fortrose further on the Black Isle.  Experienced golfers might want to treat themselves to a trip up to the Royal Dornoch Course. 

2011 saw the opening of the new championship links course at Castle Stuart, just on the other side of Inverness, about half an hour's drive from Druimorrin.  The course is said to be a real stunner, beautifully laid out and with exceptional views, and certainly impressive enough to attract the Barclay's Scottish Open.  You can get a flavour of it from their website.

Mountain biking

Mountain biking is increasing in popularity throughout the Highlands and there are a number of good tracks either specifically for mountain bikers or shared with walkers.  Bikes can be hired at the Square Wheels shop in Strathpeffer's central square.

and there is a dirt jump practice area and a number of tracks for a range of ability and experience levels at Learnie Red Rocks near Rosemarkie.

The monster "Strathpuffer 24" mountain bike race featured in the Adventure Show on BBC Scotland takes place annually in January just along the road from here at the Achilty Woods.  The "Puffer Lite" takes place towards the end of June and is open to solo cyclists, pairs and trios, riding in relay.  You can find out more from their own website.

Photo of 2010 Strathpuffer by Doug.

(thanks, Doug!).