Highlands Winter Breaks: Activities & Adventures in and around Inverness

22nd November 2023

Highland adventures from the Kingsmills Hotel this Winter

Winter transforms the Scottish Highlands into one of the most extraordinary outdoor destinations in the world. Ancient forests turn silver with frost, dramatic glens fall quiet under heavy skies, and snow-capped summits emerge above the tree lines.

The Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness sits right at the heart of it all. And as a result, some of Scotland’s finest highland outdoor adventures are within easy reach. Here’s everything you need to plan your winter highland adventure from Inverness.

And for practical advice on getting around the region in colder months, read our guide to travelling the Highlands in winter before you set out.

Winter landscape of Loch Ness and the Highlands with snow capped hills.

Winter brings sharp light, quiet roads, and breathtaking views across the Northern Highlands.

Snow sports at Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorm Mountain Resort sits at around 1,245 metres above sea level and is just under an hour’s drive from the Kingsmills Hotel. It’s also one of the country’s most reliable destinations for winter snow sports, and a natural centrepiece for any highland outdoor adventure itinerary based in Inverness.

Because when the snow arrives, there’s nowhere quite like it in Scotland.

What’s on offer at Cairngorm in winter:

Funicular railway – carries visitors to 1,085 metres for breathtaking winter views across the Cairngorm plateau without the climb.
Skiing and snowboarding – a mix of wide, forgiving beginner pistes and steeper intermediate and expert runs across the winter mountain.
Equipment hire – full ski and snowboard gear available to rent on the mountain. So, there’s no need to travel with your own kit.
Lessons for all levels – professional winter sports instruction from complete beginners through to those looking to develop specific skills on the slopes.

And beyond the slopes, Cairngorms National Park covers 4,528 square kilometres of outstanding Highland landscape. So, wildlife watching, winter hiking, and photography all reach their peak here between November and March.

And after a day in the mountains, returning to the warmth and comfort of the Kingsmills Hotel completes the experience.

Glen Affric walks, trails, and viewpoints

Glen Affric is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland. And if you ask us, winter is its finest season. Why? Firstly, the ancient Caledonian pines stand heavy with frost, and the lochs reflect a pale winter sky. What’s more, the trails fall quiet. It’s also just 30 minutes from the Kingsmills Hotel by car. So, it’s a great spot to explore when you stay with us.

The glen also suits everyone from casual walkers to serious hikers. Here are some of the most popular trails.

Popular Glen Affric trails

Dog Falls circular – a 3km woodland walk alongside the River Affric. This one takes around 1.5 hours at a relaxed pace and is suitable for most abilities in winter conditions.
Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin route – a longer trail opening into wider Highland scenery. Expect outstanding lochside views that are particularly striking under winter light.
Glen Affric viewpoint – one of the most photographed winter panoramas in the region. Also easily reached via a short walk from the main car park.
Affric-Kintail Way sections – hikes in Glen Affric on higher ground. Each delivers expansive views across snow-covered peaks, best suited to experienced winter walkers.

And in our experience, winter walking in Glen Affric rewards early birds. The low morning light on the frosted pines and frozen loch edges is unlike anything in summer. So, always allow more time than you think, and check conditions before setting out. Our guide to winter driving in the Scottish Highlands also has useful advice for the journey.

Plodda Falls: the must-do winter highland walk

Plodda Falls is one of the most dramatic natural spectacles near Inverness, and is incredible in winter. The falls drop 46 metres into a wooded gorge below, and as temperatures fall, the surrounding cliffs develop a spectacular fringe of ice. This transforms the setting into something extraordinary.

And since it’s near Tomich in Strathglass, around 40 minutes from the Kingsmills Hotel, it’s a highland outdoor adventure that demands to be on any winter itinerary.

What to expect on the Plodda Falls walk

Approach trail – a well-maintained path through ancient Douglas fir woodland. This takes around 20 minutes from the car park and is particularly atmospheric on a cold winter morning.
Main viewpoint – a cantilevered platform positioned directly above the falls. It offers an unobstructed view straight down into the ice-fringed gorge below.
Lower path – a short descent to the base of the falls for a completely different and equally impressive winter perspective.
Full circular route – approximately 3km in total. This takes around one hour at a relaxed pace with minimal elevation gain.

The Plodda Falls walk is also accessible for most fitness levels. However, winter paths can be slippery after frost or rain. Waterproof walking boots with a good grip are therefore essential. The falls also work naturally with a Glen Affric visit for a full day of winter highland adventure from Inverness.

Not sure where to start? Check what’s open in Inverness in winter to plan your stay around your outdoor adventures.

Winter walking and hiking around Inverness

Highland outdoor adventures don’t always require a long drive. Why? Because the area around Inverness offers a varied network of winter walks. As a result, you can enjoy riverside strolls and hillside climbs with panoramic Highland views. Several routes also start within walking distance of the Kingsmills Hotel, making it easy to head out from the hotel on a crisp winter morning.

Easy winter city walks

River Ness pathways – flat, well-maintained paths running from the city centre to the Ness Islands. Expect around 3km return.
Ness Islands – a series of small wooded islands connected by Victorian suspension bridges. The islands are atmospheric and quiet on a winter afternoon.
Inverness Botanic Gardens – warm glasshouses and surprising winter colour. This makes them ideal for a shorter outdoor visit when the weather turns.

Scenic winter countryside trails

Craig Phadrig – a short but rewarding 3km woodland climb to an Iron Age hillfort. Expect sweeping winter views over the Beauly Firth and taking around 1.5 hours return.
Great Glen Way sections – a long-distance route with wide, well-marked paths and dramatic loch and mountain scenery.
South Loch Ness Trail – 38km of varied terrain and some of the most striking winter Highland scenery accessible from Inverness.
River Ness and Caledonian Canal – flat, peaceful walking along the canal towpath. All of which makes it perfect for a longer winter outing in beautiful low light.

For more inspiration on getting outside during the colder months, explore our dedicated guide to winter walks near Inverness. And after a morning on the trails, a cosy return to the Kingsmills Hotel makes the whole experience even more rewarding.

A stag standing in the foreground with the snowy hills of Inverness behind him on a bright, crisp winters day

Winter around Inverness is magical and impossibly scenic.

Winter cycling and cycle routes in Inverness

Cycling in Inverness in winter is a special experience. The roads are quiet, the air is clear, and the scenery is at its most dramatic. The relatively flat terrain also makes Inverness one of the most accessible winter cycling destinations in the Highlands. As such, routes suit everyone from casual riders to committed cyclists.

Top winter cycle routes near Inverness

Caledonian Canal towpath – a smooth, flat, traffic-free route running 97km from Inverness to Fort William. Expect beautiful winter reflections suitable for all abilities, including families.
Loch Ness circular sections – rolling terrain with moderate climbs and consistently dramatic winter loch views, best suited to confident cyclists
Great Glen Way by bike – a varied, challenging route covering the full length of the Great Glen, ideal for a multi-day winter highland cycling adventure.

The Kingsmills Hotel team can also assist with local cycle hire recommendations and winter route planning. And after a day in the saddle in the Highland cold, our leisure facilities and warm dining spaces aid recovery.

Winter mountain biking at Learnie Red Rocks

Learnie Red Rocks is one of the finest mountain biking venues in the Highlands. What’s more, it sits just under 30 minutes from Inverness across the Kessock Bridge. The site also occupies an elevated woodland setting. As a result, it feels genuinely remote despite the easy access from the city. And in winter, the trails take on a completely different character to the summer months.

Trail options at Learnie Red Rocks

Green and blue trails – beginner-friendly flow routes through atmospheric winter woodland. Expect smooth lines and manageable features throughout.
Red trails – intermediate options with more technical features, faster lines, and a greater variety of terrain that rewards confident winter riding.
Black trails – demanding runs for experienced riders seeking technical challenge and faster, more exposed winter sections.

The trails firm up beautifully in cold, dry winter conditions. This makes Learnie a genuine year-round destination for Highland mountain bikers. However, always check trail conditions before heading out, as wet weather can affect surface quality. And after a cycling session, return to the Kingsmills Hotel to relax in the spa, soak in the jacuzzi, or use the gym.

Rothiemurchus: winter outdoor adventures for all

Rothiemurchus Estate covers around 6,000 hectares of ancient Caledonian pine forest, lochs, and open moorland. And in winter, the forest is at its most beautiful. It also offers a highland outdoor adventure suited to families and couples. In fact, it suits anyone wanting to experience the Highland winter landscape at a slower, more immersive pace.

Rothiemurchus winter outdoor highlights

Reindeer experience – meet and feed the free-ranging Cairngorm reindeer herd in their natural Highland winter habitat, a highlight for children and adults alike.
Winter forest walks – well-marked trails through ancient pines dusted with snow. These range from short accessible loops to longer forest routes of several kilometres
Family-friendly winter activities – wildlife watching, gentle cycling routes, and seasonal outdoor experiences depending on conditions.
The Barn Café – homemade food and a genuinely cosy Highland atmosphere. The perfect warm refuge between winter outdoor activities.

Rothiemurchus pairs naturally with a Cairngorms snow sports day for a complete winter highland adventure itinerary. Why? Because the slopes in the morning and the calm of the ancient winter forest in the afternoon are hard to beat. The Kingsmills Hotel is also the ideal cosy base for both, with comfortable rooms and warm hospitality.

Ski and snowboard on real snow in the Cairngorms.

Family winter outdoor adventures near Inverness

Winter in the Highlands is a magical season for families. And the Kingsmills Hotel’s spacious family rooms make it a brilliant base for outdoor adventures. The Highland winter also creates the kind of memorable moments that children talk about for years. So, let’s explore some of the best things to do with the kids.

Top family winter outdoor experiences

Plodda Falls walk – a manageable 3km circular winter route with a dramatic ice-fringed waterfall payoff. As such, it’s short enough for younger legs without being boring.
Glen Affric Dog Falls circular – an easy 3km woodland trail combining river. Expect frost-covered forest, and open Highland winter scenery with minimal elevation.
Ness Islands walk – flat, atmospheric, and accessible for all ages in winter, starting just minutes from the Kingsmills Hotel.
Inverness Ice Centre – ice skating and curling sessions for beginners and more experienced skaters, open throughout the winter months.
Jacobite boat cruises – peaceful winter cruises on Loch Ness offering a completely different and atmospheric perspective on the Highland landscape.
Nairn Beach – wide, sandy, and wonderfully bracing in winter. It’s also only 30 minutes from Inverness and ideal for a seaside walk with younger children in the clear winter air.

The Kingsmills Hotel team can also help families plan the perfect mix of winter outdoor adventure and downtime. So, check out our guide to what’s open in Inverness in winter .

Book your winter highland adventure at the Kingsmills Hotel

The Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness is a dream base for winter Highland outdoor adventures. And after a day of exploring, our spa, leisure facilities, and dining help you relax and prepare for tomorrow.