Everyone knows the Scottish Highlands for their mountains — but the rivers running through them are some of the most exciting in the UK. Our friends at Active Highs are ready to show you exactly what they can do.
Active Highs is part of the In Your Element family of outdoor adventure companies, operating near Fort William and Fort Augustus in the heart of the Great Glen. From April to October each year, they run an outstanding range of water-based experiences — from gentle scenic floats to full-on white water thrills — and they’re open to pretty much everyone, whether you’re a family on holiday, a group of friends, or a stag or hen party looking for something to remember.
White water rafting — Scotland’s finest ride
Active Highs’ white water rafting trips run on the River Garry, where guaranteed weekly dam releases mean the rapids are always in excellent condition — regardless of recent rainfall. Grade 3–4 white water, professional guides, all kit included, and absolutely no experience required. If you do one activity in the Fort William area, make it this one.
White water funyaking — grab a paddle
Somewhere between a kayak and an inflatable raft, a funyak puts you in control — low to the water, paddle in hand, feeling every rapid as it comes. It’s accessible enough for beginners but exciting enough for experienced paddlers, and it’s brilliant for groups who want to make a race of it down the river.
River tubing — go with the flow
Sit back in an oversized inflatable ring and let the river carry you along — spinning, bumping and drifting downstream with a big grin on your face. River tubing is one of those rare activities that works for absolutely everyone, regardless of age or fitness. Simple, silly fun, and all the better for it.
Canyoning — wild, wet and wonderful
For groups who want to push things further, canyoning is the answer. You’ll work your way through dramatic Highland gorges — scrambling over rocks, sliding down natural chutes, jumping into deep pools and abseiling past waterfalls. It’s physical, it’s exhilarating, and it’s the kind of day out that people talk about for years. Come prepared to get soaked.
River rafting safari — the scenic route
Not everything has to be an adrenaline rush. The river rafting safari is a guided journey along the river at a gentler pace, with the focus on the landscape, the wildlife and the stories of the Great Glen rather than the speed of the water. It’s a genuinely special way to see the Highlands, and a perfect option for mixed groups where not everyone wants white water.
Good to know
- Scheduled activities run from around April to October. Private group bookings may be available at other times of the year
- Suitable for families, couples, independent travellers and groups of all kinds
- All equipment and qualified guides included
- No prior experience needed for most activities
- Based near Fort William and Fort Augustus, Great Glen
One family, many adventures
Active Highs sits alongside In Your Element as part of the same group of Highland adventure companies — which means that if you’re exploring more of Scotland on your trip, there’s plenty more to discover. Gorge walking, canoeing on Loch Ness, TreeZone treetop adventures, archery, axe throwing, Highland Games and bike hire are all available at locations across Inverness, Aviemore, Loch Tay and Loch Lomond. Whatever kind of adventure you’re after, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to book?
Head to activehighs.co.uk to browse all the experiences and book online. The Active Highs team are friendly, highly qualified, and passionate about getting people out onto the water safely — you’re in great hands.
The Highlands are waiting. Don’t spend your whole trip looking at the river from the bank.
Explore Active Highs → activehighs.co.uk
T – 0333 600 6008
