First Highland Adventure Festival on its way

A wide range of films and speakers are lined up for the first ever Highland Adventure Festival, being staged in Inverness next month.

Aimed at encouraging people to explore the outdoors and embark on their own adventures, the event will include compelling talks, film, and over 40 exhibitors and activities. It will take place at Inverness Leisure Centre, 10am-4pm on 24th March 2019.

Author Geoff Allan will take festival-goers on a photographic journey through his travels across the Highlands, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for all things bothy. Geoff is author of The Scottish Bothy Bible', an award winning, best-selling guidebook which celebrates Scotland's unique network of mountain huts.

At the Highland Adventure Fest, Geoff will encourage people to explore these hidden gems, learn about their history and discover recommended routes.

Some of the other names revealed who are set to give ‘Adventure Talks’ on the day include Margaret Soraya, an award-winning professional landscape photographer. Quiet places, solo travel, wild swimming, surfing, SUP, mindfulness through nature and a belief in following your dreams are just a few the things she’ll be talking about.

The Glenmore Lodge team will be sharing a series of talks about discovering adventure at home, from sea kayaking on the Moray Firth to scrambling and trail running in the Highlands. 

International Mountain Leader Cory Jones will be teaching the basics of outdoor first aid so that you know ‘what to do if it all goes wrong’.

Tom Hech will introduce a film about the Cape Wrath Ultra, an eight-day expedition race weaving 400km through the Highlands of Scotland.

Exhibitors include Cotswold Clothing, True Grit Events, Millets, Gairloch Canoe and Kayak Centre, Ace Adventures Hideaways, Scottish Cycling North, Gael Force Group, Bowhunter Archery, Kayak Summer Isles, Hamlet Mountaineering, Torridon Outdoors, Loch Ness 360, Craggan Outdoors, Skye Highland Adventures, You Fish Scotland, Walkabout Scotland, Liquid footprints, Highland Defenders, Highland Bikes, Explore Highland, Mac and Wild, Highland Campervans, Ffordes Photographic, Mckenzie Mountaineering, New Wave Surf School, Highland Hospice Adventures, Bark and Ride Sports, Go Outdoors, Aigas Nature Days, Scottish Cycling North, Highlife Highland and Cycling UK.

Cyclists are encouraged to arrive on their wheels and join one of the short group rides happening throughout the day. Scottish Cycling North will be hosting a series of taster sessions with their #GoRide coaches, from social rides to racing, cyclocross, road, MBT or BMX. There will also be yoga taster sessions, swimming, stints on the climbing wall or the opportunity to book activities such as surfing and kayaking.

Katie Masheter, involved in organising the event at Planit Scotland said: “We’re so fortunate to be immersed in such an inspiring Highland setting, surrounded by mountains, lochs and glens that attract people from all over the world. Yet so many of us don’t appreciate just how amazing it is, we take it for granted. Or sometimes it can seem a little daunting. The Highland Adventure Fest is shaping up to be a cracking event and it’s bound to trigger some real interest in the great outdoors, teach people the basic ‘need to knows’ and inspire some new adventures.”

The Highland Adventure Festival is sponsored by Glenmore Lodge and organised by Planit Scotland. Advance tickets are available online for £4 or can be purchased on the door for £5.