Things To Do In Nairn

The relaxing seaside town of Nairn is the perfect spot for a break on the Moray Firth. With white beaches, championship golf and plenty to see and do in the area, there is something for everyone in Nairn.

In this blog we have put together some of our top tips for the best adventures in Nairn. Our team here at Golf View Hotel & Spa have contacts for local partners who can curate a day of adventure during your stay.

 

Adventure activities in Nairn

From wild swimming to paddle boarding, with a seaside location on the Moray Firth, Golf View Hotel & Spa is the perfect location for adrenaline seekers looking to get out on the water, or even across the rugged countryside.

Wild Swimming near Nairn: With three beaches in Nairn, there are many opportunities to enjoy a refreshing dip in the sea. From Golf View Hotel & Spa you can easily take a walk down the steps from the Hotel to the beach. Wild Swimming is popular in Nairn so you will bump into fellow swimmers on the way. There are also options inland at the River Findhorn, currents can be fast flowing but there are pools which are perfect for a dip. We recommend checking tides and following safety guidelines at all times. 

Paddle Boarding: If you have your own board, a quick walk down the steps from the hotel and you will find yourself at the beach, perfect to launch your board from. Alternatively, we can connect you with groups who can teach you paddle boarding in controlled areas or who can rent out equipment to experienced borders. 

Get in touch with Paddle Board Bliss via their Facebook page for private paddle board lessons. 

 

Kayaking: Experienced or beginner, there are many options to get out in a kayak or canoe in and around Nairn. Qualified instructors can take you out on a guided tour either in Nairn on the exhilarating waters of the River Findhorn or around Loch Ness. Guided activities can take from 4 hours to a full day for bespoke trips which incorporate sea kayaks and paddle boarding for families and groups.

Book one of the guided tours offered by local experts at In Your Element or Kayak Loch Ness.

 

White Water Rafting on River Findhorn: Take on the wild rapids of the River Findhorn for an action-packed day, suitable for beginners and seasoned rafters. River Findhorn is the only rafting trip in the UK above grade 3 that runs all year so you can enjoy the exhilarating activity throughout the year with spring and autumn as the peak months.

Find out more about the River Findhorn Rafting and Cliff Jumping Adventure and book your sea adventure.

 

Golf Courses around Nairn: The town of Nairn is home to two championship golf courses, with many more a short drive away. Nairn Golf Club which neighbours Golf View Hotel & Spa was founded in 1887, designed by Archie Simpson and later extended by Old Tom Morris. With seaside views at every hole this is a fantastic course to play with tricky greens and cunningly short holes. Alternatively, Nairn Dunbar Golf Club, established in 1899 offers a variety of challenges across the 6,800 yard course. Read more about golfing in the area here.

 

Boat Trips from Nairn Harbour: Get up close to the wildlife of the Moray Firth with boat trips leaving from Nairn Harbour. The coast is famous for several pods of playful bottle-nosed dolphins. You can spot these from the beach although a boat trip will also give you the opportunity to see the occasional minke whale or basking shark.

 

Phoenix Sea Adventures: Experience the magnificent views of the north coast’s “Fishertown” and its gorgeous surrounding beaches from a 10.5 metre water jet powered cabin rib. Departing from Nairn harbour, you can choose between a two-hour long Wildlife Adventure, where you will get the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with the wild-life in the area, including seals, porpoises and dolphins, or hire your own private charter.

Find out more on the Phoenix Sea Adventure website.

 

Archery: Learn how to shoot like Bowhunter from qualified ArcheryGB instructors and hunt down Dinosaurs, Dragons, and Zombies hidden in the woods, or discover the magnificent Mystic Highland Glen where you maybe even catch a glimpse of the legendary Haggis. An amazingly unique activity for families visiting Nairn.

Find out more on the Bowhunter Archery website and book your woodland adventure.

 

Walks In and Around Nairn and the Moray Coast

The seaside location of Nairn combined with nearby countryside and thick green forests provides you with a wide array of walks during your stay at Golf View Hotel & Spa. Whether it is a quick walk with the dog or an adventure for the day, there are many walks within Nairn and further afield in Inverness to recommend.

 

Whiteness Point, 16.5km: This walk extends much as the white sandy beaches west of Nairn, along the Moray Firth. The views are outstanding on a clear day and you might be lucky enough to spot a seal colony. Begin at Golf View Hotel & Spa, walking toward The Nairn Golf Club. There is a grassy path adjacent to the beach and at low tide, you can walk along the sand. As you walk, admire the views of the Black Isle and beyond. This relatively easy walk should take 3 to 4 hours to complete.

 

Nairn to Cawdor, 9km or 20km: This riverside walk leads from Nairn to Cawdor, a conservation village southwest of Nairn which features the impressive Cawdor Castle and gardens. This is a linear walk on easy terrain which will find you meandering through woodland and countryside. At the end of the walk we suggest exploring the idyllic town of Cawdor with local shops and cafes after which there is a regular bus service linking you back to Nairn. Alternatively, you can walk on to explore Cawdor Castle and its impressive gardens and then walk back to Nairn. Allow 2 hours for this walk if one way or 5 if continuing on to the castle and walking back.

If you’re only in Nairn for a short visit, there are regular bus services from Nairn to the centre of Cawdor. Plan your journey on the Stagecoach website.

Kingsteps and Culbin Forest, 10km: This walk will give you the best of both worlds with sections taking in the sandy beaches and others through the Culbin forest east of Nairn. The walk begins at the East Beach in Nairn which is a short walk from Golf View Hotel & Spa. We recommend allowing 3 hours for this walk.

 

Culbin Forest, 6km: A great short walk, ideal for those walking to have a quick walk and children. This walk introduces you to the Culbin Forest. Hill 99 Trail is the only waymarked trail so is easy to follow. Wind through the sandy pinewoods, coming up at the viewpoint tower for fantastic views across the Moray Firth. Allow 2 hours to complete this walk however, there are lots of points of interest along the way including the Dragonfly Pond, Hidden History points and Otter Pool where you might be lucky enough to spot some otters having a drink.

For walks a little further afield, read out Walks In & Around Inverness blog.