When we think of sports in the Highlands, we can’t help but think of the Highland Games. In their modern form, these games tend to focus on the “heavy events” - feats of strength which include the caber toss, the weight throw and the stone put. Whether or not these are truly historic pursuits in this northern region of Scotland is a matter of debate, but there’s another sport which has without a doubt been tied to the story of the the region for centuries. Unlike throwing rocks and tree trunks, the focus is on precision and focus, and it was used for getting a meal when hunting, winning the day on the battlefield, and gaining status in the ancient clan system. We’re talking, of course, about archery.

The Highlands is the location of some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK. As its name suggests, this region contains the highest mountains in the British Isles, principally around Ben Nevis and in the Cairngorms. But it’s also home to the largest, and most famous, lake in the country, Loch Ness, which itself sits in the longest valley in the UK, the Great Glen. Aside from these, you’ll find rivers, sea lochs, islands and manmade landmarks like castles and forts throughout the huge area. When it comes to practising an outdoor activity like archery, surely there’s no better place than here.

Where are the best places to do archery in the Highlands?

• Inverness: A charming city in itself, Inverness is also one of the best points of entry to the wilds of the Highlands. And this is one of the simple yet sensational activities that you can enjoy in the area. Take your pick from a woodland range outside Nairn or in Feyglass Wood to the south of the city, a bow and arrows adventure in the sparsely populated region around the Muir of Ord, or a session on the peninsula in the Cromarthty Firth known as Black Isle. As well as traditional target shooting, you can find the combat sport of Archery Tag, also known as Battle Archery, here, which involves shooting your opponents into submission with safety arrows.

• The Cairngorms: Would you have imagined that it’s possible to try your hand at this activity in one of the UK’s most dramatic national parks? The Cairngorms covers a mountainous area, with some of the highest peaks in the country, that retains the wild beauty that so many other places have lost. This spectacular backdrop is sure to help you find your aim!

• Fort William: The other great starting point for expeditions is Fort William, set on the shores of Loch Linnhe and in the shadow of Ben Nevis. Exciting places where you can enjoy this sport around here include Glencoe, site of the showdown at the end the James Bond film Skyfall, Spean Bridge and Fort Augustus in the Great Glen, and Arisaig on the weatherbeaten Atlantic coast. And it’s not just bows and arrows that you can get your hands on here - you can also let off some steam by punishing some targets with axes, knives, and even spears!

• Isle of Skye: Although it’s connected to the mainland by a bridge, the Isle of Skye feels very remote and cut off from the modern world. This makes it the perfect location to forget about your responsibilities for a while, and focus on a sport that’s as old as human civilization itself. There are two sites where you can do this activity on the island - near Portree, the largest town, and on the rigged Trotternish Peninsula on the north of the island. And if you want to make a day of it, you can combine this sport with a host of other outdoor activities here, including canoeing, climbing, or bushcraft survival skills.

• Firth of Dornoch: This is a less well known part of the region, but it just goes to show that in the huge, breathtaking area of this county, even a place which is designated as a National Scenic Area can go somewhat unnoticed. We’re keen to put that right, by suggesting it as a fantastic place to enjoy this activity on a perfectly situated range - where you might even count red deer and stags among the spectators.

Requirements to do this activity

This sport is a fantastic way to spice up a holiday in the Highlands, giving the kids a chance to try something really hands-on instead of just going on long walks. As soon as they turn 6, you can have them looking down the shaft of an arrow and taking their first shots at the target if you go to the right places. There are other ranges that only have equipment that’s suitable for children from the age of 8 and up, and when it comes to less conventional projectiles like axes and spears, they might need to be in their teens to take part.

Archery Tag, is like a combination of paintball, dodgeball and archery. You have to use bows to shoot special safety arrows at the enemy team, while avoiding getting hit yourself. It’s best to organise this activity as a group, with groups of up to 24 people welcome here. The standard sport is also great to enjoy with your friends or family - or the gang from work, why not? - with groups of 8 being catered to easily, and larger groups accommodated on request.

How long does an experience last?

- Typically, a session in the Highlands has a duration of 1 or 2 hours. That’s the perfect length for getting to grips with the bows and arrows and learning how to shoot - whilst leaving time at the end for competitions and games. You’ll probably find that your bow arm is pretty tired at the end of the session, especially if it’s your first time. If you already know what you’re doing, you might want to look for a longer 3 hour activity, which can be found in several locations.

- If you’re coming to play the battle mode, you’ll be offered a session of 90 minutes or 2 hours. These sessions include various games, with variations on the rules, objectives and teams, each of which lasting 10 to 15 minutes. Will you be the last archer standing?

What should you bring the day of the activity?

Shooting arrows correctly takes the bowstring close to your arm, so it’s recommended that you wear long sleeves to your session. Given that you’ll be standing for the majority of it, you’ll also want a pair of supportive shoes. And do we have to remind you that this county can enjoy every kind of weather in a single day? Take something warm, something waterproof, and some sunscreen!

Be the best archer that you can here - the team is waiting to make it happen!