There are a multitude of sports and outdoor recreation activities in Golspie, particularly for a small picturesque village in the Highlands.
Bowling, Tennis and Golf
Golspie Bowling Club
Golspie Bowling Club was founded in 1921 and is located within District 1 of Bowls Scotland. It is located on Golspie Main Street adjacent to the Tennis Courts and the swimming pool. The club has a new pavilion which was opened in July 2000, with modern facilities available for members and visitors. More information.
Golspie Golf Club
Golspie Golf Course has a challenging 18-hole layout which was rated 54th in Golf World’s Top 100 courses in Scotland (2015). The club house serves a range of hot meals throughout the day. Golspie is often referred to as a centre of golf. More information.
Golspie Tennis Club
The Golspie tennis courts are now available for bookings through Highlife Highland. These bookings can be made at Sutherland Swimming Pool Complex or by giving Reception a call on (01408) 633437.
Cycling and Mountain Biking
Cycling
There are great biking opportunities in the area, Sam’s Bike Shed is a locally based bicycle repair business and bicycle hire is available with delivery and collection included. All bikes are recycled at low cost to the customers and saves hundreds of bikes going to landfill. Contact Sam directly for more information on 07887673688.
Mountain Biking
The most northern of Scotland’s mountain bike tracks, The Highland Wildcat Trails are described as the longest singletrack descent in the UK. They have been designed with everyone in mind. To reach the summit of “The Ben”, there is a double track all the way from the blue trail. The trail which climbs up the side of Ben Bhraggie, plunges back down to Golspie again. It was designed and built by Pete Laing, the man who built the first trails at Glentress. The trails are sign posted to ensure you are aware of the grade of trail chosen. Some of the more difficult features may have an easier escape route for inexperienced riders. More information.
Walking & Hiking
Walking
There are numerous walking/hiking opportunities around Golspie and surrounding areas, with trails connecting Golspie to Brora as our neighbouring village. Golspie boasts areas of outstanding beauty and has a multitude of forest and hill walks. More information.
The John o’ Groats Trail
The John o’ Groats Trail is a 147 mile coastal walking route from Inverness to John o’ Groats, traversing shorelines. cliff tops, back lanes and footpaths of the Scottish Highlands. More information.
Water Activities
Golspie Canoe Club & Golspie Rowing Club
Golspie hosts both the East Sutherland Canoe Club and the Golspie Rowing Club, with a club store adjacent to the harbour. The Canoe Club is affiliated to the Scottish Canoe Association.
Swimming
Sutherland swimming pool is based in the town, which is run by High Life Highland and hosts swimming classes, aqua aerobics and lane swimming times. It had a £1.2 million refurbishment by the Highland Council in 2008, and has a 25m pool, sauna/steam room, fitness room and classes. The tennis courts nearby can also be booked via High Life Highland.
Fishing
The Golspie Angling Club is active in the area, visiting Loch Horn & Loch Lunndaidh for fly fishing. Scotland does not have fishing licences for recreational fishing. Those who wish to fish in an area will need to ensure they have the relevant permission to do so. This is often referred to as a fishing permit but can also be in the form of written permission from the owner of the fishing rights. Permits are available at Lindsay & Co hardware store on the Main Street.
Paddleboarding
The Sutherland Adventure Company is based in Brora and offer paddleboard lessons, wet suit and board hire. Their fleet of boards is made up of freshwater Bay Co inflatable paddle boards and can fit into your own carry back pack meaning that they can be easily transported to your chosen paddle destinations.
All-weather Sports Pitch
Golspie has a £250,000 multi-use pitch which has been funded by a £160,000 grant from SSE’s Gordonbush Wind Farm Community Fund and around £90,000 from the Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund, managed by Sport Scotland. The 60m x 40m pitch can cater for five-a-side and seven-a-side matches and is free to use by local schools. It can be booked via Highlife Highland at the Golspie Swimming Pool on 01408 633437.
Karting
The village is also home to the North of Scotland Kart Club, which is based to the South of Golspie beside a small campsite. Meetings take place on the last Sunday of every month from March to October. More information.