Golspie is a gateway to outdoor activities.
Highland Wildcat Trails
The most northern of Scotland’s mountain bike tracks, The Highland Wildcat Trails are described as the longest singletrack descent in the UK. The trail which climbs up the side of Ben Bhraggie before plunging back down to Golspie again, was designed and built by Pete Laing, the man who built the first trails at Glentress. The trails are waymarked with the difficulty grade clearly visible (a trail map can be viewed on their website).The ascent starts from Rhives car park behind the village, although novice riders may find it easier to start from the Big Burn car park.
Golf
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.
Kart Track
The village is also home to the North of Scotland Kart Club, which is based to the South of Golspie near Littleferry. Meetings are listed on the club website as well as information and dates for ‘Hire Kart’ experiences. (click on image)
East Sutherland Canoe Club
Based at the Seafront Centre in Golspie the East Sutherland Canoe Club hosts regular paddle sessions where you can mix with like minded people, learn new skills or participate in trips on the sea, lochs and rivers. You need to be a member to participate and borrow equipment. Membership is open to residents and regular visitors. More information.
Golspie Rowing Club
Golspie Rowing Club, founded in 2014 by Campbell Port, is a successful coastal rowing club based at the Seafront Centre, and is a vibrant part of the Golspie community. It has achieved significant success in coastal rowing competitions, including world championship level at the Skiffie World Championships in Stranraer, Scotland in July 2025.
The club organises fundraising events like curry nights and quizzes, with proceeds benefiting both the club and local charities such as CRY Cardiac Risk in the Young – Hamish Ross Fund. They also host the annual Golspie Regatta and the Golspie 3 Peaks Challenge,
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. Membership for the Club and permits are available at Lindsay & Co hardware store on the Main Street.
Image from Golspie Angling Club Instagram
Paddleboarding
The Sutherland Adventure Company is based in Brora and offer paddleboard trips along the coast, and lessons/ board hire available in Loch Brora. Buoyancy aids are provided and wetsuits available to hire.
Ben Bhraggie 24
The Ben Bhraggie 24 is an endurance race aiming to complete as many loops as possible in 24 hours. Each loop involves around 1,200 feet of climbing over a 5.2 mile course. The race is organised by Nicola and Ian Harrison. There is more information, a sign-up form, and contact details here on the event Facebook page.
“The Ben Bhraggie 24 is the most fabulous 24 hour loop event! Based just on the edge of the lovely village of Golspie, at the bottom of Ben Bhraggie, the rather lovely hill that overlooks Golspie and the Moray Firth! The route climbs from the start carpark/refuel station directly up through some beautiful native woodland and well maintained forest tracks. Well signposted and marshalled, the climb tops out at the monument and on to the open moorland with grand views. The decent is much gentler and allows for a very pleasant, meandering run back down again into the trees and then a twisty-turny last mile on mountain bike trails to the finish. The race atmosphere was very supportive and caring, but sufficiently low key that any pressure is purely self imposed. You can bang out lap after lap if you’re feeling strong, or chill out a bit, enjoying the views and good craic. All round a fabulous event and of course all your entry fee goes to some great local community charities!” – Nick Ogden, runner
Golspie Backyard Ultra
The Golpsie Backyard Ultra is a ‘last man standing’ event set in the grounds of Dunrobin Castle. Each runner attempts to complete a 4.167 mile loop every hour, starting on the hour- the last person to drop out is the winner. The event is organised by Nicola and Ian Harrison- there is more infromation and contact details at Golspie Backyard Ultra | Big’s Backyard Ultra and on the event Facebook page.
“I’d heard from past participants of Backyards what a wonderful event the one in Golspie was. I wasn’t disappointed! Fabulous location, dedicated volunteers, impeccable admin and committed runners. I wasn’t able to run so helped out here and there. Would I travel from France to do it again….you bet! It was a fantastic event and highlighted the profile of Backyards, the community of Golspie and the charities they supported.”- Lynne Tiltman, volunteer
Golspie 3 Peaks Challenge
Golspie 3 Peaks Challenge is a hike/run, or bike & hike event across Ben Horn, Ben Bhraggie, and Silver Rock surrounding Golspie village. The event takes place in May. Check their Facebook page for the latest details.