Community Link

It’s been unusually mild recently, which has made it a lot easier to keep on getting out and about. Now as we head into the winter and ever shorter daylight hours it can get a little harder to be active. We try to be as creative as possible with the link ups we discuss with participants. 

Fortunately the Highlands is packed full of “stuff” to do in all seasons and here’s just a few examples of what is currently running both outdoors and in.

Nordic WALKING is super year round but it can really come into its own right now with the extra balance and lower impact afforded from the poles. Up in the Evanton & Alness region Walx Easter Ross offers a range of group walks from gentle meanders to more taxing “Crunch your core” classes. 

Obviously skiers, boarders and even sledgers will be crossing their fingers for a good dump of SNOW this year, especially as the Cairngorm Mountain funicular is set to re-open early in the new year.

With warm & waterproof gear, CYCLING can still be great fun deep into the winter. Perhaps it might be a good time to try out an E-Bike. Rural Connections up in Caithness offer useful and informative trials and free loans on a huge range of electric cycles. 🚲

Even if you aren’t able to get out, for whatever reason, it’s such a beautiful time of the year to observe the changing season – from the glistening frosts to vivid rainbows.🌈

Moving indoors

If Tuesday evenings are currently a bit lacklustre then maybe some entertaining TABLE TENNIS at Inverness Leisure with ITSC club – all are welcome from absolute beginners to experienced.🏓

Over on Skye at the end of this month local residents can try out the more unusual Harness & Cocoon dance for free. (Think big silky sheets suspended from the roof!)

A more traditional 5 week DANCING course of uplifting, feel good Ceilidh dancing classes has just started in Ullapool.

Online options can also provide excellent opportunities throughout the winter months especially, if people are finding it more difficult to get out and do their regular pursuits.

From 5 minutes a day relaxing Tai Chi to heart raising seated Zumba and some very helpful, interactive Zoom workshops covering “Managing Pain” and “Exploring Self-management of Fibromyalgia” from Scotland Versus Arthritis.