The ultimate guide to Highland Games near Glencoe
The glorious Highland Games! Part athletic spectacle, part cultural carnival, if you’ve ever wanted to cheer for a guy throwing a tree about a field or get involved in a ginormous tug-of-war, this is your event!
The Highland Games are a true celebration of Scottish history and if you’re lucky enough to be staying in the area while the Highland Games are on, we highly recommend that you get involved. The Games offer a glimpse into how medieval clans competed against each other and prepared for battle during the Middle Ages. In fact, the first reference to what we now call the Highland Games was WAY back in 1031!
Nowadays, there are over one hundred games in the Scottish summer calendar (May to September) each year and we’ve rounded up our ten favourites, all within easy (and stunning) reach of RiverBeds & SeaBeds Luxury Lodges. So, without further ado, let’s dive in:
Luss Highland Games – Saturday 4th July 2026
A scenic drive of less than 80-minutes from Woodlands Glencoe, the Luss Highland Games is set along the breathtaking shores of Loch Lomond. Witness caber tossing, tug-o’-war and traditional dancing, all framed by one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes.
Mull Highland Games – Thursday 23rd July 2026
Drive 30 miles to Oban, hop on a ferry to the Isle of Mull and prepare to be enchanted. This magical island offers not only a spectacular games day but also an opportunity to explore its unspoiled beauty as you take the 30-mile drive from the ferry terminal at Craignure up to Tobermory. Enjoy a day of spirited competition and don’t miss the mouth-watering local seafood stalls!
Morvern Games & Gala – Saturday 18th – 25th July 2026
A full week! In less than hour from Glencoe you’ll find the Morvern Games, which combine traditional events with a festive gala atmosphere. From pipe bands to sack races, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s a family-friendly favourite and the drive to Morvern (and a short ferry crossing) is a treat in itself.
Arisaig Highland Games – Wed 29th July 2026
The Arisaig Highland Games offer a wonderfully authentic experience along the shores of a bone-white beach with the Small Isles visible across the water. Just 75-minutes from Woodlands Glencoe, this event is a feast for the eyes and ears! Relax with a dram of whisky and enjoy a beach day steeped in Scottish tradition.
Isle of Skye Highland Games – Wed 5th August 2026
The Isle of Skye Highland Games are a celebration of culture and history on Scotland’s most famous island. Held in Portree, the games include athletic feats, piping competitions and a humungous dose of Highland hospitality. Be sure to save time to explore the island’s fairy-tale landscapes. Take the 90-minute drive to Mallaig before boarding the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry “over the sea to Skye”. Portree is less than an hour’s drive from the ferry port of Armadale.
Glenfinnan Gathering – Saturday 15th August 2026
Set against a backdrop of the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Glenfinnan Gathering is a picture-perfect Highland Games. Whether you’re a fan of Harry Potter, the Jacobites or simply live for an Instagram-worthy view, this event will leave you spellbound and it takes less than an hour to get there from Glencoe.
Glenurquhart Highland Gathering & Games – Saturday 22nd August 2026
Drive 2.5 hours from Woodlands Glencoe and you’ll find yourself skirting the shores of iconic Loch Ness on the way to Glenurquhart Gathering! The games are one of those gloriously old-fashioned days out that reminds you why Highland Games are so loved. Expect pipe bands, colourful Highland dancing and plenty of friendly local rivalry, all wrapped up in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Oban Highland Games – Thursday 27th August 2026
Known as the “Gateway to the Isles,” Oban hosts one of the biggest Highland Games in the region and it’s less than an hour away from our luxury lodges! With its lively atmosphere and stunning coastal setting, Oban is the ideal place to experience the thrill of the Games!
Bute Highland Games – Saturday 22nd August 2026
The furthest of all our Highland Games, it’ll take you almost three hours to drive down to Wemyss Bay and take the ferry crossing over to the Isle of Bute, but it’s worth it for the drive alone! The Bute Highland Games offer everything from hammer throwing to Highland dancing and the ferry ride to Bute adds a sense of adventure to this delightful day out.
Create your own Highland Games at Woodlands!
Why stop at spectating? Here at Woodlands Glencoe, we invite you to unleash your inner Highland warrior with a bespoke games experience in partnership with In Your Element. Toss the caber, hurl the haggis and channel your competitive spirit in the privacy of our stunning Estate. It’s the perfect way to bond with family, friends or colleagues and maybe even settle a friendly rivalry or two!
