Get Active

In Scotland, there are a surprising number of activities on offer all year round to inspire you to get active - from gorge walking to archery and windsurfing to off-road driving and much more in between.

 

Experience the unknown by trying one of the more unusual activities, such as canyoning, sphereing or river bugging. Or enjoy more traditional activities such as golf on world-class courses or a spot of fishing on a famous salmon river. Take a walk by the woods and gaze across the gorgeous countryside - look out for wildlife and spot surprisingly unusual species - or get on your bike and explore Scotland's cycle paths or challenge yourself on some of the country's mountain bike trails.

 

Embrace your active side in Scotland and see how many activities you can fit in on your break to Scotland.

 

• Adventure

  

  Head down a rapid stream in an inflatable chair or paddle by peaceful but intriguing islands in a kayak, as you make the most of Scotland's great outdoors.

• Fishing

  

  Enjoy a fishing trip on a visit to Scotland this spring and try out the mighty salmon rivers or a spot of city fishing.

• Mountain biking and cycling

  

  From extreme mountain biking to family-family cycling, Scotland has it all. So surprise yourself - see Scotland on two wheels.

• Walking

  

  Get outside and talk a leisurely walk or active ramble and you'll be surprised at what you can uncover on a simple stroll.

• Carnoustie

  Angus & Dundee

  Five-times Open champion James Braid revamped this into a remarkable links course in 1926.

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• Scottish Borders

  Scottish Borders

  The rolling countryside of the Scottish Borders, a mix of the rugged and the picturesque, is the perfect setting for the Tour of Britain 2011.

  Read more 55.548275 -2.838946

• Edinburgh

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  Stunning Holyrood Park may be situated slap bang in Edinburgh, but it is a wild place boasting a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the Scottish capital.

  Read more 55.950176 -3.187536

• CairnGorm Railway

  The Highlands

  Take a ride the CairnGorm mountain railway to eat at the UK’s highest restaurant and soak up some of finest scenery Scotland has to offer.

  Read more 57.133285 -3.670162

• Balloch

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  The gateway to the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is a fantastic place to begin your exploration. Boat trips, watersports and other exciting activities are widely available.

  Read more 56.004908 -4.584217

• Scotstoun Stadium

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  Scotstoun will host the National Open which represents a new format in the scottishathletics indoor calendar.

  Read more 55.880543 -4.341817

• Strathclyde Country Park

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  You can either select the unique 2 km swim or opt for the shorter half mile instead.

  Read more 55.799038 -4.043334

• Low Green Seafront

  Ayrshire & Arran

  Make sure you head to Ayr for Kiteival, the British Kite Surfing Championships, which will feature competitions taking place over three days this September.

  Read more 55.46941 -4.631451

• Royal Highland Centre

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  Head down to the Royal Highland Centre this weekend and see one of Scotland’s largest events first hand.

  Read more 55.942926 -3.369565

• Glasgow Green

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  Glasgow Green is the starting point for this cycle ride between Glasgow and the capital city, Edinburgh.

  Read more 55.853548 -4.23926

• Linlithgow Palace

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  Linlithgow Palace, once a luxurious, important royal residence and birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, is now a magnificent ruin.

  Read more 55.978368 -3.59423

• Riverside Museum

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  Visit the new home of Glasgow's Transport Museum and enjoy a collection of national and international importance.

  Read more 55.86042943329119 -4.293465614318848

• Nairn

  The Highlands

  The race starts in Nairn, a town renowned for its 2 championship golf courses, the Nairn Golf Club and Nairn Dunbar Golf Club.

  Read more 57.583697 -3.875126

• Isles of Glencoe Hotel

  The Highlands

  The race end at the isles of Glencoe Hotel where tht tidal Sea Lochs Linnhe and Leven discharge into the sea creating a dramatic scene.

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• Dumfries

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Cyclists will cross the finish line for The Tour of Britain in Dumfries, the largest of Dumfries & Galloway's towns.

  Read more 55.069 -3.60778

• little sparta

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  This garden contain an astonishing 270 works of Art by Artist Ian Hamilton Finlay.

  Read more 55.716733 -3.514911

• National Gallery of Modern Art

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  Modern art lovers should visit the National Gallery of Modern Art, a short and pleasant walk from the city centre.

  Read more 55.951040 -3.225276

• Suenos Stone

  The Highlands

  The 20 foot Pictish intricately carved stone is thought to be the most remarkable sculptured monument in Britain and dates from the end of the first millennium AD.

  Read more 57.61575000000 -3.59773333333

• Calgary Arts Centre

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  Read more 56.583070 -6.270689

• Glencoe

  The Highlands

  Steeped in history, Glencoe is one of Scotland's most iconic glens.

  Read more 56.664433 -5.056737

• Inverie

  The Highlands

  The tiny village of Inverie is home to Britain's remotest pub, the Old Forge.

  Read more 57.036675 -5.681573

• Fairy Glen

  The Highlands

  The Fairy Glen, also called Glen Uig is situated on the Trotternish peninsula in the north of Skye.

  Read more 57.583333 -6.333333

• Fort William

  The Highlands

  Fort William is the starting point for the Great Glen Way, which stretches 79 miles north to Inverness.

  Read more 56.819817 -5.105218

• Portpatrick

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Portpatrick in Galloway is the starting point for the Southern Upland Way.

  Read more 54.840196 -5.139306

• Buckie

  The Highlands

  The coastal town of Buckie in Moray is the starting point of the Speyside Way, which follows the Spey river to Aviemore.

  Read more 57.677392 -2.967311

• Milngavie

  The Highlands

  Milngavie is the starting point of the West Highland Way which takes in some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland.

  Read more 55.943304 -4.316987

• Falls of Clyde Nature Reserve

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  GO for a wak at the Falls of Clyde and keep your eyes peeled for peregrine falcons.

  Read more 55.661804 -3.780584

• Loch Lomond and Trossachs

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  Learn more about this beautiful area at the local visitor centre.

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• Cairngorms National Park

  The Highlands

  The Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in Britain.

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• St Andrews

  The Kingdom of Fife

  known as the home of golf, St Andrews is home to one of the oldest courses, the Old Course.

  Read more 56.339316 -2.796500

• South Loch Ness Trail

  The Highlands

  Mountain biking around the newly opened routes around Loch Ness.

  Read more 57.360979 -4.356766

• Great Glen Cycle Route

  Aberdeen City & Shire

  the Great Glen Way offers an epic biking trip taking you through some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland.

  Read more 57.482295 -4.246044

• Abriachan Forest

  The Highlands

  Abriachan Community owned Forest is a family friendly area offering some excellent mountainbiking.

  Read more 57.384635 -4.403417

• Bike Trax

  The Highlands

  Highland Safaris is a real cycling hub with a new purpose-built mountain biking loop and a range of expertly led biking trails to suit all ages and abilities.

  Read more 56.598240 -4.051700

• Whiteash Center

  The Highlands

  Whiteash Mountain biking Centre, part of the Moray Monter Trail.

  Read more 57.606429 -3.045101

• Ben Aigan

  The Highlands

  The Ben Aigan trail are part of the Moray Monster trail.

  Read more 57.518611 -3.153694

• Ordiequishing

  The Highlands

  For moderate mountain biking routes or a family day out, head to Ordiequishing near Fochabers.

  Read more 57.580672 -3.090832

• salmon run

  Angus & Dundee

  The Salmon Run route is from Dundee to Pitlochry. Distance: 54 miles. The Salmon Run starts from the junction with National Route 1 at the Tay Road Bridge in Dundee.

  Read more 56.458934 -2.965000

• Lochs and Glens North

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  Lochs and Glens North is from Glasgow to Inverness. National Route 7. This is a beautiful route passing through two National Parks.

  Read more 55.862549 -4.296598

• Coast and Castles

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  Coast and Castles takes you from Newcastle to Edinburgh via Berwick and Melrose . Distance: 200 miles of which 39 are traffic-free . The route passes a plethora of historic sites

  Read more 55.952432 -3.205025

• Glentress

  Scottish Borders

  Glentress is probably the best biking centre in Britain, winning several awards. It has brilliant trails of all grades, a top-notch café, a bike shop with bike hire, changing and showering facilities, and a great atmosphere

  Read more 55.645573 -3.139404

• Kirroughtree

  Scottish Borders

  Witness this beautiful season in all its glory at the world-renowned 7stanes mountain biking centres.

  Read more 54.91743 -3.81715

• Dalbeattie

  Scottish Borders

  One of the world-renowned 7stanes mountain biking centres

  Read more 54.91743 -3.81715

• Glentrool

  Scottish Borders

  Witness this beautiful season in all its glory at the world-renowned 7stanes mountain biking centres.

  Read more 55.098522 -4.506856

• Newcastleton

  Scottish Borders

  Close to the Scotland-England border, Newcastleton has trails for all levels. There is plenty of fun to be had here on routes shorter than at most of the other 7stanes

  Read more 55.18082804426769 -2.813873291015625

• Ae

  Scottish Borders

  Ae's green- and blue-graded trails are ideal for entry level riders and families, while its red-graded and downhill routes are for the more experienced rider.

  Read more 55.18875 -3.59618

• Mabie

  Perthshire

  Mabie forest, the original mountain biking venue in the South West of Scotland, lies just a few miles south of Dumfries and caters for beginners right through to the most expert of riders.

  Read more 55.01972 -3.64273

• Aviemore

  Aberdeen City & Shire

  The Highland resort of Aviemore is the ideal base for activities in the Cairngorms National Parkm, such as cycling and mountain biking.

  Read more 57.19437 -3.828825

• Nevis Range

  The Highlands

  With over 15,000 spectators across 5 - 6 June the Mountain Bike World Cup is spectacle of blood, sweat and gears. Take the mountain gondola up and view the downhill course.

  Read more 56.850236 -4.999638

• Loch Lomond NCR 7

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  NCR 7 is part of the national cycle route and runs along the shore of Loch Lomond in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

  Read more 56.047435 -4.43535

• Falkirk Wheel

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  Marvel at the world's first rotating boat lift the Falkirk Wheel

  Read more 55.934711 -3.746329

• East Neuk

  The Kingdom of Fife

  Great for all the family, hit East Neuk in Anstruther and cycle through Fife’s beautiful forest and along scenic coastline.

  Read more 56.223409 -2.702704

• Gimersta

  Outer Hebrides

  The famous Grimersta system of lochs, rivers and streams is widely regarded as one of the most prolific summer salmon systems in Europe.

  Read more 58.173218 -6.733859

• Loch Ardnahoe

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  The beautiful Loch Ardnahoe offer excellent fishing and can be found at the north end of the island on the Bunnahabhain road.

  Read more 55.851311 -6.115651

• Loch Gorm

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  Loch Gorm is the largest inland loch on Islay and rhe area around the Loch is mostly flat and differs a lot from other parts of Islay.

  Read more 55.800000 -6.433333

• River Dee

  Aberdeen City & Shire

  The River Dee is famous for its salmon fishing and its multi-sea winter spring salmon, with anglers coming from all over the world to fish it.

  Read more 57.0670568 -2.7163696

• River Tweed

  Scottish Borders

  Spend a day on the River Tweed and as well as fishing you can go for a walk along by the river amongst the stunning surroundings as you watch for wildlife.

  Read more 55.57989722613571 -2.6521682739257812

• River Spey

  The Highlands

  The major attraction of the River Spey is its size and the strength of its stream - in the middle and lower river it falls on average 12 feet per mile - the greatest of any British river.

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• River Tay

  Angus & Dundee

  The River Tay is internationally renowned for its Atlantic salmon fishing. It is one of the best salmon rivers in the United Kingdom, indeed in the European Union.

  Read more 56.4875199 -3.4260177

• Water of Leith

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  Edinburgh's Water of Leith passes just half a mile north of the shoppers on Princes Street. Combine lunch by the water with a free exhibition. at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre

  Read more 55.9238006 -3.2472368

• River Kelvin

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  From its source at Wyndford all the way down to where it meets the Clyde in Partick, the River Kelvin is 34 kilometres long.

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• River Dee

  Aberdeen City & Shire

  The River Dee is famous for its salmon fishing and its multi-sea winter spring salmon, with anglers coming from all over the world to fish it.

  Read more 57.0670568 -2.7163696

• River Don

  Aberdeen City & Shire

  Anglers visit the Don from destinations throughout the UK and abroad, to cast a line for prime Don brown trout. For many, the Don in Scotland is a closely guarded secret.

  Read more 57.2632648 -2.3613739

• Loch Finlaggan

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  Loch Finlaggan, a place of great importance in Scottish history. In the loch are three islands, two of which lie close to the north shore.

  Read more 55.816667 -6.166667

• Loch Leathan

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  A fresh water loch on Islay full of wild brown trout.

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• River Ness

  The Highlands

  The River Ness is a river flowing from Loch Ness in Scotland, north to Inverness and the Moray Firth.

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• Loch Laingeadail

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  Loch Laindeadail offers an interesting outing for someone who likes walking into the hills and fishing in idyllic scenery.

  Read more 55.863495 -6.355089

• River Annan

  Dumfries & Galloway

  The Annan River lies south of Cooktown Good numbers of wild brown trout up to 5 or 6 pounds are caught every year, usually on dry fly or nymph during April May and June.

  Read more 54.978402 -3.278046

• Lochmaben

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Some of the UKs best bream, tench, carp, and pike fishing is to be had at Lochmaben.

  Read more 55.128452778128114 -3.4409523010253906

• Stranraer

  Dumfries & Galloway

  In the 17th and 18th centuries Stranraer quickly expanded due to trade in textiles, tanning and fishing. Much, has it's history centred around the port and is still regarded as a great place for sea fishing.

  Read more 54.910074 -5.026331

• Almorness Point

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Almorness Point can be found in a broad Shallow bay and has a tidal causeway of shingle and shells linking it to Hestan Island. The Island is uninhabited today, but has been home to a lighthouse since 1850 and is accessible on foot at low tide from via the Hestan Rack.

  Read more 54.845781 -3.808479

• Artloch

  Aberdeen City & Shire

  Built in 1976, making it the first rainbow trout water in Aberdeenshire, it was re-opened in October 2003.

  Read more 57.450237 -2.868590

• Allandale

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  Allandale's spring fed lakes have excellent water quality, ensuring a great range of fly life all year round. Stocked daily with quality Rainbow, Blue & Brown trout, sizes range from 1.8lbs to 18lb plus.

  Read more 55.864584 -3.561716

• Orlich

  Perthshire

  Orchill is a very old estate water in a very quiet picturesque setting. The Loch is regarded by many as one of the best small waters in the Central Belt of Scotland

  Read more 56.282734 -3.833169

• Monachyle Mhor hotel

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  This converted horse truck is in the fine location of Loch Voil. The interior is still an eclectic mixture of showman's wagon, Gypsy caravan and country cottage, but guests at this stop of the Lovestruck tour have an unparalleled food experience on offer at the award-winning Monachyle Mhor hotel.

  Read more 56.345984 -4.453911

• Woodlands Rest

  The Highlands

  Enjoy a totally relaxed getaway glamping in the forest in an authentic yurt amidst 25 acres of natural woodland.

  Read more 57.649454 -3.318485

• Findhorn Foundation

  The Highlands

  A spiritual community, ecovillage and an international centre for holistic education in the Scottish Highlands.

  Read more 57.652299 -3.593363

• Ardverikie Estate

  The Highlands

  Take a Landrover Safari Tour to get behind the scenes of the prestigious Ardverikie Estate, the stunning setting for the BBC‘s Monarch of the Glen.

  Read more 56.974658 -4.410036

• Arran Adventure

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  Run kayaking courses and trips on the west coast, for groups of six, or private tours. On a weekend trip you can paddle around the rocky coastline of Holy Isle to see the geology and learn the history of this ancient spiritual retreat.

  Read more 55.576202 -5.158053

• Argyll Walking

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  See the best of Scotland’s surprising scenery on a walking break with About Argyll Walking Holidays.

  Read more 56.152526 -5.110717

• Edinburgh Climbing Arena

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  At the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena experience the ultimate adrenaline rush of the aerial assault course or book an introductory course to get you started.

  Read more 55.923129 -3.397646

• Ben Nevis

  The Highlands

  Scotland enjoys an enviable reputation as a world-class walking and climbing destination. For the ultimate adventure, try climbing Ben Nevis Climb - it’s the highest mountain in the UK!

  Read more 56.796798 -5.006009

• Coast to Coast

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  If you’ve never tried surfing before, surf schools such as Coast to Coast in Dunbar will take you out in safe conditions and help you develop your technique, as you can tumble in the rolling waves as many times as you like.

  Read more 55.998887 -2.512921

• Tiree

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  Did you know Tiree is nicknamed the ‘Hawaii of the North’ and is host of the Tiree Wave Classic? Come and try your hand at surfing in this surfer’s paradise.

  Read more 56.515432 -6.912816

• Lewis

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  The Isle of Lewis receives swells from almost every direction giving it some of the best and most consistent surfing conditions in Europe.

  Read more 58.243609 -6.667202

• Crieff Hydro

  Perthshire

  Trek through the Crieff Hydro’s stunning 900-acre estate on horseback.

  Read more 56.379678 -3.837775

• Blair Castle

  Perthshire

  Explore the estate on horseback or why not join one of the two-hour nature or photography riding treks?

  Read more 56.771026 -3.855685

• Galloway Forest Park

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Explore the horse riding routes through the Galloway Forest Park or visit the Solway Coast where glorious sea views provide a perfect backdrop to a gentle amble or gallop through the cooling swell.

  Read more 55.296538 -4.463805

• Lunan Bay Angus

  Angus & Dundee

  The ‘singing sands’ of Lunan Bay provides a spectacular backdrop to a fantastic equestrian adventure in Scotland

  Read more 56.655378 -2.509217

• Rothiemurchus Estate

  The Highlands

  Let out your wild side as you get behind the wheel of a 4x4 and learn tricks from a qualified and experienced instructor.

  Read more 57.1764742 -3.8156998

• Glenlivet Estate

  The Highlands

  Or why not take a wildlife safari amongst the stunningly beautiful Glenlivet Estate to track down roe deer and mountain hare and the other resident wildlife who call the park home?

  Read more 57.251459 -3.378926

• Balnagown Estate

  Perthshire

  Take out a boat on one of the well-stocked and managed lochs to fly fish for rainbow trout or for brown trout on the Balnagown River.

  Read more 57.747164 -4.084229

• The Old Forge

  The Highlands

  Enjoy live music and a full seafood menu of langoustines, hand dived scallops, local mussels and seabass at the UK’s most remote pub.

  Read more 57.004558 -5.829824

• Arisaig

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  Arisaig offers sheltered kayaking around its rocky coast and the views out to the islands of Rum and Eigg can be breathtaking, especially at sunset.

  Read more 56.909856 -5.843095

• Clearwater Paddling

  Outer Hebrides

  Go kayaking amongst dolphins, basking sharks, puffins and guillemots just bring your camera and be careful where you paddle.

  Read more 56.955201 -7.489373

• Castle Coeffin

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  Visit to the 13th century ruins of Castle Coeffin, and the Iron Age Broch of Tirefour Castle.

  Read more 56.532256 -5.472324

• Locharron Mill

  Scottish Borders

  Observe all aspects of the production process at Locharron Mill, Scotland's largest tartan manufacturer. It has also secured its position as the world’s premier tartan and Highland attire manufacturer, with celebrities from Ewan McGregor to Sean Connery, and even the animated ogre Shrek, sporting its kilts.

  Read more 55.55333 -2.841598

• Caerlee Mill

  Scottish Borders

  Take a tour of Caerlee Mill, blessed with a rich history as Scotland's oldest continually operating textile mill. Built in 1788, knitwear fabrics from the mill have appeared in Vogue and Harpers Bazaar.

  Read more 55.621228 -3.064442

• Abbotsford House

  Scottish Borders

  Near Melrose, the beautiful Abbotsford House was created by much-loved Scots writer Sir Walter Scott where he spent many happy years in residence and penned some of his famous works. Although the house is currently closed for refurbishment, visitors can explore the stunning landscaped gardens designed by Scott himself.

  Read more 55.599542 -2.782074

• Scott's View

  Scottish Borders

  Stand on the roadside of the B6356 and take in amazing panoramic views from Scott's View of the distinctive triple-peak Eildon Hills and the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders.

  Read more 55.600632 -2.646589

• Traquair House

  Scottish Borders

  Originally built as a hunting lodge for the Kings and Queens of Scotland, Traquair House is the oldest continually inhabited house in Scotland. The magnificent grounds play host to open air performances during the Shakespeare Festival in the spring.

  Read more 55.608346 -3.063982

• Dryburgh Abbey

  Scottish Borders

  Nestled in the woods beside the glistening River Tweed, the graceful ruins of Dryburgh Abbey conjure up images of Scotland's tumultuous past. Established in 1150, the abbey has had a colourful history and is the final resting place of celebrated Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott.

  Read more 55.577314 -2.649786