As we move into the longer, warmer days, there’s no better time to get the family or your friends together and try something new.
All of these activities are beginner-friendly with lessons available . . . so trust your instincts, get out there and enjoy!
MOUNTAIN BIKING COMRIE CROFT, PERTHSHIRE
Comrie Croft is mountain biking heaven, with trails for every level, from gentle family loops to technical descents, plus a pump track for practising skills. Hire bikes on site, book lessons, or rent bikepacking kit and head into the hills. Once your confidence grows, there is easy access to some of Perthshire’s best off-road riding too. comriecroft.com
COASTEERING DUNBAR
The rocky coastline around Dunbar is ideal for coasteering: a mix of climbing, swimming and sea jumps explored in a wetsuit, helmet and buoyancy aid. Routes weave through caves, gullies and narrow channels hidden from view on land. An instructor is essential, and Ocean Vertical runs guided trips for individuals and groups, with safety and confidence-building at the heart of every session. oceanvertical.com
CLIMBING FORT WILLIAM
Climbing has surged in popularity in recent years and Three Wise Monkeys in Fort William is a great place to start. Book a ‘try climbing’ session to try both rope climbing and bouldering, with instruction included. There’s a family deal available, too, making it an ideal rainy-day activity in the Highlands and a good introduction to the sport. If you get the bug, book a qualified instructor and try your skills outdoors. threewisemonkeysclimbing.com
WINDSURFING LOCH INSH
Who needs Hawaii when you have Loch Insh? In the heart of the Cairngorms, this sheltered loch offers good learner conditions, with lessons and equipment hire available at Loch Insh Outdoor Centre. You can also take to the water on a sail boat, pedalo, paddleboard, kayak, canoe or throw yourself into the water from the Jungle Float, a floating waterpark with slide, high dive platform and trampolines to jump from. Dare you! lochinsh.com
SKIING HILLEND
You don’t need snow to learn to ski. Midlothian Snowsports Centre at Hillend offers lessons for children and adults on its dry slope overlooking Edinburgh. Snowboarding lessons are available, too, with regular blocks designed to build confidence before winter arrives and the Scottish ski season begins. midlothian.gov.uk/info/200281/ snowsports_centre
PADDLEBOARDING LOCH MORLICH
Paddleboarding is one of the UK’s fastest growing watersports and it’s easy to see why. On calm lochs or gentle rivers beginners can start by sitting or kneeling before working up to standing. Loch Morlich is a brilliant place to try it: the water is calm and relatively shallow and you are surrounded by mountains. Based right on the beach, Loch Morlich Watersports will hire you all the kit and offer instruction and trips. Kayaks and canoes are also available. lochmorlich.com
HORSE RIDING ARRAN
Cairnhouse Stables has been running pony treks and riding lessons on Arran for decades. A one hour trek is suitable for anyone aged five or older and follows quiet trails and often includes a stretch along the beach. Keep watch for seals offshore as you ride – it’s a memorable way to explore the island’s coastline. cairnhousestables.com
CANYONING DUNKELD
Canyoning involves descending a river system by scrambling, sliding, swimming, jumping and abseiling through steep-sided gorges. The Canyoning Company near Dunkeld runs beginner-friendly trips with plenty of escape points for nervous first-timers. Wetsuits, helmets and harnesses are all provided, along with expert guidance and photos to capture the experience. thecanyoningcompany.co.uk
WAKEBOARDING EAST LOTHIAN
Cable wakeboarding at Foxlake Adventures combines elements of surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding, with riders pulled across the water by an overhead cable system. Introductory sessions are available, with equipment included. The site also has an over-water ropes course called FoxFall and a large inflatable aquapark, making it a fun place to get wet and wild this summer. foxlake.co.uk
SEA KAYAKING OBAN
Sea Kayak Oban runs trips from Oban harbour, ranging from half-day paddles to longer expeditions along the west coast. Beginners can learn basic techniques while exploring sheltered bays and remote beaches, with all equipment included. Wildlife sightings are common, too, with seals, seabirds and otters regularly spotted alongside the kayaks. seakayakoban.com
