It’s getting chilly but the forecast is clear this weekend, so why not get out and about in the fresh air and enjoy the best outdoor activities Scotland has to offer?
Go on the chain walk
Close to the village of Elie on the Fife coast, if you walk along the beautiful beach towards the rocks, you’ll come across a path which hugs the coastline and leads to a series of chains attached to the cliffs. Visitors can follow the footholds carved into the cliffs and wind their way in and out of coves whilst holding on to chains attached to the rocks. The route has eight chains with horizontal parts and well as vertical where bigger areas of rock can be conquered. You can take in the sights and smells of the sea and see incredible rock formations and areas of erosion. Explore rock pools and spot sea birds nesting high on the cliffs leading to Kincraig point and Shell Bay. Leave your car next to the beach and walk back over the cliffs where you can explore some interesting ruins. The most important aspect of this trip is ensuring the tide will be out for the 1-3 hour trip, so do your homework. Afterwards, head for the finest chip shop in the UK in Anstruther. Check out the tide here and find out more here
Awaken your inner primate
Monkey around in the treetops of Aberfoyle while you work your way through an obstacle course suspended high up in the trees of Queen Elizabeth Forset Park. If you’re a bit of a daredevil then this is for you because you’re completely responsible for your own safety. Clip your safety lines on and off as you explore the treetop arena with giant spider webs nets, wobbly suspended log walkways and winding platforms. As well as spectacular views of the ancient pine forest, you can have a shot on Britain’s longest flying fox zipwire, which gives you panoramic views of the forest as you fly from one side of a valley to the other. You’ll be suspended 150 feet above the ground and even pass over a waterfall! Wear comfortable clothes for optimum comfort and monkey vibes. Find out more here
Hit the rapids
Take a truly exhilarating ride through the rapids of Scotland’s wild rivers this weekend with rafting opportunities on the Findhorn and Spey Rivers in Caringorms and also on the River Tay in Perthshire. In southwest Scotland, enjoy the Rivers Doon and Nith with a fantastic team activity which will be sure to get your heart racing! The challenge is maintaining balance while the raft bobs down rapids which are categorised from grade 1-4 and working as a team to navigate along the course. Avoid floating debris and wildlife and you might just get away without falling in! Water levels are higher in spring and autumn so now is a great time to test your nerve and take advantage of the prime conditions Scotland has to offer. Find out more here
Conquer Ben Nevis
Towering Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles, and can be conquered in a day! The summit is 1,344 metres above sea level so it’s a tough climb, but totally doable if you come prepared. Get some sturdy boots out and gear up for a day scrambling up boulder paths and across scree sheets. After you’ve passed the first tree-lined part of the path the route opens up to a wide, flat corrie which is a welcome break before the final ascent which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. When you reach the summit, as well as adding a stone to the cairn you can see the ruins of an old observatory. The climb can take from 6-8 hours so it’s a full day activity. As Ben Nevis is a high mountain it can be exposed to the harshest weather conditions Scotland has to offer such as high winds or disorientating fog. It is a notoriously challenging climb so it’s a good idea to go with an experienced climber and take a map and fully charged mobile as well as plenty of water, warm clothes, food and determination! Research before you go, find out more here
Enter Jurassic Parrr… if you dare!
If you’re not feeling up to a hike or high risk activity, why not get outside with some crazy golf? There are loads of extravagant courses around the country from paradise islands to pirate shipwrecks but Jurassic Parrr in Bearsden, Glasgow, is a belter. The course looks like prehistoric desert disaster zone where numerous dinosaurs are running loose and are causing havoc. Putt your way around a towering T-rex, crashed helicopter, waterfall, stegosaurus and caves full of stalactites. If you survive the excursion grab a tasty bite in the cheery wee cafe called 19th hole which has a terrace overlooking the course. Find out more here
