Activities in Scotland


(Above image is a capture of a canine climber atop Ben Lomond (3193 feet)

Warning

Activities can be dangerous and are undertaken entirely at participants risk. Each participant must assess the risks in selected activity and determine suitability of same taking into account personal fitness, health, experience in the particular activity and support equipment available.Visitors should check individual travel/trip insurance policies to ensure the preferred activity is covered.

Scotland offers a wide range of activities a summary of which is provided below.

Mountaineering

Scotland is home to 282 mountains with height exceeding 3000 feet. These are known as Munros. There is extensive information on the web covering these and other mountains and climbing routes.  Care: Approximately 12 persons each year die on the mountains with avalanche and hypothermia being key contributors to the casualty rate. Participants should ensure they are properly skilled and resourced for the climb contemplated supplemented with research and expert advice on the particular  route. Before embarking on a climb leave information on prospective route with a third party at ground level and ensure personal equipment includes a mobile telephone (cellphone) with coverage in the area selected.

Emergency contact numbers: Dial 999 or 112 and ask for Police, Mountain Rescue. Text to either number is possible but, ideally, first register 'phone via www.emergencysms.org.uk

Climbing Ben Lomond



Hiking and Walking

A very wide range of routes available. Search the web for information using various permutations of 'walking' and 'highlands'.

Hiking group at Kaim Hill



Cycling

This includes both on-road and off-road. Bear in mind Scotland's roads can be relatively narrow and subject to heavy traffic volumes, especially in summer. Various specialist companies can be found on the web to assist with the preferred cycling experience and location.

Mountain Biker on West Highland Way

 Zip Wire 

Search the web for the experience closest to preferred location.


Canoeing, Kayaking, etc.

Available at various lochs (lakes) and coastal locations. Search the web for a suitable operator and preferred location.

River Tay, Dunkeld

White Water

There are various venues including Grandtully in central Scotland. Search the web to find a suitable operator and location.

Slalom at Grandtully
 Winter Sports

The key centres for skiing and related sports are:
  • Nevis Range at Fort William
  • Glencoe Mountain Resort.
  • Cairngorm Mountain near Aviemore.
  • Lecht, Cairngorms.
  • Glenshee, near Braemar.
Skiers at Glencoe
 Sailing

Search the web for appropriate recreational opportunities and experiences. The Firth of Clyde, West of Scotland is a popular location.

Sailing at Largs, West of Scotland

 Indoor Climbing

There are specialist venues at Glasgow and Edinburgh. Information is available via the web.

Outdoor Swimming

Lochs (lakes) and coastal locations can be fun but be wary (cautious) of low water temperatures and extremely unforgiving conditions applying in some coastal waters. There are outdoor pools at Stonehaven (east coast) and Gourock (west coast).

Outdoor swimming in River Eachaig, West of Scotland


Emergency Help Numbers

Police, Fire and Ambulance: 999

Non-emergency: 101

National Health Service: 111


© Nigel P Cole/Catswhiskerstours Limited

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