Outdoor Activities in Scotland
All our vans are fully equipped – no hidden extra charges
All our vans are fully equipped – no hidden extra charges
Scotland is wonderful for those who like to be out in the open air. Take one of our campervans and head pretty much anywhere, to do pretty much any outdoor pursuit. We’ve put together a bit of information and advice on some of the most popular outdoor activities.
Scotland is beautiful to walk in and you don’t need to walk far or high to see some beautiful scenery. Just make sure you have good pair of walking shoes/trainers with you (they will get muddy/wet) or walking boots if you are aiming to bag a Munro or two.
Walk Scotland will give you all the information you need for great routes across the whole country.
Most Scots just call this camping; for as long as I have know, you head off for a few days and pitch a tent where you like the view. This is still pretty much the case in Scotland and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code will keep you right.
You can pop a wet suit on and swim where you like or be hardy and take a (skinny) dip in a Loch to wash if you are camping somewhere glorious and without neighbours.
There are a number of clubs and gatherings for wild swims and if you do head off for a dip without someone on shore waiting for you then please just leave a note on the dashboard saying what you are up to and what time you left….just in case!
Rock and ice climbing are incredibly popular in Scotland. Many climbs are not accessible by road but you can certainly get closer with Wallace or one of the campervans. There is plenty of information about routes and there are many organisations that will manage and lead a climb. Mountaineering Scotland will offer advice on routes, courses and climbs. If you head up into the mountains then please leave a clear note on your dashboard stating your route and the time you left. This is to support the Mountain Rangers so they can keep tabs of who is on the mountains and can raise an alarm if they are concerned.
Scotland’s waves area best in winter so this sport is not for the light hearted. The northern most coast frequently hosts the National Surfing Contest in Thurso. There is also surfing on the West Coast especially off Tiree and Islay (wind surfing too) and on the East coast, Pease Bay. All areas and more offer surfing lessons and provide all the required kit. For further information on finding the best waves the Scottish Surfing Federation can help.
There is plenty of water in Scotland and with water comes fish. Most of the land locked Lochs are full of trout that can be fished for as long as you manage to get the permission of the land owner. Near most water or path ways to water there is a sign that will present the relevant information.
If you want to try your hand at Spey casting and catching a salmon you will need to buy a permit or at the very least have permission from the Ghilly.
Our vehicles are fitted with a bike rack (except Bongo) so you can bring your own bikes with you or get nearer your cycling destination and hire some bikes. Most of the major towns have bike hire centres with bikes suitable for the terrain.
Many routes make wonderful cycling roads but there are a lot of hills and in some of the most beautiful places the roads can be narrow so be prepared to hop off when large vehicles need to pass.
The Law in Scotland does not require you to wear a helmet but please do take all the precautions necessary when cycling.
Well of course Scotland is the home of golf! In every nook and cranny across Scotland you will find a golf course. Some Golf Clubs are very much open to visitors and many are municipally owned and open to anyone who turns up and pays for 9 or 18 holes. Scotland is famous for it’s Links courses which in turn offer real challenges with winds coming in off the sea but also wonderful views and course architecture.
Golf clubs are available to hire at most courses.
Yes, it is possible to ski in Scotland….as long as it snows!!! The Glenshee slopes have a snow machine which means that unless it is pouring with rain, the slopes are open. From Edinburgh and Glasgow most people just call the slopes the night before, get up with the lark (in the dark) and head north to the area most likely to have a good covering. The Cairngorms, The Nevis Range, Glenshee and the Lecht are popular. You can hire everything you need when you get there as well as an instructor! On a sunny day when the mountains are snow covered you really couldn’t ski in more beautiful scenery