Cairngorms National Park comprises a large area of central Scotland southeast of Inverness,…read moreincluding much of the highland mountains. We only drove through it, but even that superficial visit was very rewarding. The way to really experience the area, of course, is to get out of the car and hoof it away from the highway. We drove A93 from the east entrance of the park through Braemar to the south entrance. The scenery was varied and much of it magnificent.

North Berwick Law is a hill outside of North Berwick village in the East Lothian area of Central…read moreScotland. There is a car park at the bottom of the hill, which is an ideal start for the quick hike up the hill. Nearby is a sports centre, which offers toilet facilities. The hike up lasts about 30-45 min, depending on the route taken. You can chose how steep you want the climb to be. Be careful as sometimes it can get slippy after or during rainy days. When reaching the climax you will experience a sense of accomplishment and fantastic views of the nearby country side. There are historical ruins from past times not forgotten and a replica whale jaw to tell you what it was all about. The climb is suitable for children and adults alike, including little furry animals Enjoy!

This is a very easy, very rewarding wee hike right outside Stirling. It's real simple. Just drive…read moreinto the town centre (of sorts) of Menstrie, right on the A91. Across from the Spar there's a big open green, at the back of which you'll see a Scouts Hall. Park somewhere near there. Follow the path to the left of the Hall. You'll see a sign that helpfully says "Path," pointing to a cement staircase curving up to the right. The first part of the climb is a bit blah, but once you get past the teensy dirt path and the weird abandoned hobo pit (don't be scared...it's all ancient rusty cans) and over the crest of the hill, you'll be rewarded with magnificent views. There are approximately 72,004 sheep to terrify you with their horns, who will promptly skitter away if you come within ten feet of them. The last little stretch to the top is somewhat steep, but definitely do-able. We were all in sneakers (or trainers, if you will) and during our one hour hike to the ascent we were lapped by a man who jogged to the top and back in under 30 minutes. If a guy can do it every day on his lunch break, then so can you. It's a mostly beautiful amble with spectacular views of the William Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle once you reach the top. Well worth a visit and definitely earns a trip to the pub afterwards.

I am jealous. I am jealous that there are people in this world who can get up every morning and go…read morehere, even if just for a quick morning walk. We visited Loch Lomond on New Year's Day and can I just say it made for the most magical start to a new year for me. I'm floored by its beauty and tranquility and if its the start of the Highlands, holy cow - or rather coo! My tour group couldn't get over how stunning the light, filtered through clouds touched upon the hillsides. The park was clean and everyone did their part to keep it that way. No one was too noisey either. Would love to come back and explore more!

Truly, a magnificent park and one a few untouched by development in Scotland. Jagged peaks and…read moresteep mountain tops punctuate the sky and mark some of the most prestige wilderness areas in the world. I wholeheartedly loved this park and my time exploring it. Going back, I would spend a weekend and camp here to really immerse myself (guess I have a good excuse).

I'm off to go a wandering around the mountain sides. Well I would do if I were a yeti (debatable…read morethat I'm not) or I didn't live in a place where we don't have mountains. Oh well luckily we have enough rolling hillsides and green spaces as a good substitute and Middleton Park is one such place. It's a pretty big expanse of ancient woodland and a designated nature reserve. You've also got grass land, a golf course and recreational areas. The woodland area is a particular favourite with me. It's quite simply lush. A little haven for all the little birdies and wood life creatures to dart about (and me, a big gormless idiot). It's really nice to take five from the busy centre and you'll also find streams, ponds and an abundance of flowers. I never get bored of seeing Bluebells and when they are in full swing it's a joy to behold. Add to that some tennis courts, a bowling green and even an education centre and you've got a very pleasant day out on your hands. Great to have such little pockets of joy in the area.

A fantastic Spey decent with a great group of people. Very…read morewell organised from the initial enquiry ... responsive, helpful and professional. Highly recommended

Superlative outdoor activity centre. A wonderful location…read moreand excellent facilities. I visited the centre back in April 2024 and was pleased to be accepted for the Instructor training course. After a 20 year long stint of being a mental health practitioner within the NHS, it was time to focus on myself. I was immediately welcomed by Gethin, the operations manager and indeed by the other instructors. Commencing my instructor training in July 2024, at a grand old age of 53! This has not been an issue at all! Having kept pace with other student instructors, some less than half my age! The facilities and homely environment are wonderful. We soon became a mutually supportive 'family' of Rookie instructors. The first weeks settling into a new environment with a packed itinerary were fun & challenging due to a lifestyle change, but what a lifestyle change in a part of the world that oozes adventure, beauty and outdoor challenges. Supported by an absolutely cracking team, Alfie, Ross, Rowan, Liam, Fionn, Tom, Laura & James and the knowledge, welcome and encouragement from Roy and Sophia GIbson (The Owners) - themselves incredibly experienced outdoor folk! Whom were quick to share guidance, support, stories and encouragement, was more than enough to make me feel right at home and to achieve my ultimate goal - to deliver, encourage, and support others in realising their outdoor pursuit adventures, whilst giving me a first huge step onto the exciting ladder of outdoor adventure & instruction and a multi-opportunity list of qualifications. Indeed, everything is here for those who want to grasp an opportunity to learn and develop a career in outdoor pursuits. Reflecting back just now, on the last couple of months, having climbed and hiked the highlands, canoed, kayaked, rafted, and paddle-boarded the many beautiful, lochs, rivers, rapids and coastline that exists here...makes me 'pinch myself' daily...as if this is a dream! Recently, having the opportunity to instruct a local school group of youngsters in paddle-sports has really helped to hone skills and encourage young folks to literally 'pick up the paddle!' The essence of Active Outdoor Pursuits is Team work....but personal goals and challenges are always encouraged and supported with staff on hand 24 hours a day! Maintaining health and safety in any environment is paramount. Indeed the instructors and free lance instructors are totally on the ball here and always ensure safe practice and risk assessment, whilst in the realms of fun, adventure and learning, are in place. Whether I climbed a crag, wondered at the views from the Munros, to paddle sports & safeguarding youngsters and the team, to ensuring equipment is appropriate for the activity and venues selected carefully to compliment the chosen location - I always felt safe and confident in the skillset of staff and equipment. Furthermore, despite being a learned practitioner, I gleaned a vast amount of new skills in the first aid course, appertaining to the outdoors - Whilst I never wish to use these skills!, I feel confident that I am now equipped to! Like anything in life, you reap that which you sow and indeed 'get out what you put in!' Pushing myself, supporting others and being part of the team is truly wonderful, and I am proud and honoured to be a part of the Active Outdoor Pursuits team, as my course draws to a close. I wish all of my fellow rookies, the awesomely personable and qualified instruction team, and Roy & Sophia, whom have been right behind me since the start of the course the absolute best for your careers. To coin a phrase 'Look at where we are!'... LOL!' Thank you all ! Oh and if you even have an inkling of curiosity and want to find out for yourself, of what the centre has to offer, call in! go and do an activity - see this beautiful part of the world from a new exciting perspective - and help make a change! Get Active!! Get Orange! and live the adventure - 'It is not the pursuit of happiness, Happiness is within the Pursuit!'.. (PP 2024)

This is a great hike just outside the bonanza of quaint that is Callander. The website given here…read moregives a very exact description of how to get there, where to park, and the hike itself so I'll leave that for you to click yourself and get on to reviewing the experience. Well, it's not as spectacular as the beloved Cobbler, but it's also not as strenuous. It's a steady incline up and up, with some very boggy spots if it's been raining recently (and when hasn't it?). But you are rewarded with fantastic 360 degree views at the top, and lots of places to sit and contemplate. This is a great hike for even the most novice hiker--the path is clear, there are no scary scrabbling spots or perilous gradients, and it only takes about four hours in total. Bring hiking shoes, a waterproof jacket, a hat (it's windy!) and a packed lunch and you are pretty much good to go. This is a very rewarding day trip that allows you to explore Scotland's beauty.

Beautiful lake in the Trossachs area of the Highlands. We came on an extremely cold day or we would…read morehave taken a boat tour. Pretty area to hike or bike around. The tiny gift shop has hot tea served by a friendly staff.

If ever I needed encouragement at the mid-point of a challenging, torturously hilly 32 mile cycle,…read morethen catching sight of Loch Katrine was it. The Aberfoyle/Dukes Pass/Loch Katrine loop we tackled was a beautiful, scenic route and any difficult climbs paid off in the abundance of awe-inducing views as we came soaring back down. Loch Katrine was a definite highlight for me. She's a beauty and well-worth the visit whether you're planning on biking, walking or taking a trip on the flagship Sir Walter Scott steamship which we were lucky enough to catch sight of. Cyclists, this whole area in general is just great and this route has been my favourite so far. The hills are tough but coming down them is genuinely breath-taking. I definitely want to return to Aberfoyle again and do all kinds of lovely touristy things. Visiting Loch Katrine will definitely be one of them.