Whether it’s on land, water or up in the air, Scotland is the place to be if you’re looking for outdoor adventures! The country’s dramatic mountains, enchanting forests and rugged coastline are a natural playground for sports and activities, offering everything from cycling to canyoning and horse riding to hot air ballooning.
With summer just around the corner and the weather getting milder, now is the perfect time to start planning your next adventure. Stuck for ideas? Here are just a few of the activities you could take part in this year…
You could kayak around tranquil bays…

Brodick Bay, Ayrshire & Arran. Photo © Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland
…or make a splash white water rafting.

Photo © Vertical Descents
Get a bird’s eye view from a hot air balloon…

Perth, Perthshire. Photo by B4bees via Flickr | Creative Commons
…or discover the treasures that lie beneath Scottish waters.

Churchill Barrier No. 3, Orkney. Photo © Iain Sarjeant / VisitScotland
Rocky hillsides are great for those who like their challenges on two wheels…

Kirroughtree, Dumfries & Galloway. Photo © Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland
…and idyllic beaches are perfect for roaming on four legs!

East Lothian. Photo by Fiona Shields via Flickr | Creative Commons
With more than 550 courses, golfers can tee off in the most stunning surroundings…

Machrihanish Golf Club, Argyll & the Isles. Photo © Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland
…while runners will find paths of all levels surrounded by stunning scenery.

West Highland Way, the Highlands. Photo by Robin McConnell via Flickr | Creative Commons
Dramatic waves are waiting to be surfed…

Thurso, the Highlands. Photo © Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland
…sweeping sands are ideal for land yachting…

West Sands, Fife. Photo © Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland
…and forests offer all sorts of adventures, from quad biking to treetop trails.

Rothiemurcus, the Highlands. Photo by Ken Gordon via Flickr | Creative Commons
Summer is a great time to try a new activity, too! Fall head over heels for zorbing…

Photo by Rodw via WikiCommons
…or get to grips with watersports, such as wakeboarding, windsurfing or stand up paddleboarding.

Windsurfing on Loch Morlich, the Highlands. Photo © Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland
Even if it’s just a walk on the beach, you’ll be treated to truly spectacular sights…

Barra, Outer Hebrides. Photo © Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland
…so take the plunge, and experience Scotland’s great outdoors this summer!

Gorge walking at Culloden Gorge, the Highlands. Photo © Calum Rogerson / VisitScotland
Of course, these are just 15 of the brilliant outdoor activities on offer in Scotland – you could also try fishing, sailing, country sports and much more. Download your FREE Active in Scotland brochure or The Adrenaline Junkie’s Guide to Scotland for more ideas.
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