Adventure based holidays in Scotland

Scotland Adventure Breaks: Exploring Outdoor Activities in a Campervan

In Scotland, we are lucky to have many outdoor pursuits on our doorstep, set amongst some of the most beautiful landscape and all within easy driving reach. Especially when using a motorhome for hire you can enjoy your holiday and experience some adrenaline adventure breaks while immersing yourself in the culture and history of Scotland.

One day you could be wondering around Blair Atholl Castle, then the next you’re enjoying a tree top assault course. So, whether you are looking for adventure family holidays or something more relaxed, a motorhome can offer the best of both worlds.
 

A campervan hire provides the ideal base for flexibility, offering you and the family freedom when trying out different activities for the first time. If it’s something not suitable for younger family members or maybe somebody not wanting to partake, you know they have a comfortable base from which they can explore themselves or wait until you are ready to regroup and travel on.
 

Adventure family holidays in Scotland

Adventure-based holidays can be on water, land or even in the air, depending on what you would like to explore. We listed a few suggestions of different activities that we have tried ourselves as well as a few that we are maybe not so brave to try. 

In our family, my dad has been an adrenaline junkie himself and enjoyed pursuits such as rock climbing or ice climbing – he always has been a keen hill walker and mountaineer! More recently, he has just hung up his rally helmet in the Scottish championship and has taken to more leisurely sports such as cycling and golf.
 

Water based activities

Scotland has a huge option when it comes to water sports. With a range of Lochs, miles of rugged rivers, and stunning coastline, it's easy to see why people come here to partake in water sports as beginners or more experienced in their chosen hobby.
 

Water trampolining/Banana boating 

Loch Lomond in the Trossachs National Park is an ideal location for trying out water sports activities. It has a stunning backdrop in the forest that allows visitors to try new water sports as well as an abundance of cycle routes, picnic spots, and forests to explore in.  

Loch Lomond Leisure is a company that offers a huge range of activities including water trampolining banana boating as well as paddle boarding, wakeboarding, and water skiing.
 

White water rafting

In Perthshire, there is the option to go white water rafting at Pitlochry or Aberfeldy with Splash Rafting. Enjoy your adventure breaks in Scotland while navigating the rapids and the twists and turns of the river.
 

Water canyoning

For an exciting adventure family holiday, why not try canyoning at Pitlochry or Aberfeldy? If you enjoy a bit of rock climbing and water sports, this is definitely for you as you can abseil down cliff faces, enjoy gorge walking, or jump from cliffs.
 

Sea kayaking 

At Arisaig, this is a great location to go sea kayaking. And with the help of the guides, there is the opportunity to explore the coastline and look for wildlife. You can also explore the beaches and access areas where you can’t access on foot. 
 

Kite surfing or Wind surfing 

The Isle of Tiree is one of the best places in Scotland to try kite or wind surfing. Part of the Inner Hebrides, you would need to take the ferry over to reach this area. 

With its glorious white sandy beaches and a strong south westerly wind, no wonder it is amongst the top destinations in Europe to enjoy surfing activities. It also has an activity centre on the Island with qualified instructors so anybody can take part.
 

Raft building/River trips

Loch Inch Outdoor Sports Centre at Aviemore has a range of water and land-based activities such as sailing, river trips, and raft building. 

You can also take part in fishing, archery, and mountain biking. This is a great outdoor activity centre to spend your adventure breaks with the lots of activities it offers.
 

Land-based activities

Scotland is full of activities that will suit everyone, from experienced mountaineers looking for a challenge to a family’s first-time horse riding along a country lane. I am sure that you will find something for your adventure family holidays.
 

Walking

The Scottish countryside is ideal for exploring and going on a nature trail with the family. You will find suitable walking routes in almost all the villages and towns you stop by and it’s a great way to see the countryside. This is also your chance to look out for some of Scotland’s very own big 5 – The red Squirrel, red deer, golden eagle, otter, and seal.
 

Horse riding

This is an excellent way to explore the Scottish Countryside and is suitable for all ages and of all levels of experience. Depending on the location of the Riding Centre, you may be given the opportunity to ride in the countryside, on the beach, or through the forest.

Either way it’s a great adventure break for the whole family. Alvie Stables near Aviemore offer hacks through Alvie Estate. You can also take a hack along the beach with Uist Community Rising School and enjoy the stunning views of the Outer Hebrides as you hack along the white sandy beach. They are based at Benbecula near the airport. 
 

Mountain biking

Scotland is the ideal location for those who love the thrill of the uneven terrain and the challenge of cycling through the forest and the more rugged. In natural cycle routes, you will be rewarded along the way with the most stunning scenery and for those who cycle uphill you will be rewarded from the top of the mountain with the most stunning view and still have the enjoyment of cycling back down towards your motorhome hire.
 

Cycling 

If mountain biking is not something you enjoy, then there are plenty of cycle routes that take you round lochs, through villages, along canals and through the countryside, allowing you to explore places that you cannot get to in the car. Please see our cycle tours route for more ideas.
 

Hill walking

If you would like to try and bag yourself a few Scotland 282 Munros whilst on an adventure break, then what are you waiting for? At the end of such a challenge, the views from the summit will be a fantastic reward for all the hard work.

Please ensure you are walking within your ability and do your homework before attempting to complete any Munro or hillwalking expedition. See our walking tours page for more information.
 

Zorbing/Segway/Quad biking

There are so many other activities to try in Scotland such as Zorbing or Sphering, where you step into a giant ball and gently roll inside it to the bottom of the hill.

Segways are an increasingly popular way of getting around and seeing tourist attractions like the tour offered by Scottish Segway Centre and take a tour round the Falkirk Wheel. 

For petrol heads, why not enjoy a trek round the countryside on a quad bike? There are designated quad bike centres round Scotland.
 

Air based activities

If heights do not bother you, then how about trying a Bungee jump or tree top trail or combine a tree top trail with a zip wire adventure? 
 

Tree top trails and Zip lines

Tree top trails are a great way to involve older children in adventure family holiday activities. Enjoy the adventure of the challenges high above the ground in the tree canopy in the middle of the forest and then ride the zip line back down.

There are places in Aviemore offering such activities and bigger companies such as Go Ape that have different activity centres in Scotland. The centre at Aberfoyle is home to one the largest Zip lines in the UK at 323 meters long and 45 meters high - you are literally flying over the trees below!
 

Bungee jump

This is, in my opinion, the ultimate adrenaline junkie challenge. Although I think anyone who wants to partake in jumping off a ledge 150 meters above a river with only a rope around there ankle is crazy, I also appreciate its popularity. There are many centres in Scotland that are open to allow such thrill seekers the opportunity.
 

Why take a motorhome for Scotland adventure breaks?

At the end of a busy day where your adrenaline has been pumping probably most of the day, your body will be physically and mentally exhausted. And what better way to relax than to drive to a secluded wild camp spot, put the BBQ on, and relax on the deck chair with a cold beer from the fridge, reminiscing on the highlight of the day with your family or friends? 
 

Then before bed, enjoy a nice, hot shower before snuggling down in a warm and comfortable bed to get a goodnight sleep and see what adventures the next day might bring.

A motorhome rental will be your transport as well as home for your adventure-based holiday and you will find your Scottish Tourer Motorhome well equipped with everything you need, allowing you to sit back and enjoy your holiday.
 

Why motorhome is the best accommodation during your adventure family holidays

There are many reasons for it being the ideal accommodation, including:

• If a member of the family does not want to partake in the activity, they have a safe and secure place to wait. They can read, watch a movie, go for a walk, etc.
• If everyone is participating, this allows you a base to come and go from or a method of transport to drive to a meeting point if cycling.
• Fully equipped with everything you need from fairy liquid to a sat nav at no extra cost.
• Garage space for keeping boots or ruck sacks, bike carrier on the rear of the vehicle if you are travelling with bikes.
• Pack a picnic rather than eating out in cafes/restaurants. It's great being able to have a flask of tea and a sandwich to stop and enjoy along the way and nothing better than quietly watching nature as you relax and enjoy some lunch.
• The motorhome itself is comfortable and easy to drive with a sat nav system pre-programmed with wild camp spots.
• Rather than having a room or a bar to unwind after a busy day, you can unwind in your own lounge area playing a board game, watching a movie, planning the next day, or sitting outside watching the sunset with your favourite tipple.
• A warm and comfortable bed so everyone can get a good night’s sleep. 
   

All in all, a campervan rental will give you a comfortable home for unwinding and relaxing at the end of a busy day. It will also allow you the freedom to come and go as you please without restrictions of being in a certain area. If you're unexpectedly enjoying the location you’re in and have more exploring to do, just stay another night. And when you’re ready, you can easily move on to the next area!
 

Start your adventure breaks with Scottish Tourer

Whether you’re hiking, cycling scenic trails, or chasing adrenaline-fueled activities, Scottish Tourer provides the perfect home on wheels for your journey.

Our luxury campervans come with everything you need for a comfortable and hassle-free trip, allowing you to focus on making unforgettable memories. Book your campervan today and make the most out of your adventure family holiday with Scottish Tourer!