Top Scotland Outdoor Activities - page 5

Explore the Isle of Skye in a totally unique way with an expert wildlife photographer as your guide. Hike through glens and forest and discover the natural habitats of some of Skye’s most elusive residents: eagles, sea otters, deer, seals and pine martens. Learn how to take professional-quality wildlife photographs with your own camera, and get close to nature with a guide who truly knows the secrets of the Island.

Take in Scotland’s dramatic landscapes in just one day from the comfort of your luxury private minivan. Departing from central Edinburgh, enjoy entry to Doune Castle and views over the Cairngorm National Park, Ben Nevis and Fort William—all while relaxing with complimentary refreshments and an expert guide. The tour also includes stops at Loch Ness and Glencoe to explore some of the Highlands’ most stunning scenery.

There’s so much more to see in Scotland than just Edinburgh. On this private tour, get picked up from your Edinburgh accommodation for a full-day adventure exploring the Kingdom of Fife. Take in the Forth Bridge—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—visit the medieval town of St Andrews, hunt for sea glass on Fife beach, and explore fishing villages and historic sites.

Maximize your time in the Scottish Highlands on a full-day shore excursion from Invergordon Cruise Port. Hop aboard a comfortable minibus and travel into the picturesque countryside, with stops including Loch Ness, the Inverness Castle Experience, Culloden, and a quaint farm shop with Highland cows. Enjoy plenty of photo ops throughout, plus the chance to pet or feed cute Highland cows. End the day back at the port, ready to continue your cruise.

Swap the tour bus for two wheels and get a closer look at Edinburgh. This small-group cycling tour takes you around the Scottish capital to places most tourists miss. Pedal your way from Craigmillar Castle to the charming Dean Village, the cosmopolitan Leith district, and seaside Portobello to experience Edinburgh off the tourist trail.

Cover plenty of ground and see the best of the Scottish Highlands—including the Isle of Skye—on this comprehensive 4-day, 3-night guided tour from Edinburgh. Skip the hassle of having to plan an itinerary yourself, and journey through the West Highlands to learn about Scotland's fascinating people, places, and history. See the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct, spend time aboard the Jacobite Steam Train, visit Loch Ness—keep an eye out for its mythical monster—enjoy unbeatable photo ops in Glencoe, and so much more.

Get a comprehensive look at Scotland without spending days bogged down by planning on a 5-day journey through its inspiring landscapes. Travel through the Lowlands, Northern Highlands, West Coast, and the Isle of Skye, without worrying about driving or taking your luggage on public transportation. You'll glean more from landmarks than you would alone with guide commentary rooted in local culture and history.

Combine a trip to Bannockur with a visit to historic Stirling Castle with this tour from Glasgow. You'll learn about the 1314 Battle of Bannockburn at the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre, where you can even get a taste of the battle in 3D. You'll then head to Stirling Castle, which was built over the 13th through 15th centuries and is considered among the most important castles in the nation.

Enjoy a rugged and active way to discover one of the best and most scenic canyoning spots in Scotland on this immersive, small-group tour. Your destination is Bruar Canyon, known for its dramatic scenery and varied terrain. With instruction and support from your ICOpro-certified guides—plus top-of-the-line equipment included—you can slide down water flumes, rappel off spectacular waterfalls, and otherwise put your mettle to the test.

Discover Edinburgh at your own pace with a flexible treasure hunt around the city. Follow cryptic clues and maps to uncover hidden gems, discovering interesting facts and stories while you go. Use the convenience of WhatsApp-style navigation for a fun, on-demand journey. Turn it into an exciting pub crawl if so inclined. By then end of this adventure have achieved an overview of all that Edinburgh has offer.

Combine Scotland’s great outdoors with a dose of adventure on a 3-hour white water rafting experience on the River Tay from Aberfeldy. Settle aboard a raft with a guide, and learn rafting techniques as you journey along calm waters, absorbing the peaceful beauty of the Tay valley. Then, enjoy the fun of tackling three sets of rapids, paddling and splashing through the foaming waters. Ideal for beginners, with equipment and photos included.

If you only have a day to explore the Scottish Highlands, don't waste time on public transport or waiting around for others. This private tour is exclusively for your party, ensuring your guide's full undivided attention as you journey from Edinburgh to such scenic Highland spots as Loch Ness, Glencoe, Fort Augustus, and a whisky distillery.

Raft the River Tummel on an exciting and action-packed whitewater tour. Work together as a team to navigate a route composed of mostly class two and three rapids. Near the end of the trip, the most challenging section appears: a two-tier, 18-foot (5.5 meter), class four rapid that drops into Loch Faskally.

Discover a part of Scotland that many visitors overlook. This private tour of Central Scotland is just for your and your group and takes you the region's highlights in a comfortable Land Rover Discovery. Whether you want to spend your time in castles or distilleries, the itinerary can be customized to your preferences.

Lace up your running shoes and explore Edinburgh on foot. This private running tour takes you are the Scottish capital at your own pace and ensures that you see all of the most important city landmarks before tackling the challenging climb up Arthur's Seat for a panoramic view of the city skyline.

Discover many of the Scottish Highlands’ highlights—as well as locals-frequented areas that many tourists miss. This private tour from Inverness takes you to beauty spots including Loch Ness and Glen Affric; to charming villages; and to Plodda Falls, one of Scotland’s tallest waterfalls (take a plunge, if you wish).

Discover the sights and secrets of Edinburgh's Old Town on this walking tour. Your guide will take you along the Royal Mile to well-known landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle and St. Giles' Cathedral, as well as to some Harry Potter-related sites and lesser-known gems. Along the way, Edinburgh's rich history will come to life through your guide's stories.

The largest national park in the UK, Cairngorms promises dramatic mountains, rugged Highlands scenery, and a wealth of wildlife—and this private day trip provides a perfect introduction to the region. Depart in the morning from your area accommodation, and get ready to see the Highland Folk Museum, visit “Outlander” filming locations, admire Loch an Eilein—and even enjoy a whisky tasting and sheepdog demonstration.

If you are relatively new to the sport of canyoning, this half-day excursion from Aberfeldy will have you feeling confident in no time. Head to nearby Keltneyburn with your guide and, under their close supervision, try gorge walking, jumping off rocky cliffs, scrambling along rivers, and sliding down river chutes, and swimming in naturally beautiful surroundings—as much or as little as you want. Includes wet suits and all safety equipment.

Swap the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh's busy streets for the fresh air and sights of the Scottish countryside. This canyoning adventure will have you jumping off cliffs, zooming down natural waterslides, and abseiling down waterfalls. An adrenaline fueled outdoor experience, this canyoning adventure is ideal for thrill-seekers and groups celebrating special occasions, such as bachelor/bachelorette parties.

Scotland's most-famous natural attractions are often crowded with tourists, but this small-group tour lets you avoid the crowds and discover a place that is well off the beaten track. From central Glasgow, you'll embark on a journey through the countryside and several quaint villages to a hidden gem of a waterfall. You'll then go on a short hike and explore the waterfall from every angle.

Journey after dark to a hidden glen (valley) in the forest near Glasgow and discover a unique place you'd never find on your own. The small-group tour takes you to a place with a dark past that looks straight out of a story book. You'll hear how legend has it that the devil favored this place and feel how it takes on a unique character at night.

Explore Loch Ness at your own pace on this independent 1-day cycle tour from Inverness. Hop on your bike in Bellfield Park and — with your map and directions to hand — head into rural Scotland toward Loch Ness. Head along winding country roads at your leisure and enjoy fine views over the countryside scenery. Spin through the peaceful village of Dores to the banks of Loch Ness, then perhaps enjoy lunch in a local café before strolling along the shoreline. Bike hire, map and directions are included on this tour.

If you can't leave Scotland without playing a round of golf, this private tour handles all logistics. From Edinburgh, your personal driver takes you to Stirling Golf Club, one of Scotland's oldest and most picturesque clubs, where you play 18 holes with a stunning backdrop of the Highlands and Stirling Castle.