Adventure on your Doorstep in Scotland

Wild, diverse, enchanting and mythical, Scotland has so much to offer that it caters for any type of holiday. There aren’t many places in Europe that can offer such a dynamic mix of seclusion, adventure and culture, and many iconic hotels – take the five-star Gleneagles for instance, with numerous opportunities for activities and exploration right on their doorstep. Here is a rundown of some of the things you can get involved with on your Scottish break, from action and adventure to relaxation.

Extreme Adventure

Great whether you’re with the family or on a romantic weekend, there are loads of more laidback activities that enable you to enjoy the stunning scenery at a more leisurely pace. Pony trekking is a popular favourite, with tours through the wild Perth shire countryside to suit riders of all levels, including young children. Wildlife watching trips are a great way to immerse yourself in the surrounding nature, with the Isle of Mull boasting a plethora of wildlife from dolphins and otters to birds of prey.

Ocean Exploration

Sea kayaking is a popular pursuit in Scotland and is the perfect way to see the stunning coastal scenery from a different angle. Sheltered sea lochs like those along the Applecross Peninsula ensure that the journey is smooth If you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie and like your adventure to be extreme, then head to the Highlands for some daredevil action. Whitewater rafting trips on the Findhorn River take you on an exhilarating journey through the granite cliffs of the highlands, making sure that you end up suitably soggy. For experienced mountain bikers, there are loads of technical routes that provide a rewarding challenge, especially that through Glen Silgan on the Isle of Skye. In winter, skiing and snowboarding in Corie Dubhe and the surrounding areas rival anywhere in Europe for snow-loving thrill seekers.

Seclusion and Scenery

and relaxing, with mountain scenery and wildlife to enjoy as you paddle. You can also explore the loch islands by kayak, and see the birds and wildlife that exist on these secluded havens. More experienced kayakers can explore the Outer Hebrides on a weeklong adventure with an expert guide. Not sure about the effort involved in kayaking? For pure luxury and relaxation, book yourself onto a sailing boat and cruise around the islands with an experienced crew.

From strolling to hiking

Wherever you are in Scotland, exploring on foot is the best way to take in the scenery. Stroll around the historic streets of Edinburgh, hike in the highlands or take a coastal walk to the beaches and fishing villages of western Scotland. Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis is a great achievement for anyone seeking a hiking challenge, with routes for all levels and abilities. Alternatively, there are countless other well-maintained routes throughout the Highlands to ascend smaller peaks or walk around the glimmering lochs, which are hemmed by distinctly Scottish purples and greens.

Dubai: The Boys Are Back in Town

I looked out the window of the plane. All I could see was a bank of heavy clouds. I kept waiting for my first glimpse of Dubai. I thought it might look like Fritz Lang’s Metropolis. My guidebook calls the United Arab Emirate the land of great contrasts. From everything I have read about Dubai, that title seems kind of vague. However, maybe it is the social contrasts that my book is talking about. Dubai has become a playground for the wealthy and super-rich. Yes, there is a difference. Needless to say, not everyone is rich.

The infrastructure still has to be maintained, right? Honestly, I wanted to skip the Wild Wadi Waterpark and the indoor ski resort at the Mall of Emirates. The lads and I were heading to Dubai for camel races and the belly dancing. I am kidding, but I am still curious.

Excess or Innovation

There has been a lot of talk about Dubai’s manmade islands and seven-star hotels. The United Arab Emirate also has the tallest hotel in the world as well as the tallest skyscraper. While some people see these postmodern buildings as innovative, others view them as eyesores created by a powerful oil industry. However, the buzz is so strong that Westerners are flocking to Dubai in droves. The lads and I usually take a week off together to play golf in Scotland or the United States. However, this year we decided to be like those girls from Sex and the City and hop on a plane to Dubai. Ed is an architect. He is the one who put the trip together, so he is the official tour guide. Of course, I hope we do more than drool over buildings.

Gold Souk

The girls back in England are going to love us. The souk is a warren of small streets filled with stalls and mini-malls. Dubai is world renowned for its gold and diamonds. The souk is where all the great deals are. None of us is good at haggling, but we did our best. The idea is to look like you know what you are doing. We all of us got something for our girls back home, but I am sure that none of us got a deal.

The Desert Safari

It is time to do something manly. It is time to cruise the sand dunes. Part dune riding, part dune bashing, the desert safari is hot package amongst Westerners. A full day also includes a barbecue and traditional belly dancing. Seeing a fiery desert sunset and eating barbecue is a lot better than bogging through eighteen holes in Scotland. If only our wives could see us now.

River Cruises – The Romance of the Rhine

Water spirits, wild huntsman, dwarfs and gnomes: I was hoping to catch a glimpse of at least one mythical creature on my cruise down the river Rhine in Germany. I suppose I would have preferred a dwarf to a huntsman who chases departed spirits through the night sky, but I wasn’t fussy.

Nowhere in the world has such a rich tradition of folklore and mysticism than the Rhine region. Medieval castles, ancient forests and historic villages give the area a magical quality, and river cruises are the perfect way to experience it all just as so many explorers, leaders and warriors have done before.

River Cruise Rhine, Germany

The medieval town of Bamberg was our first port of call. Looking out into the distance, we could easily have travelled hundreds of years back in time (if it weren’t for the plastic frames of my glasses). The landscape here is wild and untamed, castles dotting the shore. I half expected to see the sun glinting off a knight’s armor, or hear merriment from a raucous banquet drifting on the wind. It certainly got me and my partner in the mood for playing maidens and knights.

Bamberg is a UNESCO world heritage site, and is beautifully preserved, avoiding all the negative aspects of modernization. The streets of the old town echo with history, leaning houses and weathered stone supported on painted wooden beams. Breweries and taverns occupy inviting medieval houses adorned with cute flower boxes, the four towers of the cathedral dominating the skyline. The famous smoked Raunchier is delicious, and best drunk from a pewter tankard, or golden goblet if you prefer.

This delightful town was the first of many on our trip. The villages we passed wouldn’t have been at all out of place in a book of fairytales, and indeed, this region is where many of the most enjoyed tales grew up. Milt Enberg’s half-timber houses are like something straight from the set of a medieval movie. These towns are best explored on foot, and Milt Enberg’s old quarter is the perfect size for this.

If asked where one might be able to enjoy a tour of a vineyard after a jaunt in a gondola, many folks might quickly proclaim, Italy! These are treats that can also be enjoyed on a Rhine tour during a trip to Wienerwald Heights. When I say gondola, here, I’m talking cable-car rather than boat, but it’s still just as romantic! Woodland, sweeping views, monuments and local ice cream ensured that this was one of the most memorable experiences on the cruise.

From the summit, we even got a photo of something small and bearded disappearing into a thicket of trees below. My partner, cynical as he is, has since tried to convince me it was a goat. Goats, my dear, don’t wear little red shoes…