Quirky Winter Activities To Try In Scotland

In Scotland’s colder months, you could follow nature’s example and go into hibernation… but then you would miss out on all the wonderfully quirky winter activities that you can try in Scotland!
For those with a sense of adventure, there are some amazing things to do in winter in the great outdoors, some of which you might have never even imagined existed.
With so many events and activities to keep you occupied in the wintrier climes, we thought we’d help narrow it down for you and list some of the most unusual, perfect for a unique holiday or as part of a special weekend break. Here are just a few ideas of activities available in Scotland over the winter months.
1. SPOT WONDROUS WINTER WILDLIFE
Cameras at the ready! Scotland’s wildest residents are really something to see in the winter months. Graceful red deer stride across snow-dusted hillsides while elusive ptarmigan, pure white in colour, shelter in rocky crags high in the mountains of the Cairngorms. Head out on a wildlife tour with an expert guide for the best chances of sightings.
2. SCALE AN ICE WALL
Climbing in winter requires nerve and skill, but is an incredibly rewarding challenge. Get to grips with the basics at the Ice Factor. Located near Glencoe in Lochaber, it’s around two hours drive from our part of Scotland and offers indoor ice climbing sessions on the impressive 40 ft ice wall as well as outdoor winter skills courses. Once you’ve mastered the core techniques (and got the safety equipment) you could head out with a guide and try scaling some of the mountains of the West Highlands.
3. STRAP ON SOME SNOWSHOES
Walking and love the snow? Then snowshoeing is a must for you! Strap on a pair of snowshoes, grab some poles and get walking across blankets of pure white snow. It’s a magical way to explore snowy forest tracks and hillsides. Perthshire-based Mains of Taymouth organise snow shoeing trips or you could join C-N-Do Scotland on a guided expedition – their trips range from half day taster sessions in Callander in the Trossachs to two day excursions in the northern Cairngorms, and can provide the equipment too!
4. TAKE AIM ON THE ICE
Curling is on the list of the many great things that the Scots have invented, and when it comes to international curling competitions, our athletes have a tendency to do us proud. Play it for yourself and you will soon find that curling is a lot of fun! There are curling clubs at ice rinks across the country, from Dumfries in the south to Elgin in the Highlands. Sometimes, when a cold spell hits and lochs and ponds freeze over, curling is played outdoors. Why not get started by finding a taster session ?
5. PEDAL ACROSS SNOW AND SAND
Never heard of fat bikes, let us fill you in! Think of a mountain bike with oversized, wider tires designed for riding over soft terrains, such as snow, sand and bogs. Get the picture?! They are lots of fun and you can bike across surfaces that just wouldn’t usually be suitable for a normal off-road bicycle. Try it for yourself on a guided trip withFatBike Tours across the beautiful beaches of East Lothian, or rent a fat bike from Bothy Bikes in Aviemore and challenge yourself on snow-covered woodland trails.
6. RIDE ON A SLED DOG SAFARI
You might be surprised to know that there is quite the sled dog racing scene in Scotland, with popular rallies taking place in the winter months – Aviemore is even home to a designated centre for the sport! You can meet these hardworking canines at the kennels and sled dog museum or book a sled dog safari, training session or course with the Cairngorm Sleddog Centre. Is there a more awesome way to appreciate the snow-dusted Highlands than being whisked along by a husky team? Mush, mush!
7. SKI ACROSS MOUNTAINS
You probably know that you can enjoy snowsports at our five fantastic ski centres, but did you also know you can try ski touring? It’s an invigorating activity which combines mountaineering and skiing skills, and is a fantastic way to experience the untouched mountain backcountry of the Highlands. A few activity centres offer ski touring courses and guided tours in the majestic Cairngorms, including Glenmore Lodge and G2 Outdoor. Both of these operators are based near Aviemore in the Highlands, which can be reached from here by road in about 2 hours.
Feeling inspired for some serious chill time in Scotland? Then get planning a brilliant seasonal winter break!
For more information on what is available over the winter period here in central Scotland see the Visit Scotland website at https://www.visitscotland.com/.
Many of these suggestion shown here are within a two hour drive of any of our self-catering holiday cottages and having a go at any of these exciting winter activities would add some great memories to a winter break here in central Scotland.