Top 5 Scottish outdoors Christmas gift ideas

Perhaps Mountain biking might be an idea? Picture: Ian Rutherford

WE ALL know those outdoorsy types who favours a bit of the rough stuff. From mountainous cycling safaris to wilderness days for the kids, we’re here to help you make sure you give them a natural high this Christmas with our Top 5 gifts of outside adventure.

1. Drop at the Top cycling safari

This one day cycling experience near Aberfeldy offers mountain bike enthusiasts Land Rover transport to the top of the hills for a minimal effort, maximum fun, self-guided journey down the slopes. Armed with a route map, nature notes and a freshly prepared picnic, cyclists can enjoy the exhilarating descent from a choice of four Highland Perthshire peaks at their leisure, breaking from the forest roads and craggy tracks to admire unspoilt, panoramic views and catch a glimpse of the local wildlife.

Available from: http://www.highlandsafaris.net/leisure/our-safaris/cycling-safaris

2. Scottish Canyoning

Canyoning is fast becoming one of the most extreme outdoor adrenaline activities that our country has to offer. Scotland’s mountainous rivers and ravines make it the perfect location for this bigger and better brother of gorge walking and eager dare devils are sure to be pushed to their very limits in a water and rock adventure of abseiling, jumping, sliding and scrambling their way down a range of ancient and epic falls.

Available from: http://www.canyoningscotland.com/index.html

3. Big Five wildlife safari

Two young Red deer stags practice their rutting in the long grass. Picture: PA

The vast wilderness landscapes of Scotland are populated by countless species of astonishing wildlife. This full day safari tour focuses on getting avid explorers up close and personal with the “Big Five” of red deer, golden eagle, harbour seal, red squirrel and otter. The tour begins with a two hour one-way cruise across Loch Shiel to Acharacle, before visiting the Garbh Eilean wildlife hide and ending with a Corran ferry crossing, all the while accompanied by expert guides on the country’s most iconic animals.

Available from http://www.wild-scotland.org.uk/member/66/wild-west

4. Wilderness day for the kids

Treat the little adventurers in your life to an experience of the best of what Scotland’s wildlife and wilderness has to offer in this action packed day of water and land fun in Perthshire. The day begins with a gentle river raft journey and a lesson in hydrology, geography and geology, followed by a master class in bush craft skills and outdoor cooking in the forest before the wee beasts are unleashed to round off the afternoon with some tree climbing and zip-line rope woodland fun.

Available from: http://www.naelimits.co.uk/wee-limits/

5. Field sports package

Scotland’s stunning scenery and wide open spaces have consecrated its reputation as a prime location for a diverse range of field sports. This two hour experience brings together a combination of these most popular action-packed activities and gives competitors an opportunity to test their skills in the field while making the most of the surrounding countryside. Under professional instruction and mentoring, participants can perfect their aim with Olympic range air rifle and clay pigeon shooting and practice the age-old and elegant sport of archery.

Available from: http://www.giftexperiencescotland.com