Sports and leisure activities Scotland

Budget & Tips

Outdoor activities are numerous in Scotland and outdoor and adventure sports are a real institution. The national parks have seen the establishment of multi-purpose organizations offering sports excursions in the heart of nature. There is something for everyone, from canoeing and kayaking to mountain biking, hiking and river rafting. Adrenaline is at the rendezvous with rafting, canyoning, abseiling, climbing on icy walls... Did you know? You can even ski in Scotland, in Lochaber and Cairngorms National Park. In winter and summer, the offer is very large. Guides are also available for trekking and hiking to the most perilous peaks and ridges.

What's very local

Curling: The men's curling team is one of the best nations in the world, having won the European and World Championships many times. The same goes for the women's team. Curling is one of the most popular sports in the country.

Soccer: The world's most popular sport, soccer, was invented in England in the ^19th century. Scotland has the oldest soccer pitch in the world, Hampden Park in Glasgow, which has been in continuous use since its inception.

Rugby: As in England, rugby is an institution here. The history of this sport has its origins in the boarding schools where students were obliged to play the sport unless they had a medical certificate from the school doctor.

Shinty: This game, which appeared during the Celtic period, is similar to field hockey. It was used to calm the male ardor in a Scotland subjected to frequent clan wars. It is a rather virile sport which often causes injuries: it is possible here to raise the stick, or caman, above the hips.

Golf: Scotland is the home of golf. The sport was born here and the country has many courses. Most of them are open to visitors, sometimes with reservations, sometimes freely or at certain times. Each one has its own rules and customs. Some will require proper dress, a dress code and a minimum level (with a certificate) and others will welcome you without restriction, even if you are a beginner, with friends or family. Websites, tourist offices and local contacts will be able to give you all the information you need, in addition to some references from the Petit Futé.

Your documents please

Before going on a hike. Although the peaks are not at alpine heights, you should be alert to the dangers before embarking on a long mountain walk. Remember that the weather changes without warning in Scotland and one can quickly find oneself in clouds, fog or a storm. This makes orientation extremely difficult. Be aware of your abilities and limitations, keep in mind that the terrain can be very steep, muddy, difficult to find, and that a path drawn on a map may not be visible on the ground once you get there.
There are a few essential precautions to take, but don't worry too much. Everything will be fine if you are careful and you will be able to enjoy the unforgettable hikes that the country offers.

Take a map and a compass: this is the basic requirement for a trip into the wilderness. The map will show you the trails, the relief, the geographical and geological elements, the water points, the roads and the houses, etc. We particularly recommend the Ordonance Survey map, which you can often find in tourist offices, although it is safer to buy one beforehand. If a compass may seem unnecessary with a good map, think again. All it takes is a turn of events for you to lose sight of it at 10 meters. It is then crucial to know in which direction you are heading.

Know your route and its characteristics: the best thing is to study it the day before or even before, to have enough time to understand the difficulties and the particularities. This way, you will have as few surprises as possible when the time comes and you will avoid getting lost. Do not hesitate to ask for advice where you are staying, at the tourist offices or even from a restaurant owner or a local, as a last resort. They often know their territory well and know the traps to avoid. Some websites of enthusiasts offer detailed and illustrated itineraries, already done by other Internet users: www.walkhighlands.co.uk, and the very serious National Trust also gives the secrets of its most beautiful walks, in the areas it manages: www.nts.org.uk.

Tell someone and check the weather forecast: we can't say it enough, remember to check the weather conditions the night before and the morning of. They are sometimes posted in hostels and hotels. They post very detailed bulletins every day, including cloud heights, temperatures, wind strength and chance of precipitation. Before you leave, tell your hosts or someone where you will be going so that they know where to look for you if you don't come home at night... Some establishments have notebooks where you can fill in this information on a daily basis.

Be aware of the seasons and your equipment: it goes without saying that the conditions will not be the same in summer as in winter. In either case, it can be very hot or very cold and the mercury varies greatly depending on the altitude. Dress accordingly and remember to pack extra layers. It can rain every day of the year so be sure to pack something to cover up. Shoes are very important and simple sneakers will not be suitable for the mountainous terrain. Of course, remember to have something to eat and drink, but don't take on too much, you will have to carry your bag all day. Be careful in winter, night falls between 3:30 and 4:00 pm and the snow requires specialized equipment.

Scottish mountain rescue website: www.mountainrescuescotland.org (✆999).

To be booked

It will be preferable to book your activity in advance, as most of them are offered on specific time slots or according to the constitution of groups. Activity schedules may also change according to weather conditions.

Main events

The Highland Games, also known as Highland Gatherings, combine traditional sporting events, music competitions and folk dances. Their history dates back to the Middle Ages. At that time, it was a matter of the king or the chief of the clan choosing the men of his guard, today prizes are awarded to the winners. Bagpipes and multicolored kilts give a picturesque character to those which often take place in a grandiose setting. Several hundred events are organized each year, from May to September, throughout Scotland. The most popular is the one in Braemer in Aberdeenshire. Since the presence of Queen Victoria in 1848, this festival has received royal patronage.