Things to do

Canoeing, kayaking and rafting are activities on the increase with higher numbers of people taking part throughout the country. Although these sports seem somewhat inaccessible to a lot of people, they are easier to take part in than you might think. Andrew Cassidy has been going out onto lochs and rivers for the last two years with little more than an inflatable boat.

“I’ve got an inflatable kayak which I use on the rivers and lochs. I just go camping and then get out on the water and go out and paddle.

“Rivers are great because you can just float down and watch the world go by. Lochs are a bit different. When you are in the middle of the loch and you realise its just you and there is nothing else around, it’s a great experience, especially if you’ve got good hills and scenery around you.”

Getting involved is not the expensive exercise it once was. Inflatable rafts and kayaks usually sell for less than £100. Their relatively cheap cost compared to their more conventional counterparts means they are ideal for someone who is trying it out or is maybe just a casual participant.

Alex Bridge, another keen kayaker is an advocate of inflatable craft: “The boats themselves are pretty stable. Actual kayaks and rafts are better but the inflatable ones are more flexible in terms of transport. If I had the space and the transport I would get a proper kayak or raft but because I live in the city the inflatable option is really useful.”

In Scotland everyone has the right to roam so the vast majority of the countryside is accessible to the public.  “Part of the experience is being out of the city and enjoying it. Every time I have been boating I’ve had a great and memorable time.”

Of course, there are some safety precautions that must be taken. Always wear a buoyancy aid and helmet and never go out alone. Make sure you are prepared for the weather and if you are unsure then don’t go.

If going out on the water is not your thing then there are plenty of alternatives. Whether its hiking, mountain biking rock climbing or just going for a simple stroll the Scottish landscape is there to be savoured.