Pay less, experience more! Some unusual outdoor activities for families with great value accommodation at Scottish Independent Hostels

From snorkelling and gorge walking to night mountain bike riding, tree climbing and photo-stalking, Scottish Independent Hostels offers amazing outdoor experiences for families.

Hostelling is an affordable way to experience all the outdoor activities in Scotland from the more common, such as walking, cycling and kayaking to the more unusual.  Scottish Independent Hostels has 130 members throughout Scotland located in the most idyllic locations.  Here are a few suggestions on how to pay less but experience more with a Scottish Independent Hostel! 

Snorkelling in the Sound of Mull with Lochaline Dive Centre

For those who have never snorkelled before or those who want to develop your skills, Lochaline Dive Centre offer Snorkel Experience Courses with a BSAC Snorkel Instructor in the sheltered, open water of the Sound of Mull. Lochaline Beach and the reef in shallow water provides the perfect location for beginner snorkelers with equipment provided. A 2 hour slot is £30.00 pp including equipment; ensuite double bunkrooms are £30.00 pppn.

For more information on snorkelling, diving and wildlife boat trips phone 01967 421627;  email dive@lochalinedivecentre.co.uk. www.lochalinedivecentre.co.uk

Gorge walking in the Cairngorms

Craggan Oudoors offer an exhilarating experience in a stunning little gorge in the Cairngorms to wade, swim, scramble and clamber up small waterfalls, gullies and chutes until reaching the plunge pool at the top of the gorge. Group size is up to 16 people from £43.00 per person, depending upon the size of group.  Affordable accommodation is available at Ardenbeg Bunkhouse from £16.50 pppn

For more information on all activities on offer phone info@cragganoutdoors.co.uk or call 01479 873283. www.cragganoutdoors.co.uk

A night-ride mountain biking tour in Galloway Forest Park

Galloway Activity Centre, in the “dark skies” area of Galloway Forest Park, offers mountain biking tours at night which includes a boat ride across Loch Ken. This is tour is also available as a bespoke package tailored for groups.  The Mountain Biking Tour with boat trip is also available during the day time which includes visiting the secret site of the cages where red kites were introduced to the area in 2009. Price is £25.00 per person for a half day.  Accommodation is available at the Bunkhouse from £17.00 pppn

For more information on all activities on offer call 01556502011  or email gac@lochken.co.uk  www.lochken.co.uk

Photo-stalking in Ardnamurchan

Armed with only a camera and accompanied by an experienced wildlife guide, take to the hills of Ardnamurchan in search of “The Monarch of the Glen”; the red deer stag.  There will be the opportunity to photograph other wildlife along the way from hen harriers, golden eagles and more.  Ardnamurchan Bunkhouse also offer wildlife tours for daytime, twilight and night time to see Scotland's amazing wildlife.

To find out more, call 01972500742  admin@theardnamurchanbunkhouse.co.uk  www.theardnamurchanbunkhouse.co.uk

A treetop challenge in Glenshee

Remember how much fun it was to climb a tree? The whole family can try the high ropes challenge at Gulabin Lodge Outdoor Centre including a big tree climb, a scramble net climb, a trapeze jump, Jacobs ladder and an aerial runway.  The price for the high ropes challenge is £30.00 per person with a private room for a family of 5 costing £80.00 per night.
To find out more about all the activities on offer, phone 01250 885 255, email info@gulabinlodge.co.uk

www.gulabinoutdoors.co.uk

Kayak to the islands on Loch Lomond and look out for wallabies!

Balmaha Bunkhouse offers kayak hire to small groups from the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Visit many of the idyllic small isles of Loch Lomond with the option to go ashore at a privately owned island for a secluded picnic, or paddle to the Island of Inchconnachen to spot the Loch Lomond wallabies.  Hire of a kayak for a day is £25 for a double and £20 for a single open top Osprey kayak

Bunkhouse accommodation, dorms, twin and family room is available from just £20.00 pppn

To find out more call 01360 870218  email: jock@balmahahouse.co.uk www.balmahahouse.co.uk

Mountain biking - from kids to adrenalin junkies -  in Highland Perthshire

Comrie Croft Mountain Bike Trail & Hire Centre is at the top of their 230 acre estate comprising of 16km of natural & hand built mountain bike trails graded from blue (family friendly) to black (technical but adrenalin rushingly fun).  There is also a skills and fun park to practice jumps & tricks or for the very youngest ones. Prices are £20 per person including bike and safety equipment hire, plus £100 for a trail guide for groups. Dorms, single, double, family rooms and ensuite all available onsite from £18.00 - £30.00 pppn

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To find out more call 01764 670 140  email info@comriecroft.com  www.comriecroft.com

For more information on Scottish Independent Hostels or individual hostel members phone Margaret Matthew on 07764768067 sih@hostel-scotland.co.uk  or visit www.hostel-scotland.co.uk  (The “Accommodation Search” on the website is an excellent tool for identifying a low cost, great experience trip.)

Free accommodation is on offer at Scottish Independent Hostels members to travel writers for a confirmed article or commission

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