Scotland has some of the best natural locations for outdoor
pursuits from the lowland hills in the borders to the alpine style
mountains of the Cuillins. The mountain biking, surfing and
climbing are second to none and there is brilliant sailing,
canoeing and kayaking around the country. With excellent activity
providers in most areas, it’s never been easier to learn and
develop skills. Also, the Right to Roam legislation in Scotland
allows access (subject to the Outdoor Access Code) to the wildest
and most dramatic landscapes in the country.
Watersports
Beautiful white sandy beaches on the East Coast and
North of Scotland lend themselves to surfing, body boarding and
kayak surfing and powerful waves from the Atlantic sea expose areas
such as Thurso and the Western Isles to some of the most fantastic
surfing in the whole of Europe. With activity providers and
equipment hire locally try surfing from our hostel at John O’
Groats and the east coasts not far from Edinburgh Central
hostel. SYHA also has affiliated Hostels in Thurso and on the
Isle of Lewis, both good surfing areas.
With literally thousands of wrecks littered around the coast of
Scotland and its islands, you will find some of the best wreck and
scenic diving. Experience swimming with the seal pups in the Farne
Islands or exploring the scuttled German High Seas Fleet from World
War 1 at Scapa Flow.
For the best diving try our hostels in Oban, Tobermory, Skye,
Kirkwall and Ullapool.
The sea lochs on the West coast and the Inner Hebrides provide some
of the most remarkable sea kayaking in the UK. With breathtaking
scenery, dramatic backdrops and shelter from the force of the
Atlantic, these waterways are ideal for exploring and discovering
the coastline and islands. Inland lochs and rivers are equally
popular for watersports such as canoeing, power boating and
windsurfing. And the fast flowing mountain rivers are great for
white water kayaking and rafting. Try Glencoe, the Outer Hebrides,
River Etive, Perthshire and the Great Glen Way for excellent
spots. We have Hostels in Glencoe and Pitlochry and
affiliated hostels in the Outer Hebrides.
Winter Sports
From the glistening peaks of the Cairngorms, to the
snow capped Cuillin mountains, winter is one of the most
breathtaking and exiting seasons in Scotland with opportunities for
skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing and mountaineering. We have
hostels handy for Scotland’s main winter sports areas in Glenshee,
The Lecht, Glencoe, Cairngorms and the Nevis range.
Braemar Youth Hostel is only 15 minutes away by road to
Glenshee, the most extensive ski area in Scotland, and 30 minutes
from the Lecht. With great facilities it’s a popular choice with
families.
Aviemore Youth Hostel is close to Scotland’s most popular winter
sports centre, the Cairngorms. The hostel provides comfortable
accommodation only five minutes from the town centre making it an
ideal location for all your apres-ski activities!
Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel is situated in the heart of the
Cairngorms National Park, just two miles from the Cairngorm Ski
area. The Hostel offers good facilities and great views of the
Northern Corries!
Glencoe Youth Hostel provides the perfect base for skiers,
walkers and climbers. Close to Scotland’s first ski centre, the
hostel is a firm favourite.
Glen Nevis Youth Hostel is renowned with ice climbers and winter
hill walkers and is only a short distance from the acclaimed ski
slopes of Aonach Mor in the Nevis Range. Good facilities and expert
local advice.
