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.

Adventure Travel Trade Association

SYHA Hostelling Scotland is now also proudly a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association.

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