The adventure of a lifetime in Scotland

VisitScotland Regional leadership Director Paula Ward talks about some of her favourite adventures in Scotland and why the country is such a popular destination for adventure tourism, ahead of the International Adventure Conference in Dumfries & Galloway.  

I love the great outdoors. I am fortunate to live in rural Dumfries & Galloway with its abundance of stunning mountains, accessible cycling and walking routes, dramatic coastline and deep forests on my doorstep. I love to get out into the great outdoors and get my heart pumping, at the same time as appreciating the beautiful country that we live in.

Last summer, I walked the West Highland Way with a group of friends. I love to cycle – there is no better feeling than whizzing down a track and the crunch of the tyres and the mud all over my face! I have also been lucky enough to enjoy wild-camping, kayaking and experience Scotland’s highest 3G swing (absolutely terrifying!!).

I am also the proud owner of a 1987 Volkswagon Holdsworth Transporter, or Dee Dee our loyal campervan that has allowed us to experience many an adventure over the years. We have travelled the country far and wide. I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy a stunning sunset at the top of an incredible climb on a four-day Knoydart expedition, a stunning wintry sunrise on Christmas morning on a peaceful Castle Loch at Lochmaben, cooking over a campfire whilst enjoying the view of Holy Isle whilst on a micro-adventure weekend to Arran and seeing the darkest skies while parked up at Clatteringshaws for the night.

 I’m not alone in enjoying the best of what Scotland has to offer. Adventure tourism is defined as a ‘trip that includes at least two of the following elements: physical activity, natural environment and cultural immersion.*’

Forty-one percent of domestic trips to Scotland involve some sort of active outdoor pursuit, and 45% of visitors take part in an outdoor activity**. When you see the list of activities associated with ‘adventure tourism’ it is no surprise that Scotland lends itself so well to the sector! Climbing, backpacking, birdwatching, camping, canoeing, fishing, horse riding and trekking are just some of the examples. Not to mention archaeological expeditions, skiing, safaris and surfing. Eco-tourism and volunteer tourism are other activities associated with adventure tourism.

Later this month, the International Adventure Conference comes back to Scotland and the host destination for this year event is the stunning Dumfries & Galloway. As part of this conference, adventure tourism businesses from across Scotland are being invited to a dedicated practitioner day, to hear from a whole host of world leaders and industry experts.

The practitioner day – on Tuesday June 18th – promises to be an interesting and informative day, helping to cement Scotland’s reputation as a world-leading destination for adventure tourism – a country that makes the most of its natural assets at the same time as safeguarding their magic for future generations.

 For more information on the International Adventure Conference, visit: https://www.iac2019.co.uk/

I hope you enjoy your next adventure in Scotland!

*The UNWTO Global report on Adventure Tourism 2014

**GBTS 2017