Here and wow

You needn’t go far to satisfy your sense of adventure. All kinds of thrills and spills await on your own doorstep.

Have you been yearning for an adventure but find you don’t have a lot of time? Then throw yourself into a microadventure. It’s a way to escape and have fun without travelling far that will still leave you feeling inspired, energised and enthused.

The term was coined by National Geographic adventurer Alastair Humphreys, who defines microadventures as cheap, simple expeditions and challenges which are close to home, affordable and easy to organise.

It could be an over-a-weekend experience, or even just a day-long activity – pitching a tent in nearby woods or exploring somewhere new counts too. It’s really up to you what shape your jaunt will take.

So reawaken the adventurer in you, grab a friend, find a map and get out there and enjoy all of the rewards that a local microadventure can bring.

Here are just a few suggestions for where to begin.

Unwind among the glens of Angus, where you can breathe in the delicate scent of grass and hear the tumbling sound of water in the high burns. Take in the natural beauty of Glen Clova, look out for ospreys in Glen Isla, spot eagles in Glen Doll, or uncover lesser-known glens hidden away behind a maze of country roads.

Take a day road trip around Angus and see the mysterious Pictish stones scattered along the Angus Pictish Trail, or eat your way around the Arbroath Smokie Trail and discover the history of this regional delicacy. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy al fresco dining on the beach at charming Broughty Ferry – home to a 16th Century castle and quaint fishermen’s cottages – or munch on delicious food at the top of an extinct volcano, the Dundee Law, right in the heart of the city.

Do you fancy a trip down the history line? At Verdant Works, the smell of the raw jute and the deafening roar and rattle of the original restored machinery will transport you back more than 100 years to an era when life in Dundee revolved around jute.

How about taking your appreciation for food and drink to the next level and heading straight to its source?

Embark on a sensory exploration at Eden Mill near St Andrews, or get a taste of sunshine, country air and fresh summer fruit at Cairnie Fruit Farm near Cupar.

Stroll along the meandering Fife Coastal Path through the picturesque fishing villages of the East Neuk, along rugged cliffs, award-winning beaches and beautiful wildlife reserves.

Challenge yourself and complete the path in full or tackle it in bite-size sections. What will it be?

Revive your senses on an invigorating walk under the canopies of the magnificent woodlands of the Hermitage or Falls of Bruar, or bag your first Munro and revel in the soothing silence at 3,398ft on the top of Schiehallion – priceless.

Learning about self-reliance and survival skills with Bushcraft Skills at Action Glen in Crieff is an invaluable experience.

Practise fire lighting using various friction techniques, build a trap or shelter, forage for food and pick up natural navigation skills.

A stunning stretch of the Fife Coastal Path at St Monans.