Aberfeldy August 25 and 26

ALL THE thrills and spills of getting out into Aberfeldy’s stunning surroundings will be showcased at the first Highland Perthshire’s Adventure Festival over the weekend of August 25 and 26. The action-packed weekend offers 42 activity sessions to families and individuals aged eight and up and the festival aims to let people from Perthshire, Tayside and Fife know about the fantastic range of outdoor activities which is available right on their doorsteps.

Participants will have the opportunity to try out canoeing, climbing, gorge walking, guided walking, kayaking, mountain biking and open water swimming in a safe environment with expert tuition and guidance from qualified instructors. All of the technical equipment required for taking part in the activities is provided, including wetsuits, flotation aids and helmets where appropriate.

Whether you take to the water, get into the saddle or decide to explore on foot, the weekend’s events will get you and your family right into the heart of the beautiful Perthshire countryside, with experts on hand to give you an insight into the area’s adventure potential.

2012 is the first year of the festival and it is hoped that it will become an annual event, bringing people into the area to find out more about what they can do in the great outdoors, stay in locally run accommodation and eat in local cafes and restaurants. This year’s activity programme is being run by Perth & Kinross Council’s Outdoor Education Team with partners Live Active Leisure and Highland Perthshire Cycling. For anyone who gets hooked on the sport they try out and is keen to come back for more, there is a whole host of companies offering adventure activities in the Aberfeldy area.

Some of the sessions will be perfect for families who are in search of a little guidance for taking the kids into the great outdoors. On the Saturday afternoon, a group and family safety canoe session would be ideal for anyone who is new to the sport or who wants to feel confident taking their kids out on the water.

Gorge walking looks set to be a popular choice, with three sessions available for those who fancy the idea of splashing, sliding and jumping their way through a river gorge. Levels of difficulty can be tailored to individual groups or participants meaning that it is great fun and challenging for young and older adventurers alike.

The festival will be based at Breadalbane Community Campus, where participants can register for the event and get kitted out for their chosen activities.

The campus will be a hive of activity over the two days and the family friendly festival will include the chance to use the campus swimming pool and there will be a bouncy castle to help keep the little ones entertained. There will also be inspirational talks and presentations aimed at inspiring people to get active in the Scottish countryside.

Highland Perthshire’s Adventure Festival runs from August 25 to 26. For more information and to book activities, contact 01738 472236 or email

Activities cost from £15 (adult) or £12.50 (child) per session or £100 for a family of four for the weekend.