10 great outdoor adventures

WITH the new version of Swallows and Amazons delighting cinemagoers, thoughts turn to childhood adventures and enjoying the thrill of being outdoors.

The school holidays may be over but there are still plenty of light nights and weekends to get out and have an adventure of your own.

One place that encapsulates all that is great about the countryside is Glenmore Forest in the Cairngorms.

Surrounding Loch Morlich, the forest is dominated by the Northern Corries which form a dramatic barrier of rock to some of the highest land in Scotland.

The loch itself is far more tranquil and backed with pinewoods, which are perfect for building dens, playing hideand-seek or trying to spot wildlife including pine martens.

As well as more canoes and kayaks, proper old-fashioned rowing boats can be hired to allow you to get out on the water.

But remember that although they look like a throwback to the time that Swallows and Amazons’ author Arthur Ransome was writing, they are quite a heavy proposition to row, meaning mum and dad may have to do most of the work.

Trails for all abilities – from high mountains to low level rambles – make it possible to walk without too much fear of getting lost, even if you let the children use the map to guide you.

Mountain bikes are another great way to explore the forest – follow the tracks far from car parks, find a clearing to enjoy a picnic, explore and play between the Caledonian pines.

You can camp near the loch but for a “wilder” experience, the Ryvoan Bothy is a good place to spend the night.

There is no electricity but an open fire will provide warmth as you settle into the little stone-built hut standing alone amid the mountains. It lies a couple of miles along a well-marked trail but, once the sun has set, any signs of mankind disappear. If you are lucky, an evening of stargazing will entrance the whole family.

This area also has its own reindeer herd, introduced in 1952 by Mikel Utsi and his wife Dr Ethel Lindgren, 800 years after the last record of the animal in Scotland.

From a start with two bulls and five cows brought from Sweden, the herd is now 150-strong and seeing them on the open hillside can make any walk even more magical.

For a taste of true adventure, Glenmore Lodge is a good place to head. Since 1947 this place has trained everyone from climbers of Everest to holidaymakers wanting to learn about navigation.

Its courses cover adrenaline-inducing activities from rock and ice climbing to canoeing and hiking.