Canyoning

Why do it: For an exhilarating white-water ride through gorges and waterfalls, running over slabs of rock and jumping off small cliffs into deep pools.

Where to go: Hebridean Pursuits, Connel, Oban, 01631 710317 or www.hebrideanpursuits.com

Anything else: Hebridean Pursuits offers a range of activities, including mountain climbing, sea kayaking, sailing and coasteering, that can be tried either in a single day or over a multiple-day holiday.

Cost: Canyoning is £50 per person.

Where to stay: Fort William and Oban have plenty of accommodation on offer. For details, see www.visitscotland.com

Family rafting

Why do it: This is “gentle” whitewater rafting for families with young children (eight years old and over). It might not be as adrenaline-fuelled as the grown-up version, but still provides a great adventure on the River Tay.

Where to go: Nae Limits, near Pitlochry, Perthshire, 01350 727242 or www.naelimits.co.uk

Anything else: Nae Limits offers family rafting as part of a three-day “Wet and Dry” package. You can also try quad biking, pony trekking and mountain biking.

Cost: Three-day package costs £195 per person, including lunch on two days but excluding accommodation.

Where to stay: Self-catering at Ericht Holiday Lodges, Blairgowrie, 01250 874686 or www.ericht.co.uk

Mountain boarding

Why do it: Mountain boarding is like snowboarding but on wheels down grassy hills.

The whole family can learn how to ride, turn and stop. Suitable for ages six and up. Where to go: Arran Adventure, Brodick, Arran, 01770 302244 or www.arranadventure.com

Anything else: Abseiling, archery, climbing, mountain biking, orienteering, power kiting, sea kayaking and trailquesting.

Cost: Two hours of mountain boarding for adults is £25, children £12.50.

Where to stay: Auchrannie Resort, Brodick, 01770 302234 or www.auchrannie.co.uk (there is also an Arran Adventure base, Adventure@auchrannie); Glenartney Hotel, Brodick, 01770 302 220 or www.glenartney-arran.co.uk

Sled-dog safari

Why do it: Take off at speed for a muddy adventure as you’re pulled along trails in the Cairngorms by 12 dogs. The three-hour trip includes a bush camp stop where participants can help feed the dogs.

Where to go: Cairngorm Sleddog Adventure Centre, Rothiemurchus, near Aviemore. See www.sled-dogs.co.uk

Anything else: Various sled-dog trips plus a kennel tour.

Cost: Maximum group of four on sled-dog safari is £150 for adults, £75 for children.

Accommodation: Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort, 0845 6083734; Hilton Coylumbridge hotel, 01479 810661 or www.hilton.co.uk/coylumbridge; Aviemore Bunkhouse, 01479 811181 or www.aviemore-bunkhouse.com.

Surfing

Why do it: After just a couple of hours’ tuition, most people will be riding the waves on a beginner surfboard. Standing up takes a little longer, but even lying flat on a board as you speed to the shore is thrilling. Modern wetsuits are efficient at keeping you warm.

Where to go: Coast2Coast Surf School, 07971 990361 or www.2cadventure.com

Anything else: There are also sessions for intermediate surfers.

Cost: A two- or three-day surf break, including wetsuit, board hire and tuition, based on two adults and two children, is £99 until November 26, excluding accommodation.

Where to stay: The Barns Ness Hotel, Dunbar, 01368 863231; Woodside B&B, Belhaven, Dunbar, 01368 862384 (children over seven only).

Trailblazing

Why do it: Children as young as six will get to grips with mountain biking the Blue Fun Park route at Laggan Wolftrax. It’s 3.2km long and has features such as table tops and gap jumps. If at any point it gets a bit tough, there’s an option to freewheel.

Where to go: Base Camp MBT, Strathmashie Forest, Laggan, Newtonmore, 01528 544786 or www.basecampmtb.com

Anything else: Longer bike trails or purpose-built trekking paths. Further details from Haflinger Pony Trekking, 01528 544333.

Cost: The trails are free. Bikes can be hired at Base Camp MBT: £18 a day for adults; £12 for children.

Where to stay: Laggan Country Hotel, Laggan, 01528 544250.

Times Recommends

• Milk: do we need a dairy godmother?
• DIY: the women doing it for themselves
• First double portrait of Princes unveiled