The Outdoor Type Three must-try open air activities

THREE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR SUMMER

Whether energy levels are through the roof or you’re more of the chilled, cultural kind, these three great activities will be hot favourites with the whole family when a day out at the beach just won’t do.

1

MAKE A SPLASH

The whole pool to yourself. Tick. Heated to deal with the temperamental Scottish weather. Tick. Bespoke and beautifully designed. Tick. Part of the permanent collection of artwork at Jupiter Artland, Gateway is a stunning and colourful piece of art, designed by artist Joana Vasconcelos and made of 11,366 hand-painted and glazed Portuguese tiles and, as much as it’s a delight to look at, it’s also a fully-functioning nine metre swimming pool. So, if you’d like to claim that you’ve swam in a piece of art, the daddy of all swimming pools is open for private bathing sessions for groups of up to six. It costs £60 on top of the general admission price for a one-hour session (which includes changing and a half hour swim time) and it’s the kind of thing that memories are made of. Pure joy.

Gateway at Jupiter Artland, www.jupiterartland.org/ sessions/joana-vasconcelos-gateway-bathing-session/

2

TEST YOUR FEAR OF HEIGHTS

Just when you thought Dalkeith Country Park had done all they could with its services to parents (all hail the mighty Fort Douglas), they’ve taken it to the next level with the first Go Ape in Edinburgh; a journey through the treetops, crossing wobbly bridges, whizzing down zip lines and experiencing fear and joy simultaneously. Go Ape has nailed the treetop adventure market and, as a family experience, it’s a brilliant and fun way of hanging out (literally) with your children, or if you prefer an adult experience go with some pals. There are three levels of courses, Adventure, £20, for children over 1 metre tall and more than six years-old, Adventure Plus, £23, for children over 1.2metres tall with a SOLO zip, and Challenge, £33, the most adventurous for those over 1.4 metres tall and suits adult groups as well as older children. Believe us, the river zipline is a total thrill.

Go Ape, Dalkeith Country Park Via King’s Gate, EH22 1ST, www.goape.co.uk/dalkeith

3

GET DOWN AND DIRTY

Who knew that the grounds of Winton Castle in East Lothian is home to an amazing and exhilarating, mile long assault course that’ll have your heart pumping and adrenaline rushing in no time. If you like tunnels and a bit of mud and water thrown in with your activities the Scottish Assault courses is the place to be. It’s not a race against the clock to complete the course, it’s an instructor led activity that guarantees a fun day out for kids, corporates and groups of friends of all ages. You’ll be shown how to scramble over nets, commando crawl through tunnels, and scale tyre walls before tackling everyone’s favourite part, the water pit. We say just bring with you a brave heart… and maybe a spot of camouflage for the laugh.

Scottish Assault Courses, Winton Castle, Pencaitland, East Lothian, EH34 5AT www.scottishassaultcourses.com/edinburgh.html