My Scotland: Family adventures in the great outdoors with Siobhan Martin

Siobhan Martin enjoying a dip. Image: Siobhan Martin

Mum-of-three Siobhan Martin is always looking for new outdoor adventures for her family.

Based near Stirling, the family can often be found walking, wild swimming and paddle boarding.

We asked Siobhan for her favourite places to enjoy the great outdoors.

The Ochil Hills

Cool off beneath a hidden waterfall. Image: Siobhan Martin

For the more energetic adventurers, there is a lesser known and in my view, underappreciated range of hills located in the Forth Valley area of Scotland. These are the Ochil Hills. Born and bred in Clackmannanshire myself, I’ve been guilty in the past of overlooking these beauties, but in recent years have started exploring all they have to offer.

The highest summit in the Ochils is Ben Cleuch, sitting at 721m. A great 9.7 km hike to tick off this highest peak along with two others is the Ben Cleuch circular route, starting from Tillicoultry glen.

You can even cool down after a hard day in the hills, in a stunning dipping spot in one of the many glens.

Lake of Menteith

Sunset paddle board anyone? Image: Siobhan Martin

If you are looking for the ideal location for a leisurely paddle by board or kayak, Scotland’s only ‘lake’ won’t disappoint! Lake of Menteith in Stirlingshire sits pretty amongst the Trossachs’ hills and forests, making it a sheltered spot for a relaxing paddle. It’s even more beautiful to visit as the sun sets.

With its very gradual depth change, it can be a great route along the shore line for more nervous paddlers or families who are teaching kids to paddle. If the deeper water is more your thing, Lake of Menteith is the site of a couple of little islands to circle, including the home of the 13th century Inchmahome Priory, operated by Historic Scotland.

Even if you don’t want to get wet, grab a camping chair and a snack to enjoy on the shore and soak up all this beauty spot has to offer!

Isle of Skye

Loch Coruisk is a must-visit. Image: Siobhan Martin

Skye is an outdoor lover’s paradise with its dramatic scenery to walk, swim, hike and relax in. Quiet spots on this island, particularly in peak season, can be difficult to come by but one by far stands out for me. Take a trip on the Misty Isle Boat Tour from the seaside village of Elgol, in the southwest of the island, and journey over the sea to Loch Coruisk.

We opted for the standard 3 hour tour, which treats you to sights of Canna, Rum and Eigg in the distance and, if you’re lucky, an abundance of sea life on route before coming to shore by the beautiful Loch Coruisk, hidden within the Black Cuillins.

We had 1.5 hours on shore, which was plenty time to have a picnic by the loch with the kids and admire the view before making the trip back to Elgol. I could have spent much longer there though!

For more travel tips, follow Siobhan at @martinclanventures on Instagram.