Active Outdoor Pursuits
Active Outdoor Pursuits
4.5
River Rafting & TubingCanyoning & Rappelling ToursWalking ToursClimbing ToursKayaking & Canoeing
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
About
Active Outdoor Pursuits was founded in 1999 by it’s owners Roy & Sophia Gibson. They share a love of the outdoors, a passion for Scotland’s landscapes, history, culture and wild places but most of all, we love sharing this with others. For 20 years Active Outdoor Pursuits has had the pleasure of witnessing the fun, exhilaration, personal growth and challenge that so many people from every background experience when pursuing outdoor adventures. Many have used Active to simply experience the thrill the outdoors can provide or to gain a deeper appreciation of our environment. Some have come to learn and develop new skills or start a new career on an Outdoor Instructor Training Course, some come for an outdoor learning experience with their School or College, an experience every young person should have, some come to explore new places while others come to find themselves! This is the vision we set out to achieve…helping people to experience their own unique adventures.
Aviemore, Aviemore and the Cairngorms, Scotland
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
61 reviews
Excellent
48
Very good
4
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
4
Paula Mellor
3 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Fantastic day out for all the family. The instructors ( Freddie and Rory I think- sorry if this is wrong) were very friendly and enthusiastic, they understood the needs of our group, the ones who were a bit more adventurous and the ones who wanted to enjoy the scenery. The weather was gloriously hot, not ideal for white water rafting but this didn't take away from the overall experience. The company were attentive, quick to respond to emails, professional and we felt we were in very safe hands. As a group of 16 we booked various activities over 3 days and we were not disappointed. Would thoroughly recommend this company. Thank you.
Written 16 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sharon c
49 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
Beginners ski lesson for me and my teen. First time we have done this and because of the late season this year due to no snow and it being half term, the other companies were all charging around 200 quid for 2 hours plus we’d have to arrive early at either glenshee or cairngorm to beat the crowds for a ski pass and equipment. Not appealing with a teenager to hoik out of bed. This company sensibly teach at lecht because of these reasons and it’s perfect as no queues and really good beginner areas. They also provide all the equipment and ski pass , so no need to have to wait over an hour for ski hire at the lecht Centre which seems notoriously slow at kitting people out. One woman missed her ski lesson because of their delays in the ski Centre, which is avoided by giving your correct shoe and body size in advance with active outdoor pursuits. We had a brilliant instructor , Liam who was friendly and got me and my son up and skiing pretty quickly. I would highly recommend this service if you’ve never skied before. They make everything easy from booking with the lovely staff there through to getting on the slope. As we were a small group today, Liam noticed my son wasn’t stopping quite right so he gave him one to one for a while to get
Him to master it which I really appreciated. He worked out what we all needed all day to improve and it felt more like private tuition at
Times for all of us. Brilliant day we will never forget . We even got some of our final goes filmed for a lovely keepsake by the instructor
Him to master it which I really appreciated. He worked out what we all needed all day to improve and it felt more like private tuition at
Times for all of us. Brilliant day we will never forget . We even got some of our final goes filmed for a lovely keepsake by the instructor
Written 23 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ross
Allanton, UK5 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Absolutely fantastic day out with my wife and teenage daughters - an experience that I'd highly recommend! There's something for everyone, exploring a gorge in ways that you'd never normally get to. We particularly liked the gorge jumping and particularly the high one which must have been from 8 - 10m up. Both our guides (Leanne) were excellent and made everyone feel very comfortable - would definitely recommend giving it a go with the guys from Active Outdoor Pursuits
Written 3 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelvic114
Peterborough, UK137 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
Everything before setting off on the trip was made easy by the company. Gethin and Aowyn in the office were super helpful. The admin was kept to a minimum and the forms and disclaimers, payment arrangements were straightforward. The trip wasn’t on one of the advertised dates and was set up especially for us, and we are grateful for them doing this.
On arrival on Day 1 we were met by our guides and given a very quick briefing and then we were off to the vehicles and canoes. This was ideal for our group who could have become bored with formal briefings etc.
On arrival at the water good care was taken to make sure everyone was familiar with the kit, methods and the river and its safety requirements.
Our guides, Jack and Edie were both very good canoeists and guides as well as being cheerful, laid back and good company. They were safety conscious but not over-bearingly so. They recognised we were up for a bit of a challenge and served this up in a very controlled way. All our group would like to thank them for all they did for us.
All the kit by and large was in good clean order. The vehicles the centre own were new and the canoes too, so the company appears to be well-invested in. The camping stores were in good condition, although the tent pegs need straightening or replacing! The rations provided were very wholesome and good. Perhaps some consideration should be given to items in tubes rather than jars as some of the coffee jars and peanut butter etc is a bit cumbersome - even when transported in the containers?
The cooking stores were the only thing that perhaps need looking at. The Trangia stoves appear a bit near end of life and one didn’t work at all, but all other equipment was very good.
The canoeing itself provided plenty of challenge for a mixed age group like ours. The trip was 5 days of about 6 hours’ canoeing each. We punctuated the trip with a couple of pub visits and a distillery tour which Jack and Edie were happy to facilitate.
Once again I’d like to thank all the staff for allowing us to have an excellent trip!!
On arrival on Day 1 we were met by our guides and given a very quick briefing and then we were off to the vehicles and canoes. This was ideal for our group who could have become bored with formal briefings etc.
On arrival at the water good care was taken to make sure everyone was familiar with the kit, methods and the river and its safety requirements.
Our guides, Jack and Edie were both very good canoeists and guides as well as being cheerful, laid back and good company. They were safety conscious but not over-bearingly so. They recognised we were up for a bit of a challenge and served this up in a very controlled way. All our group would like to thank them for all they did for us.
All the kit by and large was in good clean order. The vehicles the centre own were new and the canoes too, so the company appears to be well-invested in. The camping stores were in good condition, although the tent pegs need straightening or replacing! The rations provided were very wholesome and good. Perhaps some consideration should be given to items in tubes rather than jars as some of the coffee jars and peanut butter etc is a bit cumbersome - even when transported in the containers?
The cooking stores were the only thing that perhaps need looking at. The Trangia stoves appear a bit near end of life and one didn’t work at all, but all other equipment was very good.
The canoeing itself provided plenty of challenge for a mixed age group like ours. The trip was 5 days of about 6 hours’ canoeing each. We punctuated the trip with a couple of pub visits and a distillery tour which Jack and Edie were happy to facilitate.
Once again I’d like to thank all the staff for allowing us to have an excellent trip!!
Written 30 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James B
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Solo
I attended the winter Instructor Training Course in 2021/2022 and it was the best decision I ever made! The course was extremely fun and taught me a lot about the industry I was joining and how to succeed. I made amazing memories and friends during the 5 months and at no point felt unsafe. The instructors that taught us were all amazing! They provided safe and knowledgeable sessions that gave us the ability to run similar sessions after. As well as this staff were available out side of work hours if you ever needed advice about applying for jobs or just advice on the industry.
Since I completed the course I was employed by Active for 7 months. In this time I was able to complete more qualifications which was all paid for by the company. I have now gone on to work in 7 different countries across Europe and Asia as an activity instructor and know that many of the friends I made on the course are all still working at a high level in the outdoor industry.
I could not recommend this course any more and having met people that have done similar courses at different places in the uk it is my opinion that this is the best there is!
Since I completed the course I was employed by Active for 7 months. In this time I was able to complete more qualifications which was all paid for by the company. I have now gone on to work in 7 different countries across Europe and Asia as an activity instructor and know that many of the friends I made on the course are all still working at a high level in the outdoor industry.
I could not recommend this course any more and having met people that have done similar courses at different places in the uk it is my opinion that this is the best there is!
Written 15 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your enthusiasm and passion for the outdoors- It was a pleasure to start your journey to a new outdoor career with you!
Written 27 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ali J
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Couples
We had the most awesome time on the river Tay. We couldn't have asked for better guides, they were fun, friendly and informative. We also had the opportunity to paddle solo, which really built our confidence, especially through the bouncy waters.
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sounds like your day was truly fun with new learning and skills too! . Thank you for the excellent feedback - the team really appreciate it!
Written 27 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ciredorn
Greater London, UK2 contributions
Aug 2022
Two friends and I did a duckie trip on the river. Lee, our guide, was a very good instructor, giving us time to experience on our own, giving us tips, and making us do some exercices to get a better grip on the boat. The water was pretty low, but he still found ways for us to enjoy the trip.
Next time I'm in Scotland, I'll try the rafting, probably with the same company, which was also good at comunicating before hand.
Fred
Next time I'm in Scotland, I'll try the rafting, probably with the same company, which was also good at comunicating before hand.
Fred
Written 12 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SomeMiddleAgedChick
Nashville, TN63 contributions
Jul 2022
We used AOP guides for two river trips (Spey and Ness) and I couldn't be happier with the service, accommodation, and most importantly, safety & professionalism in their outfit. Pre-trip communication made it easy to have everything set up and ready to go at trip time. Great folks!
Written 7 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan M
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Friends
Excellent staff especially James, Ross and Tom. Dofe gold residential was the reason for the stay and every day there was amazing activities including gorge walking and rock climbing. Accommodation had everything that you’d need and I would recommend anyone to stay at Craigower lodge in Newtonmore. (James even has good music taste!!!)
Written 9 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lauren2611
Edinburgh, UK1 contribution
Jul 2021
Terrible day. Instructor was 90 minutes late and following that it was problem after problem - we couldn't quite believe how bad it was.
Voiced our concerns to the company following our activity in the hope to resolve this however their response was ridiculous implying that as we were a group of young females we may not have been 'used to this type of activity' - not the case at all! Highly advise that you spend your money elsewhere.
Voiced our concerns to the company following our activity in the hope to resolve this however their response was ridiculous implying that as we were a group of young females we may not have been 'used to this type of activity' - not the case at all! Highly advise that you spend your money elsewhere.
Written 3 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As you were informed on the day the trailer broke down on route to you, With any instance that could involve the health and safety of individuals on the road the first priority in this situation would have to be to adhere to the potential safety and wellbeing of others. Once this was dealt with and we had a solution you were informed as soon as it was safe and practical to do so.
Written 25 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.