Connecting with nature in Scotland

Chances to pause, explore and recharge

Sometimes the most memorable travel experiences simply involve connecting with nature. Across Scotland, your clients have plenty of opportunities to reconnect with the natural world and have fun at the same time. The following experiences encourage exploration, wellbeing and a deeper appreciation of our landscapes. From peaceful lochs and ancient woodlands to island shores and hidden gardens, Scotland is filled with places that invite reflection and discovery.


The House in the Hill

Location: Scottish Borders
Contact: The House in the Hill

An off-grid retreat in the heart of the Borders countryside.

What makes it special?
Tucked into a former stone quarry near Jedburgh, this stylish two-bedroom eco-retreat has been thoughtfully designed using reclaimed materials. Set on a working farm, it provides a peaceful base for exploring the Scottish Borders, with opportunities nearby for cycling, outdoor adventures, food and drink experiences, wellbeing activities, and heritage attractions. Whether enjoying the views, unwinding in the hot tub, or simply embracing life off-grid, guests are encouraged to switch off and immerse themselves in the landscape.

All the useful details:

  • Two-bedroom luxury self-catering accommodation
  • Completely off-grid eco-retreat. Powered by solar and ground-source energy systems
  • Nearby opportunities for cycling, outdoor activities, food and drink, wellbeing, and cultural experiences
  • EV charging available when energy surplus allows
  • Level access throughout the house and outdoor areas including the hot tub and BBQ space (roof terrace is not wheelchair accessible)

Japanese Garden at Cowden

Location: Clackmannanshire
Contact: Japanese Garden at Cowden

Tranquillity guaranteed in one of Scotland’s most remarkable gardens.

What makes it special?
Nestled in the countryside near Dollar, the Japanese Garden at Cowden is a beautifully restored cultural landscape that offers visitors a peaceful escape in nature. Originally opened in 1908 and lovingly restored after decades of closure, the garden showcases traditional Japanese design, carefully selected trees and shrubs, and authentic Japanese buildings. Beyond the garden itself, visitors can attend workshops inspired by traditional Japanese crafts, from pottery and woodworking to the intricate art of Boro stitching.

All the useful details:

  • Historic Japanese garden restored and reopened in 2019
  • Guided tours available
  • Workshops including pottery, woodworking, Boro stitching and other traditional crafts
  • Group bookings available for 10–30 people
  • Photography, film and artist access available
  • Strong focus on biodiversity, conservation and environmental education
  • Wheelchair-accessible paths throughout much of the garden. Disabled parking and accessible toilet facilities available

Rox Madeira

Location: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Contact: Rox Madeira

Brush up on herbal knowledge & foraging skills in a fabulous Scottish setting.

What makes it special?
Based in Aberfoyle, Rox Madeira combines foraging, folklore, and wellbeing. Guests can join public or private foraging walks to learn about edible and medicinal plants, uncover traditional herbal remedies, and gain insight into how previous generations worked with the land. Popular themed experiences include 17th-century and Outlander-inspired foraging walks, where history and nature come together in the forests and glens of Scotland. Alongside foraging, Rox also offers seasonal women’s circles and movement classes.

All the useful details:

  • Public foraging walks based in Aberfoyle
  • Private foraging experiences also available across Scotland
  • Bespoke themed experiences tailored to client interests
  • Shepherd’s Hut accommodation available
  • Supports community wellbeing and environmental education initiatives
  • Ideal for nature, wellbeing, cultural and special-interest itineraries

Taymouth Marina

Location: Perthshire
Contact: Taymouth Marina

Lochside living, wellness and outdoor adventure on the shores of Loch Tay.

What makes it special?
Set against a stunning Highland Perthshire backdrop, Taymouth Marina offers a chance to reconnect with nature in comfort and style. Your clients can stay in contemporary self-catering apartments or unique houseboats, with sublime loch views and private hot tubs. The resort’s standout wellness offering is the Hotbox Spa, home to Scotland’s largest panoramic sauna, alongside hot tubs, steam rooms, fire pits, a slide into Loch Tay – and even a floating sauna experience! Paddleboarding, kayaking and cycling are also available.

All the useful details:

  • Self-catering apartments and lochside houseboats
  • Hotbox Spa featuring Scotland’s largest panoramic sauna
  • Floating sauna experiences and loch cruises available via Hotbox Boats
  • Paddleboarding, kayaking and bike hire
  • Seasonal dining at The Ferryman restaurant
  • Picnic areas overlooking the loch
  • EV charging points available
  • Accessible accommodation available in selected units, including a mobility-friendly ground-floor apartment

TwinPeakes Fly Fishing

Location: Aberdeenshire
Contact: TwinPeakes Fly Fishing

Guided fly-fishing adventures tailored to every level of angler.

What makes it special?
Based in Banchory, TwinPeakes Fly Fishing offers fishing experiences on some of Scotland’s most iconic rivers, helping guests hone their angling skills. Whether casting a fly for Atlantic salmon on the River Dee or learning the fundamentals of fly fishing for wild brown trout, each trip is shaped around the individual’s ability and interests. From complete beginners to seasoned anglers, guests will enjoy expert tuition, spectacular scenery, and the chance to experience a cherished Scottish tradition. Group outings and bespoke itineraries are available.

All the useful details:

  • Guided fly-fishing experiences for beginners and experienced anglers
  • Opportunities to fish for Atlantic salmon and wild brown trout
  • Bronze Green Tourism Award holder
  • Supports river conservation and wild salmon protection initiatives
  • Works closely with local communities, landowners and businesses
  • Experiences can be adapted to suit guests with specific accessibility or medical requirements

WanderWomen Scotland

Location: Edinburgh
Contact: WanderWomen Scotland Ltd

Reconnect and restore wellbeing with mindful outdoor activities.

What makes it special?
Founded in 2018, WanderWomen Scotland was created to help people build confidence and connection through nature-based experiences. From mindful sea swimming and forest bathing to guided hikes through scenic landscapes, each experience is designed to nurture both physical and mental wellbeing. While the company’s roots lie in empowering women in the outdoors, their experiences welcome everyone, creating supportive and inclusive opportunities to connect with nature, themselves, and others.

All the useful details:

  • Bespoke programmes available
  • Suitable for individuals, couples, families and groups of up to 10 people
  • Available year-round, weather permitting
  • Activities available in English and German
  • Member of Wild Scotland, supporting responsible and sustainable tourism
  • Committed to making experiences as accessible and inclusive as possible. Accessible beach wheelchairs may be available through local providers (advance arrangements required). Carers are welcome to accompany participants free of charge

Wilderness Folk School

Location: Perthshire
Contact: Wilderness Folk School

Traditional skills and bushcraft in the heart of Highland Perthshire.

What makes it special?
Based near Aberfeldy, Wilderness Folk School helps people rediscover knowledge and skills that link us to the natural world. From bushcraft and foraging to willow weaving, drum making and ancestral crafts, these experiences blend practical learning with an appreciation of Scotland’s ancient landscapes. Your clients can spend the day mastering traditional crafts, developing wilderness skills in the outdoors, or join multi-day retreats combining yoga and bushcraft.

All the useful details:

  • Foraging, tracking and canoeing courses available
  • Yoga and bushcraft retreats
  • Full-day experiences and bespoke programmes available
  • Locally sourced materials used where possible, including Douglas fir for woodworking courses
  • Inclusive and welcoming approach for a wide range of participants

Wild Scottish Sauna

Location: Fife & Perthshire
Contact: Wild Scottish Sauna

Wood-fired saunas in beautiful Scottish settings.

What makes it special?
This wild sauna experience began on the award-winning beach at Kingsbarns and has evolved over six locations, from St Andrews and Elie to Kinross and Forbes of Kingennie. Wild Scottish Sauna combines the restorative power of the sauna with Scotland’s natural landscapes, encouraging guests to enjoy nature, slow down and reset. Bookable experiences range from sunrise swims followed by a sauna session and local refreshments, to yoga, sound bathing and aromatherapy.

All the useful details:

  • Swimrise experience featuring a sunrise swim, sauna, hot drink and local snack
  • Experiences include: Sauna & Sea and Luxury Sauna & Sea experiences / Sauna & Sound Bathing sessions / Sea, Sauna & Yoga experiences / Sculpt & Glow Gua Sha wellness experience with cold water immersion / Aromatherapy sauna sessions
  • Operates largely off-grid with a strong sustainability focus
  • Regular beach clean-up initiatives support local coastal environments
  • Accessibility varies by location and natural terrain

We regularly update our Supplier Directory with listings of trade-ready businesses on our Travel Trade website, so do check back for the latest entries.