Five thrill-seeking attractions for adrenaline junkies in Scotland as Alpine Coaster opens
Scotland’s first-ever Alpine Coaster, which has been built at Midlothian Snowsports Centre just outside Edinburgh, is set to open to thrill-seekers this weekend (September 14).
It's is the longest of its kind in the UK, with 980 metres of uphill and downhill track, and reaches speeds of up to 28mph with a 17-mph vertical drop. Ticket prices are £7 for a single ride or £19 for a bundle of three rides, Edinburgh Live reports.
Alpine coasters are particularly popular in Europe’s mountainous regions, and see visitors descending hillsides in toboggan-like carts along a winding track, combining high-speed thrills with scenic views. They are usually found at ski resorts.
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The Alpine Coaster in Edinburgh will be open on Saturdays and Sundays moving forward and you can book your spot here.
Midlothian Council have released a video of the attraction in action, and it certainly looks pretty exciting to us:
However, it's far from the only high-octane, thrill-seeking experience on offer in Scotland. Here are five other adrenaline-boosting activities you can try.
1. Go Ape
If you're not a fan of heights then Go Ape might not be for you, but if you have what it takes to handle the dizzying heights of a treetop assault course you'll be rewarded with amazing views, exciting zip wire descents and a real sense of accomplishment.
The adventure activity provider has three locations in Scotland: Go Ape Aberfoyle, which is home to Scotland's longest dual zip wires, whilst Go Ape, Glentress Forest, Peebles has a zip wire 50m in the air that takes you across a lake.
Go Ape Dalkeith, Edinburgh is their third and newest location and the only one in Scotland to feature activities for children under 10.
You can find out more here.
2. Highland Fling Bungee
The Highland Fling bungee jump in Killiecrankie, Perthshire is the first purpose-built, permanent bungee jump platform from a bridge in Britain.
It's a popular go-to for people wanting to do something unusual for charity, however you can simply book a session for £89 if you'd like to experience what it's like to free-fall 40 metres towards water.
You can find out more and book here.
3. East of Scotland Microlights
Also near Edinburgh, you'll find East of Scotland Microlights. The flying school in East Fortune is run by Gordon Douglas, a Chief Flying Instructor with over 30 years' experience of flying microlights, so you know you're in safe hands.
They offer gift vouchers for 30 minute, 60 minute, 90 minute and two hour flights.
The advert for the 30 minute flight reads: "After a short briefing the instructor will pilot the aircraft, taking off and showing you the basic controls. You will then be invited to try flying it yourself from the back seat, for as long or short a time as you wish."
You can find out more and book here.
4. Glenshee Snowsports Centre
Glenshee in the Cairngorms offers the most extensive skiing and snowboarding in Scotland, with "steeps and glades, pisted and unpisted, open bowls and narrow gullies."
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If you've never snowboarded before, you can book in with the Glenshee Ski and Board School and they'll show you the ropes. Group lessons for adults are £35 for two hours.
You can find out more and book here.
5. Blown Away Surf School, Landyachting and Watersports
Follow in the footsteps of royalty with a visit to Blown Away Surf School, Landyachting and Watersports in St Andrews. In 2021 the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined young carers to go land yachting on West Sands Beach, and appeared to have a blast.
A land yacht is a wind-powered vehicle that travels on land, typically on beaches or large flat spaces, and can reach incredible speeds of up to 40mph: even faster than the new Alpine Coaster in Edinburgh.
You can find out more and book here.
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