Why Don't You…

Instead of a club, the pub or wasting your cash on expensive grub, do something completely different. Go on, why don't you…

Feature by Sarah Hunter | 13 Oct 2006

Edinburgh

Go Skiing
Midlothian Snowsports Centre
Britain's longest artificial ski slope boasts two full sized runs and two nursery slopes - for learners big and small - and it is within reach of town, take the number 4 or 15 bus from the West End.
Hillend, Biggar Road, near Edinburgh, EH10 7DU, 0131 445 4433
Open during winter (Sept - April), Mon-Sat 9.30am-9pm, Sun 9.30am - 7pm

Go Ice Skating
Murrayfield IceRink
Friendly and affordable with skating sessions daily, weekday afternoons and evenings, and weekend mornings (see website for exact session times).

Riversdale Crescent, EH12 5XN, 0131 337 6933
www.murrayfieldicerinkltd.co.uk
Admission: £3.50 - £5.00 (depending on the session)
Skate hire: £1.00 - £1.50 (depending on the session)

Go Climbing
At Alien One a climber can enjoy over 200 roped routes while at Alien Two there are 150 low level bouldering routes from which to chose. Adult beginner's courses usually run on Monday evenings, while a kids club runs at the weekend.

Alien One, 8 Pier Place, EH6 4lP, 0131 552 7211
Alien Two, 37 West Bowling Green Street, 0131 555 3650

Go Archery and Shooting
Country Archery and Clays
Unleash your mediaeval impulses at this private estate outside Edinburgh, use the shooting facilities for £25 an hour or splash out on tuition for £40.

Kennels Lodge, Arniston Estate, Gorebridge, EH23 4RY, 01875 830 259

Go Karting
Raceland
Ten minutes out of Edinburgh lies Scotland's only indoor and outdoor karting centre. Go along as an individual for two 10 minute sessions for speeds up to 70mph on the outdoor track or save your pennies and get a group together to compete in an Outdoor Super Grand Prix.

Upper Diamond, Gladsmuir, East Lothian, EH33 1EJ, 0131 665 6525
www.raceland.co.uk

Glasgow

Go Golf
Port Glasgow Golf Course
For those who don't mind going a little further afield for some beautiful views of the Firth of Clyde and surrounding scenery Port Glasgow is an 18 hole, 68 par course 22 miles west of the city and is worth every mile.

Devol Farm, Port Glasgow, PA14 5XE, 01475 704181
Weekday Round £18, Day Ticket £24
Weekend Round £24, Day Ticket £34

Go Horse Riding
Linn Park Equestrian Centre
Linn Park is Glasgow's second largest park and within its beautiful grounds the equestrian centre provides tuition for all, from the total beginner to the experienced rider. It is approved by both the British Horse Society and the Association of British Riding Schools.

Linn Park, G44 5TA, 0141 637 3096

Go Bowls
Willow Bank Bowling Club
Reputed to be Glasgow's first bowling club, Willow Bank bowling club was opened in 1835. It has spawned two world champions in that time and is welcoming new members, even ladies, whose section opened in 1972.
36 Dowanside Road, G12 9DW, 0141 357 3456

Go Paint-balling and Off-road driving
Cumbernauld Outdoor Activity Centre
Situated about twenty miles east of Glasgow, there is a huge range of outdoor activities awaiting you at Cumbernauld! Try a group paintball session for £40 each or drive your car off road for £25.

Blairlinn Cottages, Easter Blairlinn Road, Luggiebank, Cumbernauld, G67 4AA, 01236 722999

Go Rowing
Glasgow Rowing Club
You may have to join but the club is happy to allow you a few taster sessions before you make a commitment. Annual adult membership is a snip at £160 and if you are a student then expect to pay half that! Kids pay £45/65.

The Boathouse, Silverfir Place, Gorbals, G5
www.glasgowrowingclub.org

http://www.murrayfieldicerinkltd.co.uk, www.raceland.co.uk, www.glasgowrowingclub.org