Firbush Outdoor Centre

The water at Loch Tay is properly cold, even in summer. Firbush sits right on the loch's southern shore near Killin, and it's run by Edinburgh University as their outdoor sports centre - which means it's serious about what it does. You'll find kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, and mountain biking as the main draws, though they also run climbing and hillwalking courses if you want instruction.

It's not a spectator attraction. This place is for people who actually want to get on the water or into the hills. Groups and families with older kids work best - there's proper tuition available if you're starting from scratch, though the atmosphere is geared toward getting you competent fast rather than mollycoddling. Summer's the obvious time, though autumn can be spectacular if the wind picks up for water sports.

Check their website for prices and what courses run when, as it varies seasonally and they operate on a booking system. Allow a half-day minimum if you're just trying one activity, longer if you're staying overnight. The location itself is stunning - Ben Lawers looming across the loch - but you're coming for the doing, not the viewing.

Loch Tay Highland Lodges sits just down the road if you want to base yourself nearby. Killin's five minutes away for supplies and decent fish and chips.