You can now go night snorkelling and hot tent glamping in…

Scotland, known for its rainy cooler weather, comes into its own when winter travel is concerned.

Wild Scotland has just revealed its winter timetable, giving serious travel inspiration and winter getaway ideas.

One of the most exciting offerings is night snorkelling and diving, in which divers use thick wetsuits, hoods and boots to keep warm while exploring freezing waters.

The experience allows you to see underwater creatures and life, all in the night’s gloomy beauty.

Even better, the boat trip out to deeper waters is perfect for stargazing.

The minimum requirement to do this activity is being able to swim 100m comfortably in open water and to board boats via a ladder.

Some snokelling experience is ideal to get the most out of the session.

Doug McAdam, Wild Scotland chairman, said: ‘Scotland in the winter can be simply breathtaking, but many are put off by the wild weather that we typically get each year.

‘With international travel uncertain and local lockdowns across Europe, we have developed a diverse range of activities to provide unforgettable, safe adventures and allow both visitors and locals alike to experience Scotland as they’ve never experienced it before – no matter the weather.’

Other activities on offer are exploring stunning locations from the Lochs of Assynt to Mull of Kintyre, dark sky discovery spots, winter wildlife watching, guided winter mountaineering and hot tent wild camping.

Hot tent glamping includes sleeping on a bed in a tent that’s kept warm with fire braziers, while letting you be near the wildlife. Some glamping pods are made of wood, keeping the cold out even more.

Wild Scotland hope the snowy trails and hikes will help support local businesses too, who have been suffering amid the pandemic.

They also hope to promote living sustainably, in order to preserve the wildlife.

Doug continues: ‘We know winter can be a tough time of year for many mentally.

‘But the short, sparkling days and long, cold nights are perfect for these activities – to explore open spaces, meet new people, connect with nature and escape the everyday stress.

‘It’s a scientific fact that exposure to daylight is essential to wellbeing and mental health; something that is well understood in countries in northern latitudes with very limited daylight in winter where people know the importance of being outdoors and maximising daylight exposure.’

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

MORE : Best winter glamping spots where you’ll stay warm and cosy whatever the weather

MORE : You can go glamping in a groovy space-age pod at Futuro House in Somerset

MORE : Snorkeling postman captures amazing pictures of huge shark off Cornwall