Quadmania

If you’re looking to add a genuine shot of adrenaline to your stay at Ardlui, a day out at Quadmania is hard to beat. Run by David and Fiona Marshall from their farm at Blairmore, a beautiful and scenic spot on the coast of Loch Long on the Cowal Peninsula near Dunoon in Argyll, the surrounding countryside is part of Loch Lomond National Park and is perfectly suited to outdoor adventure. This isn’t a theme park experience bolted onto a car park; it’s the real thing, set deep in working Scottish hill farming country.

The quad bike trails are a combination of forest, farmland, native woodlands and open hillside, with spectacular views over the sea lochs that make the experience genuinely unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. You’ll be riding through terrain that changes constantly underfoot, from muddy forest tracks to wide open hillside, with the kind of views that stop you in your tracks even when you’re supposed to be concentrating on the path ahead.

With over 2,000 acres to explore, Quadmania guarantees an exhilarating adventure at any time of year. Quad biking is suitable from age 12 and for all abilities, which makes it a great option whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or a complete first-timer. The machines are semi-automatic, so getting to grips with the controls is straightforward and your guide will have you feeling confident well before the real terrain begins. David is known for taking care to protect the wildlife on the farm and educating visitors about the natural environment they’re riding through, so expect this to feel like more than just a thrill ride.

There are several trek options to suit different appetites for adventure. The Quad Adventure Trek is a great introduction at around 1.5 hours, while the Monster and Mammoth ATV Treks push further and higher. The Mammoth is the ultimate motorised adrenaline rush, with high-level instruction on driving techniques before your guide progressively takes you over a wide variety of challenging terrain, including the chance to power your ATV up to 1,500 feet. All safety kit is provided, and wellies and waterproofs are available on site, so there’s no need to worry about the Scottish weather putting a dampener on things.

Alongside the quad biking, Quadmania also offers archery and clay shooting, making it easy to build a full day of activities. VisitScotland It’s a popular choice for families, groups, and anyone who wants to make the most of the landscape around Loch Lomond rather than simply looking at it from the shore.

Quadmania was the first five-star quad biking centre in Scotland, awarded by Visit Scotland, and has maintained that rating ever since. Reviews consistently highlight the breathtaking scenery and the friendliness of the staff, with many visitors saying it was a highlight of their entire Scottish trip.

Advance booking is strongly recommended. Visit quadmaniascotland.co.uk to explore the different trek options and check availability.