Aviemore Sleddog Centre

Mushing. It's one of those experiences that divides people into two groups: the ones that have never heard of it, and the ones that who have it high on their bucket list of experiences to do before they die. If you're in the first group, let us educate you: mushing is like stand-up tobogganing, while being towed by a team of sled dogs. It doesn't come much cooler than this. And for those who thought that you had to go to Lapland to have a crack at this experience, we're pleased to tell you that you're wrong. Aviemore Sleddog Centre, on the outskirts of the Cairngorms National Park, offers a range of mushing experiences, from quick kennel tours through to two-day sledding courses. You can do daytime or evening trips, meet the mushers, have a hands-on try at driving the dogs yourself and do a 40-minute remote forest trip with 12 amazing sled- dogs or go the whole hog and sign up for a two day course that will earn you a certificate (dog driving license of sorts). Friendly owners Alan and Fiona are passionate about this pursuit, but be warned, it's wet and wild – this isn't a gimmicky husky ride, it's the real deal. Open all year round, snow is not essential (some sleds come with wheels). The centre has also just started offering dog-propelled scooter tours.