Good Crieff, there’s so much on

Whatever the weather, Perthshire’s famous Hydro offers plenty of summer fun for families

The days may be long but summer might be over before you know it if you don’t make the most of the good weather.

There isn’t a moment to lose and Crieff Hydro is ideally situated to get your summer off to a flying start with a range of action-packed activities for all ages and an array of packages that are ideally suited for all families.Handily located just over 50 miles from Edinburgh and 40 miles north of Glasgow, this purpose-built Victorian hotel was founded on the simple but effective principles of hydropathic treatment of fresh water, air and exercise to help refresh and elevate the body and spirits.

The Perthshire venue has kept pace with the times, however, with its exciting Action Glen attraction – more than 900 acres of carefully maintained Scottish countryside that is home to some of the most thrilling activities imaginable.

Action Glen is all about outdoor experiences, and with more than 30 activities to try the only problem is deciding where to start.

You can embark on a high-flying aerial escapade through the treetops on a zipline, or unleash you inner marksman with archery, axe throwing and air rifle sessions.

If you have a head for heights, Action Glen offers the Aloft! Treetop Adventure experience which is an epic high ropes course nestled in the woodlands. Think of it as a squirrel simulation for humans and you’re almost half-way there.

It will see you scamper around on a kilometre of tightropes, rope bridges, cargo nets and climbing walls – all while 30 feet above ground. All safety equipment is provided and the minimum age is seven (and 145cm in height), and anyone under 13 must be accompanied by an adult, which in this case is anyone over 13.

Even if you have no head for heights you can still take part in a unique adventure as Action Glen also offers Alpaca Trekking. On this hour-long experience you’ll have the chance to join Chewpaca, Harry Potter, Ghost and Casper on a trek along the paths and trails round the glen.

Along the way you’ll have the chance to learn about South America’s most popular camelid mammals and meet plenty of other animals who live in the woodlands too. Don’t forget to take a selfie with your new woolly friends!

Now you can get around the 900 acre estate easily with the new Hydro Express. The Hydro Express will be making journeys between the hotel and Action Glen daily, from 9:30am - 6:00pm and tickets start from £1 for a return journey.

You can also zoom around the Hydro estate in a selection of all-terrain vehicles, climb hills and take in some stunning views.

There’s also a brand-new escape room experience, called Nuclear Countdown, where young heroes can embark on a mission to defuse simulated nuclear devices while trying to unravel mind-being riddles. While this is a great option for a rainy day, it’s far from your only form of entertainment if the weather is unkind. The hotel also boasts its own 36-seat cinema with three screenings a day of the latest releases. Best of all, it’s free to guests and there’s no booking required – just turn up.

You could even leave the wee ones behind for a few hours if you want to catch something more to adult taste, as parents who book directly through the hotel get two hours’ free childcare.

The hotel’s childcare programme, Big Country, also offers a range of activities, from pottery painting to baby discos, bouncy castle and much more. And, if you book directly, the service will offer you two free hours. It’s an ideal place to start your family’s summer whatever the weather.