Buoyed by the continued irritant of England on its doorstep, Scotland has survived encroachment, brass-monkey weather and invasion by stand-up comedians. Its people are feisty, opinionated and fiercely loyal. The country is wild, untamed and beautiful. The bad climate adds an edge to both, but along with the stunning hilly countryside, it also means it is certainly the best place in the UK to participate in many types of outdoor activity, such as white water rafting, canyoning and cliff jumping.