Since opening its doors in 1924, Gleneagles has been one of Scotland’s most iconic hotels and sporting estates, where people from across the world gather to ride, shoot, fish and golf.
One hundred years later, it's still all those things. But now it's unveiled The Gleneagles Sporting Club, a modern destination dedicated to contemporary athletic pursuits. You know, things you might enjoy that your grandparents didn't, like padel and bouldering.
Participation and lessons are available for hotel guests and existing Gleneagles members, or get yourself a membership specifically for the new Gleneagles Sporting Club.
The club draws its inspiration from 20th-century tennis and polo clubs, with rich dark woods and floor-to-ceiling windows, but everything's updated for the current era. There's a spacious lounge area with a self-serve kitchen pantry, where you can eat and drink, work, or hangout after a match.
Moving towards the back of the club, you'll find upgraded equestrian facilities, including an indoor arena and a luxurious new boot room. There are two indoor tennis courts, three padel courts and a climbing and bouldering wall, each staffed by some of Scotland's finest coaches.
The climbing wall is seven meters high and 27 meters wide, featuring more than 40 routes to the top across varying grades of difficulty. If you're training for the next Olympics or just feeling competitive, speed climbing is an option. In that case, participants will attempt to climb a matching route to reach the top of the vertical wall as fast as possible.
The spruced-up equestrian school is one of the world's premier facilities, with a refurbished indoor arena, spacious changing rooms and locker facilities, and a new Boot and Hat Room for guests to get outfitted before their lessons. Once kitted out, guests will journey to the arena and stable yard, where they will experience some of the best riding lessons Scotland has to offer.
This is where you can fine-tune your showjumping skills. Or Google "what is dressage?" before your lesson begins.
