With summer just around the corner, many of us are itching to get outside and try something new. Whether you’re looking to push your limits with a challenging activity or simply want to explore the great outdoors, the UK offers a wealth of options for those seeking adventure. From via ferrata and caving to stand-up paddleboarding and bog walking, there’s something for everyone to discover. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these 6 quirky outdoor activities and provide some inspiration for those looking to try something different this summer. So grab your gear and get ready to explore the UK in a whole new way!
Wild swimming:
Wild swimming is an exhilarating way to connect with nature, and the UK offers a wealth of opportunities to experience it. With a variety of rivers, lakes, and beaches, there are plenty of options for wild swimming in natural settings. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there are many locations to explore, each with their own unique features and challenges.
For those looking for a scenic swimming spot, the Lake District National Park is a great place to start. With over 16 lakes to choose from, there’s a spot to suit every taste, from the dramatic landscape of Ullswater to the tranquil waters of Buttermere. The Lake District is also home to some of the UK’s most iconic wild swimming locations, such as the famous Devil’s Bridge in Kirkby Lonsdale.
For those looking for a more challenging swim, Scotland offers some of the wildest and most remote swimming locations in the UK. From the lochs of the Scottish Highlands to the rugged coastline of the Western Isles, there are plenty of opportunities to test your skills and endurance.
Wild swimming is a great way to stay active and healthy while enjoying the beauty of the natural world. However, it’s important to remember that open water swimming can be dangerous, and it’s essential to take safety precautions. Before you venture out, make sure you’re familiar with the location, check the weather forecast, and always swim with a friend.
Overall, wild swimming is an exciting and invigorating way to explore the UK’s natural beauty, and with so many locations to choose from, there’s never been a better time to dive in and discover this unique outdoor activity.
Find out more: wildswimming.co.uk
Coasteering:
Coasteering is an adrenaline-packed activity that combines elements of climbing, swimming, and jumping, all along a rocky coastline. The UK is famous for its rugged and stunning coastline, providing an ideal environment for those looking to experience coasteering. As an outdoor adventure activity, coasteering is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. The activity involves traversing along the intertidal zone, meaning the area between high and low tides, where you’ll encounter caves, cliffs, and other natural features. Coasteering is not only a fun and exciting way to explore the coastline, but it’s also an opportunity to immerse oneself in nature, with incredible scenery, wildlife, and marine life to be found along the way.
While coasteering requires a certain level of fitness and a willingness to take on new challenges, it’s suitable for people of all ages and abilities, with experienced guides leading groups and ensuring everyone stays safe throughout the activity. As an adventure sport, coasteering requires careful planning and preparation, with a focus on safety and environmental sustainability. With the right gear, guidance, and approach, coasteering can provide a unique and unforgettable experience, allowing individuals to push their limits, overcome fears, and develop new skills. From Cornwall to Scotland, the UK offers an array of coasteering locations, each with their own unique challenges and rewards, making it an ideal activity for those seeking an adventure off the beaten track.
Find out more: coasteering.co.uk
Geocaching:
Geocaching is a fun and exciting outdoor activity that combines navigation, exploration, and treasure hunting. This high-tech scavenger hunt uses GPS coordinates to lead participants to hidden caches or containers, which can be found in various locations all over the country. Geocaching is a perfect way to explore the outdoors, discover new places, and challenge yourself mentally and physically.
The activity began in 2000, and since then has grown in popularity, with millions of caches hidden worldwide. Geocaching is suitable for all ages and fitness levels and can be done alone or with friends and family. It’s a great way to get outdoors, enjoy the fresh air, and get some exercise while having fun.
Geocaching can be enjoyed all over the UK, from the rolling hills of the countryside to the urban cityscapes. Caches can be hidden in a variety of places, from under a rock in a park to the back of a sign in a busy street. Some caches may be more challenging to find than others, so participants must be prepared to navigate their way through the environment and solve puzzles to discover the hidden treasures.
Overall, geocaching is an exciting and unique way to explore the great outdoors, discover new places, and have fun with friends and family. With millions of caches hidden worldwide, there are endless opportunities to embark on a geocaching adventure, and who knows what treasures you might find along the way.
Find out more: nationalgeographic.org
Image by lisa runnels
Canoe camping:
Canoe camping is a fantastic way to experience the UK’s beautiful waterways and stunning wilderness areas. Combining the thrill of canoeing with the adventure of camping, it’s a great way to get back to nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
With so many rivers and canals crisscrossing the UK, canoe camping offers endless possibilities for exploration. Paddle through tranquil waters and take in the sights and sounds of nature, stopping along the way to set up camp and spend the night under the stars.
Canoe camping is also a great way to challenge yourself physically and mentally. Paddling against the current and navigating through winding waterways can be physically demanding, while setting up camp in the wilderness requires some survival skills and a bit of resourcefulness.
There are many companies that offer guided canoe camping trips in the UK, providing all the equipment you need and taking care of the logistics. Alternatively, if you’re experienced and confident in your canoeing and camping skills, you can plan your own adventure and explore at your own pace.
Whether you’re a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or a first-time adventurer, canoe camping is an unforgettable way to experience the UK’s natural beauty and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Want to know what it’s like? Watch the video below!
Find out more: countryfile.com
Slacklining:
Slacklining is a unique and exhilarating outdoor activity that is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. It involves balancing on a flat, stretchy rope known as a slackline, which is suspended between two anchor points. This fun and challenging activity requires a great deal of concentration and coordination, making it an excellent way to improve your balance and core strength.
Image by memyselfaneye
One of the great things about slacklining is that it can be enjoyed almost anywhere. Whether you want to set up your slackline in a park, on the beach, or in your own backyard, all you need is a couple of sturdy anchor points and a little bit of practice. As you progress in your skills, you can also try more advanced tricks, such as jumps, turns, and even yoga poses.
Slacklining is not only a fun and rewarding activity, but it is also a great way to connect with nature and spend time outdoors. It can be enjoyed alone or with friends, and is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
So if you’re looking for a unique and exciting way to get outside and stay active, give slacklining a try. With a bit of practice and patience, you’ll soon be walking, jumping, and balancing like a pro on the slackline.
Find out more: discoveryuk.com
Stand-up paddleboarding:
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has quickly become a popular water sport in the UK. With a mix of excitement and relaxation, SUP is a great way to explore the country’s rivers and coastlines while standing on a large, stable board and using a paddle to propel yourself. It’s an excellent full-body workout that engages your core muscles and improves balance, while also providing a unique perspective of the surrounding environment.
One of the great things about SUP is its accessibility. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or a complete beginner, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. You can take a leisurely paddle down a calm river or challenge yourself with more advanced conditions in the sea. Many locations across the UK offer SUP rental and lessons, making it easy to give it a try even if you don’t have your own board.
Image by Tomasz Hanarz
SUP is also an eco-friendly activity, as it doesn’t require any fuel or electricity to power the board. It’s a perfect way to get out and explore nature while reducing your carbon footprint. Plus, many paddlers report feeling a sense of serenity and connection with the water and wildlife around them.
Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity or a solo adventure, SUP is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in the UK. With the abundance of rivers, lakes, and coastlines available, there’s no shortage of places to explore on a stand-up paddleboard.
Find out more: rnli.org
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