We're at that wonderful time of year where spring is slowly starting, one blossom at a time. And as the days get longer and the daffodils have a big stretch and pop up to say hello, our summer plans are blossoming too. Look. We love winter, but we're also ready to be warm again. We're ready for warm water, dramatic coastlines, dusty trails and rocky mountain ridgelines.
Lucky, then, that the UK has no lack of those things. From Snowdon to Skye to the Cornish coast, Britain is chock-a-block with wild, rugged, remarkable spots of nature that might as well have been tailor-made for adventure. We've lined up 18 examples from around the UK below, to take the stress out of sorting your summer plans - and give you more time to appreciate the flowers.
1. The Snowdon Challenge
Take on one of the UK’s most rewarding mountain challenges in just one day. A 17km cycle, 14km trek, 5km paddle and 10-hour sweat to the finish line. You'll bike across Snowdonia National Park (Eyri National Park in Wales), tackle the trek to the top of Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) and kayak around the stunning Llyn Padarn. 8 hours of unrivalled action in one of the UK’s wildest adventure playgrounds.
2. Surf, Coasteer and Wild Camp in Cornwall
Learn to surf on some of the UK’s best beaches. You'll push yourself outside of your comfort zone with rocky traverses, cliff jumps and wild swims as you navigate the rugged headland, then retreat to your wild camping spot in the woods for woodland games, axe-throwing and a bit of slack-lining.
3. The Lake District Challenge
Tackle 12hrs of unrivalled action in the heart of the Lake District, a 20km cycle, 10km trek and 5km paddle against the clock. Hop on a bike and burn through the epic ups and downs of Grizedale Forest. Hike the top of the Old Man of Coniston then grab your paddle and kayak across Coniston Water to the finish line.
4. Intro to Mountaineering on the Isle of Skye
Hike through the indescribable beauty of the Isle of Skye, the most stunning island of the Inner Hebrides. You'll learn essential climbing skills in the spectacular Cuillin Mountains and tackle the renowned Inaccessible Pinnacle, Scotland's most notorious munro, before abseiling off the top.
5. Isle of Rùm Expedition
A truly wild adventure on a remote island in the Scottish Inner Hebrides. Rùm is an island of no roads, forgotten castles and a mere 29 residents where you'll wild camp in deserted spots alongside rocky shorelines. You'll traverse the six peaks of the Rùm Cuillin ridge, topping out on Askival (812m) for the ultimate panorama of the Western Isles. Keep watch for eagles, otters, seals, dolphins and the ubiquitous red deer.
6. Yoga, Surf and Wild Camp Weekend in Cornwall
Hit the Cornish coast for some expert-led surf lessons tailored for beginners and avid surfers alike. You'll learn to surf on beautiful beaches before taking the chance to relax, unwind and recharge with some restorative outdoor yoga in the Cornish woodland. Come nightfall, you'll sleep beneath the stars in canvas bell tents in this peaceful, natural setting.
7. Summit to Sea Expedition in Scotland
You'll begin by climbing Cairn Gorm, the legendary 4000ft mountain right at the heart of the UK’s largest National Park. Summit bagged, you'll then traverse the Cairngorms National Park and canoe the rapids of the River Spey all the way to the sea. En route, you'll tackle the notorious ‘washing machine’ section as you paddle through the Speyside whisky region, camping on the riverside, and brave the cold waters to wild swim in Loch Etchachan, at over 1000m above sea level.
8. The National Three Peaks Challenge
Climb the highest peaks in Scotland (Ben Nevis, 1345m), England (Scafell Pike, 978,m) and Wales (Snowdon, 1085m). This is often done within 24 hours, but you can also take more time to enjoy the challenge!
9. Welsh 15 Peak Challenge
15 mountains, 4000m of gain, 1 incredible weekend: tackle the highest peaks in Wales in a single weekend. Hike and scramble through the Carneddau, Glyders and Snowdon ranges, where you will also ascend ridges, cross linked peaks in rapid succession and experience the stellar views and natural beauty of Snowdonia, the largest National Park in Wales.
10. 100km Canoe Expedition Across Scotland
Traverse 100km of flat water and experience the Great Glen Trail on a long-distance canoe adventure across Scotland - from Fort William in the west, to Inverness in the east along the Caledonian Canal. Cross the legendary Loch Ness and pretend that you’re not secretly looking for monsters. Wild camp at remote and beautiful spots along the way surrounded by some of the UK’s highest mountains.
11. Intro to Wild Swimming, Surfing and Yoga in Cornwall
Swim in secluded spots, catch some waves and enjoy relaxing restorative yoga in the Cornish woodland. You'll enjoy two professionally guided wild swimming sessions in Cornwall’s sheltered bays and coves. Later, grab your board for a chilled surf lesson and unwind with some restorative yoga in a woodland barn. Come nightfall, bed down in a private surf camp deep in the woods and kick back beneath the stars in your shared bell tent.
12. Adventure Skills Workshop in the Peak District
Master the art of adventure over an inspiring weekend, where you'll learn how to navigate, read the weather and prepare, pack and plan your next journey into the wilds. Hike through the Hope Valley, stomp to the top of Mam Tor and boost your outdoor photography skills along the way. Return home rejuvenated, motivated, and more prepared for your next big adventure.
13. Kayak and Wild Camp the West Coast of Scotland
Paddling along stunning volcanic coastline, you'll discover the remote bays, craggy skerries and crystal clear waters of the dramatic West Highlands. Each night you'll wild camp on white sand beaches and islet-studded sea lochs. Keep your eyes peeled for otters, porpoise, seals and sea eagles; forage for shellfish, seaweed and coastal plants; and brave the Atlantic Ocean for a cold water wild swim.
14. Intro to Gravel Biking Weekender
Everyone's talking about gravel cycling, but what exactly is it? Find out on this cycling trip through the beautiful Chilterns countryside. Ride along the Ridgway, through woodland and along ancient green lanes over a weekend. Bell tent glamping and campfires in the evening make this an idyllic weekend.
15. Lake District 15 Peak Challenge
Tackle 15 peaks and 3,850 metres of ascent in The Lakes over an epic long weekend, while soaking up Cumbria's wild and inimitable landscapes. Stomp along wild ridges and rugged fells - including Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England - before a scramble along the iconic Striding Edge. Come nightfall, you'll bunk down in cosy yurts at a peaceful secret spot, tucked away in the gorgeous Borrowdale valley.
16. Surf, Coasteer and Yoga in Wales
Dive headfirst into a weekend adventure in the magnificent Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Feel the adrenaline of rocky traverses, wild swims and cliff jumps as you coasteer along a rugged headland in west Wales. It's not all about the rush, though - channel your inner zen with yoga sessions on the beach, sandy toes and sea breeze guaranteed. You'll also learn to surf with local experts, on some of the best stretches of beach in the UK.
17. Hike, SUP and Wild Swim in Snowdonia
A rejuvenating weekend in a wild Welsh wonderland, where you'll hike through pristine Snowdonian landscapes to reach idyllic wild swim spots such as Llyn Dinas and paddleboard across Llyn Padarn (one of the largest glacially formed lakes in Wales) to discover hidden lagoons and inlets, all with friendly local guides. You'll also camp beneath the stars in bell tents, with spectacular mountain views of the Snowdonia National Park.
Inspired? Check out all of our adventures in the United Kingdom, from one-nighters to long-weekenders.