Adventure Britain

from Discover Touring – May-June 2020

**HIGGER TOR, PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK**
©VisitBritain

If there’s one thing, besides family and friends, that we’ve come to appreciate more than ever during the stay-at-home period of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s our freedom to be outdoors. Not necessarily the need to travel thousands of miles to do so, just the simple liberty that we take for granted to step outside our front gate.

Now provides a great opportunity to reevaluate. To live for the moment. So, as and when restrictions on travel are lifted, why not try a new activity in the glorious fresh air? Maybe something you’ve never thought to do and would like to learn. And, where better to do it than in the best of the British countryside?

Here, we offer you an A to Z of outdoor activities, from relaxing rides to zany zipwires, each one providing the opportunity to experience a different part of the British Isles. More so, if you’re reading this while still in lockdown, many of the providers offer gift vouchers so you can support organisations by purchasing an activity now and look forward to getting adventurous later.

Archery in Kent

**HAVE A GO AT THE ANCIENT AND OLYMPIC SPORT OF ARCHERY AT HEVER CASTLE IN KENT**
©VisitBritain/Pete Seaward

Archery is one of the most ancient outdoor activities – and an Olympic sport. It is sociable and can be enjoyed collectively as a family experience. There are archery clubs across the UK where you can learn to shoot arrows, with tournaments at all levels.

But, for a simple have-a-go day out, where better than in the beautiful grounds of Hever Castle in Kent? The medieval, moated castle and its gardens are truly eye-catching, so there’s plenty more to see and do besides archery, including jousting tournaments on selected days. Experienced guides will offer help and advice to ensure you hit the target.

Stay: Hever Camping, less than two miles from Hever Castle, with the campsite set in 130 acres of glorious Kentish countryside

Caving in the Yorkshire Dales

**GAPING GILL IS A WELL KNOWN CAVING LOCATION**
©Caroline Mills

As the British Caving Association explains, “Caving is the recreational exploration of caves and potholes. A typical caving trip may involve climbing, abseiling, crawling, swimming and walking. Caves vary hugely in size and shape – some caves in the UK have chambers large enough to fit a cathedral, whilst in other places cavers may need to crawl on their bellies.”

There are caving areas in many parts of the UK, and one particularly well-known area is around Ingleton in the Yorkshire Dales. It’s noted for its suitability to first-time cavers as well as the more experienced. Clapham-based company Above and Below offers Beginners caving trips for individuals or small groups of any age and ability, with all specialist clothing and equipment provided. The company also offers a three-day Introduction to Caving course and guided trips for existing cavers.

Stay: Woodend Campsite in Austwick, a basic farm campsite surrounded by extraordinary scenery and with magnificent views of the limestone Studrigg Scar and Long Scar.

Climbing in the Highlands

**ROCK CLIMBING NEAR ULLAPOOL**
©VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

Coasteering in Pembrokeshire

**COASTEERING WITH CELTIC QUEST COASTEERING AT ABEREIDDY BEACH IN PEMBROKESHIRE**
©Celtic Quest Coasteering

Britain remains the world’s premier location for guided coasteering experiences, an activity that, it is claimed, was created along the rugged cliffs of Pembrokeshire. Coasteering is, as Celtic Quest Coasteering explains, is “everything your parents told you not to do at the beach as a child, but under the watchful eye of an experienced guide.”

Celtic Quest Coasteering provide half-day adrenalin-fuelled coasteering activities, which usually include wild adventure swimming, scramble climbing and sea level traversing plus cliff jumping, exploring caves and rock pools. Children, adults and families, including individuals with disabilities, can all take part. The organisation supplies the necessary kit and safety equipment.

Stay: St David’s Camping and Caravanning Club Site, close to St David’s, the smallest city in Britain and situated in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Cycling in Sussex

**FAMILY CYCLING ALONG CYCLE ROUTES IN FRISTON FOREST**
©VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Not all physical outdoor activities have to get the heart racing to its extremities and a gentle, family bike ride in scenic countryside can be just as refreshing. Cycling is certainly easier for families, and more relaxing, without the threat of road traffic, which is why Friston Forest is an ideal location.The Forestry England-owned Friston Forest is renowned for its beautiful beech woodland and is the largest area of forest in Southeast England. It’s within the boundaries of the South Downs National Park and it has, alongside walking and horseriding trails, two cycling trails. One is an easy family trail, the other for more experienced riders. You’ll also find picnic and barbecue areas to make a great day out.

Stay: Yamp Camp offers four idyllic off-grid campsites, each one set in scenic meadows with surrounding woodland. They welcome tent campers and small campervans or you can enjoy glamping in fully furnished yurts and bell tents.

Fishing in Rutland

**LEARN TO FISH AT RUTLAND WATER**
©Rutland County Council

For many anglers, an introduction to fishing may well have come through family members. If that’s not the case and you’ve always wanted to dabble with a rod and line, it’s not always that easy to find an instructor.

At Rutland Water, there’s a dedicated Learn to Fish programme from which you can get to grips with the basics and learn some handy hints and tips. Run throughout the year, the fly fishing beginner’s course is delivered by an experienced, qualified instructor who, with a full day’s tuition, will cover everything you need to know, including tackle, casting techniques, presentation, trout behaviour and safety.

Thereafter, you can buy a starter season permit, giving you access to all four of the trout fisheries managed by Anglian Water Parks, giving you time to perfect your technique and enjoy a longer holiday in beautiful Rutland, England’s smallest county.

Stay: Rutland Water Campsite is a basic no-facility site for tourers and motorhomes but it’s location is ideal for enjoying Rutland Water – it is sited just yards from the shoreline with plenty to occupy all the family, including the Rutland Water circular cycle trail.

Gliding in the North York Moors

**GLIDING OVER SUTTON BANK WITH YORKSHIRE GLIDING CLUB**
©YGC

Gliding is unpowered flight, using aircraft without an engine for propulsion. Gliders use the same currents of air – or ‘lift’ used by birds, which means that they are able to soar to great heights and travel long distances.

Without an engine, gliding creates a magical silent world, soaring through the sky. To launch, gliders are attached to either a mechanical winch rope or attached to the rear of a ‘tug’ plane (enabling the glider to reach higher into the sky), known as an aerotow. The glider is released once the appropriate height is reached.

There are many gliding clubs throughout the UK that welcome visitors to have a go, with introductory pleasure flights and short, intensive learn-to-fly courses.

One such is Yorkshire Gliding Club. As it’s based at Sutton Bank, you’ll get stunning views of the North York Moors and the Vale of York on any flight. Trial flights are launched either by winch or aerotow. You can opt for the ‘One Mile High’ flight for a longer experience – more than twice the height of the standard trial lesson.

Stay: Thirsk Racecourse Caravan & Motorhome Club Site. To reach the gliding club from the west requires ascending Sutton Bank, a very steep hill with a road that is banned to towing caravans. Therefore, base yourself at Thirsk Racecourse in the vale below and travel unhindered to the gliding site.

Hiking in Northern Ireland

**HIKING BESIDE KINBANE CASTLE ALONG THE CAUSEWAY COAST WAY**
©VisitBritain/Ben Salway

Of course, who hasn’t gone out for a brisk early morning walk with the dog or an after dinner stroll to watch the sunset when staying at a campsite? But have you attempted a long-distance trail? Britain has some of the finest walking routes and national trails in the world, with incredible scenery. And the coast of Northern Ireland is Britain at its best. The Causeway Coast Way, at 33 miles long, is ideal for beginners to long-distance hiking, it being, actually, not that long – achievable in a couple of days or a long weekend if you want to really take in the viewpoints and sights along the way. The linear route, from Portstewart to Ballycastle, passes through the Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Along the way you’ll see the iconic Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge plus the spectacularly-sited ruins of Dunluce Castle. You’ll walk along sandy beaches and clifftop paths and, should you wish to extend your hike, the Causeway Coast Way is actually a section of the longer-distance Ulster Way. At a mere 625 miles, this circular route is one of the longest in the United Kingdom and Ireland!

Stay: Causeway Coast Holiday Park in Ballycastle offers touring pitches for caravans, motorhomes and tents, together with holiday homes for rent. It’s located at the end of the Causeway Coast Way, and within close proximity to a lovely beach.

Horseriding in Devon

**HORSERIDING AT THE TARR STEPS, A CLAPPER BRIDGE ACROSS THE RIVER BARLE IN EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK**
©VisitBritain/Ben Selway

A gentle trek on a pony along quiet bridleways or an exhilarating canter along the beach – horseriding can take many forms. And one of the prettiest places in which to ride is Exmoor, an often unsung hero of the West Country.

At Pine Lodge, located in the charming village of Dulverton, you’re offered a choice of rides. You can take a leisurely two-hour hack accompanied by an experienced guide exploring the unique landscape of Exmoor; these are ideal for complete beginners or for riders that haven’t ridden for many years and lack confidence to get in the saddle again.

Alternatively, you can book a Safari Day Ride, which takes in all kinds of scenery from age-old beech forests to open moorland, journeying along ancient ridgeways and trails, including the banks of the scenic River Barle. Lunch at a historic inn is included.

Stay: Exmoor House Caravan and Motorhome Club Site is in Dulverton and is a five-minute drive from Pine Lodge. The campsite, open to touring caravans and motorhomes, is situated on the banks of the River Barle.

Kayaking in Dorset

**SEA KAYAKING ALONG THE JURASSIC COAST IN DORSET**
©VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Let’s face it, it’s not as if Britain is short of places to go kayaking! And campers are spoilt for choice with plenty of riverside and lakeside campsites that offer a slipway or launching facilities. But what about coastal kayaking to add a little something to your experience?

Fore Adventure, on the south coast, are aficionados of outdoor activity. Alongside sea kayaking around the magnificent Jurassic coastline – a designated UNESCO Heritage Site – the company also offers standup-paddleboarding, snorkelling, kayak fishing and foraging experiences. On a sea kayak tour you’ll get to witness the amazing Old Harry Rocks from sea-level, with short tours for young children to longer tours with sightings of marine life. There’s even a night-time tour of Studland Bay and an overnighter, sleeping under the stars in a Bivi bag.

Stay: If you prefer a little more comfort than a bivi, Durdle Door Holiday Park offers pitches for tourers, motorhomes and tents, with some magnificent clifftop views.

Mountain Biking in Snowdonia

**MOUNTAIN BIKERS RIDING AT LLANBERIS IN NORTH SNOWDONIA**
©VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

A little different to taking a gentle cycle ride along country lanes or pushing hard and picking up speed on a road bike, mountain biking lets you tackle rough terrain, deep into territory that you otherwise can’t get to on a road bike or on foot.

Wales is known for its designated mountain biking trails and Snowdonia in particular is at the heart of MTB.

Many of the trails start at a Mountain Biking Centre, purpose-built centres dedicated to a particular location, with a visitor centre and bike facilities. Coed Y Brenin is one such Centre, with a host of trails of varying difficulties.

These centres are a great place to start, with hands-on equipment and advice. Thereafter, you can find mountain bike bases - a locale that offers numerous waymarked and mapped trails, such as north Snowdonia, where you’ll find exhilarating tracks coupled with some of Britain’s finest scenery.

Stay: Llanberis Touring Park is a luxury touring park for caravans, motorhomes and tents, and is just a five-minute walk from the town of Llanberis, regarded as one of the gateways to Snowdonia National Park and the North Snowdonia Mountain Bike Base.

Orienteering in the Peak District

It’s just another form of walking isn’t it? Well, yes, or trail running, but with a purpose. With orienteering, you’re also trying to read a map at the same time and navigate to specific points. And anyone can take part regardless of your level of age or fitness.

Orienteering is great fun as it tests mental agility in addition to physical strength. And there are orienteering competitions challenging speed and endurance, whether against the clock or other competitors.

Families can enjoy the impressive Peak District landscapes around Matlock and Hathersage while orienteering with Blue Mountain Activities, specialists in the activity along with other adventures such as rock climbing, caving, mountaineering and navigation. For a really fun day, try their Adventure Treasure Hunt.

Stay: Hardhurst Farm in the beautiful Hope Valley and three miles from the scenic village of Hathersage. The campsite, which is on a working sheep farm, is conveniently close to Hope railway station, allowing you to use public transport to reach Hathersage and, in the opposite direction, Edale, where the Pennine Way National Trail starts and finishes.

Paragliding in Cumbria

**PARAGLIDING OVER KESWICK IN THE LAKE DISTRICT**
©VisitBritain/Scott Salt

There can be little more enthralling than feeling the air around your face as you view the majesty of the Lake District beneath you. Air Ventures Paragliding School, in Keswick, is a BHPAregistered school that offers an Elementary Pilot Course which, over four days, teaches budding new pilots the basics of paragliding. If you don’t have the luxury of four days, or you’re not sure whether paragliding is for you, the organisation also offers one day introductions into the sport and half-hour tandem flights where you’ll be taken as a passenger with an instructor. Any which way, you’ll see the very best of the Lake District from above.

Stay: Castlerigg Farm sits high above Keswick, with astonishing views over Derwentwater and the surrounding fells. There are separate fields for tents and tourers, and a cosy café.

Sailing in Norfolk

**LEARN TO SAIL A TRADITIONAL SAILING BOAT ON THE NORFOLK BROADS**
©www.visitthebroads.co.uk

Let time drift by as you learn to sail in vintage sailing boats specific to the Norfolk Broads. This iconic wetland area, designated as a national park, has more than 120 miles of navigable rivers and lakes together with a plethora of quaint villages and country pubs. Wildlife is abundant and what better way to view it than from the water.

You’ll be transported back to a bygone age as you sail one of the traditional wooden half deckers from Hunter’s Yard. It’s an experience that’s unique to the Broads.

If you’re not sure whether sailing is for you, you can take a two-hour sailing trip with an experienced skipper where you can take the helm for the first time. Or, as a recognised Royal Yachting Association Training School, Hunter’s Yard offers a variety of sailing tuition. including RYA beginners courses.

Stay: At the peaceful five-pitch Manor Lodge Caravan & Camping Site, five minutes’ walk from Ludham village centre, brimming with thatched cottages, and a stone’s throw from Hunter’s Yard.

Sand Sailing in Fife

**LAND YACHTING, OR SAND SAILING, AT ST ANDREW’S, FIFE**
©Kieran Hennigan

Hit the beach and feel the wind in your hair with the exhilaration of sand sailing, otherwise known as land yachting. The sport combines sailing and kart racing, and, to enjoy it, no previous experience is necessary.

You can take part in sand sailing/land yachting on the sublime West Sands Beach at St Andrew’s courtesy of Blown Away. The organisation will kit you out with safety gear before a two-hour session on the sand, with a full demonstration and tuition on how to sail the land yacht, with practice in steering and control.

Stay: St Andrew’s Holiday Park offers touring and tent pitches alongside lodges and mobile holiday homes for rent, with superb views of Scotland’s east coast. The park is within walking distance of the town centre and the numerous golf courses for which St Andrew’s is also famous for.

Stargazing in Northumberland

**STARGAZING AT THE STONEHAUGH PAVILION IN NORTHUMBERLAND NATIONAL PARK**
©Visit Northumberland

It gets truly dark in Kielder Forest Park, with no light pollution whatsoever. It’s why it’s ranked as one of the best places in Britain to go stargazing and appreciate the dark skies – or rather skies full of stars. Indeed, at 580 square miles, the dark sky zone, known as Northumberland and Kielder Water and Forest International Dark Sky Park, is the second largest area of protected night sky in Europe.

You’ll be able to view the dark skies well from anywhere within the Dark Sky Park but Kielder Observatory is at the centre of it all, with events throughout the year to learn more. It’s considered the best site in England to see the Northern Lights and distant galaxies regarded as invisible to the naked eye can be seen clearly from the Observatory site. Visits to the Observatory in the evening are only possible with a booked event ticket. Alternatively, visitors to the park can search for constellations from the comfort of the Stonehaugh Stargazing Pavilion, which comes with star maps for easy spotting.

Stay: Kielder Campsite is within the Kielder Forest Park and close to Kielder Water. The campsite, which offers pitches for tourers, motorhomes and tents in addition to camping pods, is remote enough to instil a sense of excitement at being out in the wild.

Scuba Diving in Cornwall

**SCUBA DIVING AT KYNANCE COVE ON THE LIZARD PENINSULA IN CORNWALL**
©VisitBritain/Ben Selway

The Lizard Peninsula is mainland Britain’s most southerly point and its surrounding waters, fed by the Gulf Stream, are warm and teeming with marine life. All the more reason to go diving here, with the aid of an experienced PADI instructor. Kennack Diving offers numerous courses from first-time ‘Try a Dive’ and ‘Discover Scuba Diving’ experiences up to advanced-level diving. These are based around Kynance Cove and Kennack Sands. As a PADI five-star Dive resort, facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool, classroom and a fully-equipped dive centre.

Stay: Sea Acres Holiday Park, where Kennack Diving is based. Kennack Sands is just minutes on foot from your static caravan accommodation. There are no touring pitches here, though, so if you’re looking for a quirky retreat for tents and campervans, Henry’s Campsite offers gorgeous sea views and a garden atmosphere.

Surfing in Cornwall

**KITESURFING AT ST.MICHAEL’S MOUNT IN CORNWALL**
©VisitBritain/Ben Selway

We may as well stay in Cornwall, it being a surfing mecca, too. The north coast is renowned for its surfing, particularly around little villages like Polzeath and towns like Newquay and Perranporth.

Head to Cornwall’s south coast, though, and you’ll find yourself kitesurfing with the iconic St Michael’s Mount as a scenic backdrop. Ocean High offer one-to-one and two-to-one tuition plus half-day tasters in groups of four, allowing the whole family to have a go. Equipment and wetsuits are provided and, if you’d rather something a little more sedate but still with the wind in your hair, Ocean High also offers stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking in beautiful Mount’s Bay.

Stay: Dove Meadows Touring Caravan Park is suitable for tents, touring caravans and motorhomes. It is situated just four-minutes’ walk from the sandy beaches at Mount’s Bay and some pitches have views of St Michael’s Mount.

Via Ferrata in the Lake District

**HONISTER SLATE MINE, WHERE YOU CAN EXPERIENCE THE CHALLENGING VIA FERRATA XTREME**
www.golakes.co.uk

If you’ve got nerves of steel – or you’d like such confidence – try the Via Ferrata Xtreme at Honister Slate Mine in Cumbria. Nine times higher than The Big One Rollercoaster and seven times the height of London’s Big Ben, participants must inch their way across the daunting Burma Bridge suspended high above the valley floor, before approaching the spectacular summit ridge of the 2,126-foot Fleetwith Pike over a huge vertical scramble net. Secured to the mountain by a cable at all times, the finale includes a spectacular panorama of three of the Lake District’s most picturesque lakes – Buttermere, Crummock and Loweswater.

With mountain-edge exposure, vertical climbs and cliff-edge ladders, this is not for the fainthearted and you do need to be reasonably fit and healthy to take part.

If you’d prefer something similar but a little less challenging, the Via Ferrata Classic, which follows the traditional miners’ path high onto Fleetwith Pike, is suited to most ages and abilities.

Stay: Chapel House Farm Campsite in beautiful Borrowdale is a traditional back-tobasics field campsite without electric hookups. It’s a place to chill and relax in sublime countryside, with wonderful views.

Wild Camping in Scotland

**WILD CAMPING AT LOCH NESS**
©VisitBritain/Peter Beavis

Wild camping offers a sense of freedom and adventure in a totally different way to staying on a campsite. It allows you to see landscapes that you otherwise might not view and appreciate the feeling of remoteness. Wild camping is not accepted in England and Wales, but it is legal on unenclosed land in Scotland with the guidelines that campers should follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and show respect to the countryside and property.

The Scottish Highlands are naturally the wild camper’s playground, with vast landscapes to head off the beaten track. Further south, around Loch Lomond, there are byelaws that allow wild camping for both tents and motorhomes in designated locations within Camping Management Zones. You’ll still have that sense of freedom, though.

Stay: Anywhere you like on unenclosed land in Scotland so long as it follows the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, local byelaws and remains considerate towards landowners.

Zipwiring in North Wales

**SPEED AT UP TO 100MPH ABOVE THE PENRHYN SLATE QUARRY ON THE ZIPWORLD VELOCITY2**
©Zipworld

Want to know what travelling at 100mph feels like? In the open air? Attached to a zip wire? Penrhyn Slate Quarry in North Wales is home to Zip World Velocity 2, the fastest zip line in the world and, at 1,555 metres, the longest in Europe.

You’re attached to a harness and the zip wire as you soar above the former slate quarry and with four lines in operation, it can be a family affair. Children as young as ten years old can have a go but, parents, don’t think you can cheerfully wave from the café as you watch your beloveds hurtle past the window – children up to the age of 17 years must be accompanied by an adult. You can’t get out of having a go yourself!

Stay: Gwern Gof Isaf is a lovely farm campsite surrounded by some of Snowdonia’s finest scenery, including views of the famous mountain, Tryfan. It’s a mainly grass site with five hardstanding pitches for caravans and motorhomes.