Top 5 Summer Adventures

There is more to the UK than just tea & crumpets you know! It is a land full of adventure so today we are taking a look at just five of the top adventures to take this summer.

So put down that cup of tea and say hello to adventure Britain.

Cycle Land’s End to John O’Groats

Avid cyclists include the trip from Land’s End to John O’Groats (or vice-versa) in their must-do rides. Some do it for fun, some for charity while others do it as a timed challenge. The 874-mile (roughly) route traverses the farthest-most points of Great Britain from the south western-most tip of England to the northeast coast of Scotland. Most cyclists plan a 10- to 14-day trip to complete this route. The fastest cycling time recorded was just over 44 hours which quite frankly sounds a little crazy but then this type of challenge really does bring the best out people. It’s a long way but you can do it!

Just make sure you have a comfortable seat or you may just find yourself walking a little like John Wayne.

Surfing in Newquay

If your love is water and big waves then Newquay in Cornwall is the place to head with your surfing gear. Newquay is host to world class surfing events including an annual competition in August, part of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) European Tour. The six beaches of Newquay offer exciting surfing experiences for both novices and pros. Several surfing schools in the area provide lessons for those new to the sport.

Climb Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Great Britain, is considered one of the most challenging climbs in Scotland. The granite and basalt mountain, a remnant of an ancient volcano in the Grampian Mountains, rises over 4,000 feet (1,344 metres) above sea level. It features all difficulties of rock climbing from novice to expert, ice climbing and hiking. Several foot paths lead to the summit. The variable weather conditions make the climbs more treacherous. What can start out as a bright, sunny day can end with fog, high winds or snow. The average ascent time for an ordinary walker is about five hours. The record for the round trip, clocked during one of the annual September races, is one-and-one-half hours.

Lake District Paragliding

Take flight and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Lake District from the seat of a paraglider. Are you new to the sport? You can soar in tandem with a seasoned pilot. The Lake District National Park in Cumbria, North West England has more than 50 lakes nestled into scenic mountain valleys. The woodlands, waterways, marshes and mountain peaks are home to abundant plants and wildlife, including rare toads that can be heard several kilometres away. Soar above waterfalls, streams and lakes, or view Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England, from the air. Several paragliding outfitters with registered instructors and pilots offer lessons and host airborne tours of the District.

Pembrokeshire Coast Walk

The 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast National Trail follows the coastline of southwest Wales from Cardigan along the Cardigan Sea on the north to Tenby on Carmarthen Bay on the south. Pembrokeshire Trail, one of three National Trails in Wales, is famous for its rugged terrain, beautiful beaches and historic sites. Barafundle Beach is considered one of the best in the world. The trail passes by Neolithic stone circles, Iron Age forts and medieval castles. Part of the Pembrokeshire National Park, the trail includes national conservation areas and private land. The rocky terrain makes the trek a challenge. To walk the entire trail takes about 15 days. Some hikers opt for shorter trips that highlight an area or are less challenging.

Photos by chris breddy1, garfey, Hotfield, Jesslee Cuizon, Stewart Black