Exploration
The greatest adventure weekends in the UK
A new year brings new challenges. Beat your best with these short adrenaline-pumping UK excursions.
Staying fit, healthy, and inspired is a year-round pursuit. So why not combine your weekend fun with some first-class adventure?
We’ve combed this isle in search of some of the best alternative adventure excursions worth your time.
All of the usual spots like Snowdon, the snowy Scottish Highlands, and Cumbrian forests are here of course, but we’ve also ventured further afield, into the wilds of Welsh mines, hover crafting excursions across Northern Ireland, and Celtic snorkelling to bring you a truly unique, truly inspiring list. Now all you need to do is start planning your journey…
North Wales
1. Climb Mount Snowdon at night
Mounting Snowdon at night is a hell of an experience
© Visit Wales
We’d be remiss to mention the mystic Welsh valleys without directing you towards Mount Snowdon. But, before you throw up your hands at yet another adventure article suggesting you tackle the Three Peaks, just hold on a second. We’re actually suggesting you climb Snowdon. At night. Snowdon by Night is a charity challenge, taking two days in June, and allowing you to gaze up at the starts and sunrise from 3560ft. Which, for even the most seasoned Snowdon enthusiast, is likely to paint the mountain in new light.
2. Descend into the depths
Abseil around Snowdonia’s long-forgotten mine
© Mountain Extreme
North Wales has a rich mining history, and you’d be wise to take advantage of this. Into The Mountain Extreme is a two-day excursion that will see you abseil over 1,300ft below ground to the deepest accessible point of one of Snowdonia’s long-forgotten mines. And, if spending your weekend in the bowels of the earth isn’t quite your thing, don’t worry; day two includes a trip to a trip to ZipWorld Velocity in Penrhyn Slate mine, which should provide plenty of fresh air.
The Lake District
3. Get a head for heights
One group traverses Honister Slate Mine the 'Xtreme' way
© Honister
Honister Slate Mine is the only place in the UK to feature its very own Via Ferrata. If you’re not quite sure on the translation, picture iron walk ways, slim footholds and cable bridges built into the side of a mountain. Still with us? Good. There are two routes to be explored: the Classic and the Xtreme. The former will take you around three hours, while the latter offers a significant adrenaline spike and comes in at the 3.5 hour mark. That is, unless you happen to look down…
4. Take to two wheels
Sticks Path offers challenging riding
© Public Domain Image
The Lake District is an MBT enthusiast’s dream. From bridleways to 6km downhill descents and the ancient trees of Whinlatter Forest, you’ll quickly fall in love with the longest mountain bike trail in the area. For something a bit more challenging, opt for the 19km Altura Trail, featuring plenty of gnarly off-road spots for the more experienced (and fitter) rider.
5. Take on some lofty crags
The Lake District offers some of the best climbing in the land
© Crgasadventure.com
Craggier than Danny Trejo's face, the Lake District attracts some of the UK's finest climbers year-round. To help you reach for the same heights as the likes of pro Leo Houlding, opt for the Langdale crags (for beginners) or the Old Man of Coniston (for the more advanced climber by booking with Crags Adventure. To make it even easier, they can organise equipment and even provide a guide to help you discover the best single and multi-pitch routes.
The Cairngorms
6. Build a snow shelter
One plucky adventurer makes his own snow hole
© Scotmountainholidays.com
It’s Scotland, so in winter there's always a chance of snow - not least in the Cairngorms National Park (just a two-hour drive from Aberdeen). During the frostiest months, sign up for this three-day adventure and your survival skills will be put to the test in the depths of the Scottish Highlands. Over the course of four nights, expert guides will help you construct a snow hole to survive the winter wilderness, as well as helping you prepare a three-course meal inside too. Call it a ‘frost bite’.
7. Go dog sledding
Bet you didn't think you'd see this in the Scottish wild
© Sled Dogs
Believe it or not, The Cairngorms is the perfect place to get your very own sled-dog crew. Based in Aviemore, at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountain Range, The Cairngorm Sleddog Centre lets you join the kennel on a 50-minute training session, as well as joining the team on a forest trail ride. As the website promises, this is ‘no jolly husky ride!'
8. Explore a gorge
Note: you will probably not finish up as dry as this guy
© Cragganoutdoors.co.uk
Gorge-walking is a must on any adventure weekender. Thankfully, the Cairngorms provide some of the best spots and guides around. Craggan Outdoors will equip you with the relevant wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets and guides with an outing that also supports the charity Water For Kids. An ideal trip for team building or simply for those with a taste for the cold and wet.
From £45; Cragganoutdoors.co.uk
Best of the rest
9. Take a hovercraft for a spin
'What do you think of Hovercrafting? Big fan.'
© Adventuretoursni.com
Everyone knows that Northern Ireland is one of the most spectacular areas in the world. And you should also know that hover crafting is the extreme activity you’ve been missing out on. (Trust us). In 2019, you can unite the two, by signing up for Adventure Tours NI’s hover craft package. Not only will you bomb over land and water on what is essentially a large cushion of air, you’ll tackle mud, grass, hairpin bends and more. Also included is one additional activity including laser clay pigeon shooting, archery, or power turn buggying, making this one of the best ways to spend a weekend anywhere.
10. Soar over Surrey
Thrill-seekers can get their kicks over the Surrey countryside
© Green Dragons
Always wanted to see leafy Surrey from the air? You’re in luck. With absolutely no skills required (except, perhaps, a head for heights), Green Dragon’s hang-gliding experience straps you in to 44 years-worth of experience as you ride the thermals over the North Downs. Breathtaking in more ways than one.
11. Go land yachting on Romney Marsh
Careful, you can whip up serious speeds when land yachting
© Fishy's Land
Just two hours on the train from London lies the spectacular vista of Romney Marsh. Here you can get to grips with land yachting – a cross between sailing and motor racing. Greatstone Beach with its vast, open expanses, and reliable wind makes for the perfect place to set sail and outpace the competition at speeds of up to 40mph.
