By Pau Gómez
Adventure sports are a fantastic way to get outdoors and see more of the world – and have been growing in popularity in recent years. As more people take up biking and hiking, more people have started to discover the wonders of Britain’s natural landscapes. As someone hunting for their slice of nature, what are some of the best places to go adventuring?
Ullswater, The Lake District National Park
The Lake District National Park is, as a whole, one of the most breathtaking places you can visit in Western Europe. This stunning expanse of ancient, forested mountains, stippled with myriad glacial lakes, is the largest national park in England – and chock-full of phenomenal walking trails, to say nothing of the many mountain and road biking opportunities.
One of the better places to set up camp – literally speaking – is Ullswater, the second-largest lake in the district. Ullswater is set between forests and hills, giving you the luxury of choice when it comes to your preferred walking route; with the footwear to suit, you could get lost in the charms of this quiet and endlessly-giving Cumbrian landscape.
Coed-y-Brenin, Eryri National Park
Coed-y-Brenin is something of a poorly kept secret when it comes to adventure sports in Wales – though it does benefit from tourists flocking instead to the heel of Mount Eryri itself, leaving hikers and bikers alike to enjoy its forest surrounds more intently. Coed-y-Brenin is, after all, a forest, nestled amidst Avon’s Gain and Eden to the south of Blaenau Ffestiniog.
This idyllic patch of mountain forest is also the home to some of the most exciting and accessible mountain biking routes in the British Isles – including the Dragon’s Back trail, formerly known as the Karrimor Trail. This near-20-mile route takes you upwards and out, to the highest point of the forest and the best views south of Eryri, before plunging you through five incredible downhill stages.
Loch Morlich Circuit, Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park is a stunning wedge of Scottish highland landscape, describing miles upon miles of heather moors, craggy mountains, and – of course – stunning lochs. One of the more stunning lochs in the Cairngorms takes the form of Loch Morlich, west of Aviemore. The loch is surrounded by beachy shores and takes in some unbelievable views of the bracken- and snow-strapped lands behind. This is a haven for more than bikers and hikers, too, with seasonal skiers finding a home in the icier reaches of the loch’s surroundings.
Derwent and Howden Reservoir, Peak District National Park
Finally, we come to the hiker’s paradise: the Peak District, which encompasses the Pennine mountains –the backbone of England. There are many incredible walking destinations up and down these storied mountains, but one of the friendliest and most picturesque is the Derwent and Howden Reservoirs trail. This is a ten-mile trip and one which can be easily bike-ridden by families. The walk is a little more involved, but no less worthwhile for it.
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