Outdoor activities are a great way to stay active, connect with nature, and have some fun. Whether you’re new to the outdoors or just looking to try something new, there are plenty of beginner-friendly options to choose from. Here are five outdoor activities every woman should consider giving a try:
1 Hiking
Walking in the natural world is a great way to exercise while enjoying nature’s beauty. You can do it no matter what your fitness level is or your age is. Start with a good pair of hiking boots and comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes. Make sure you choose a trail that’s easy to moderate and take plenty of breaks. Your hikes will get longer and harder as you get more comfortable and fit. Some good places where you can hike in England are:
The Lake District
Located in the northwest of England, the Lake District is a stunning region of rolling hills, beautiful lakes, and picturesque villages. With over 2,000 miles of footpaths and trails, the Lake District is a paradise for hikers. Some of the best hikes in the Lake District include Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, and the challenging but rewarding Coast to Coast path.
The South Downs
The South Downs is a range of hills that runs across the southern part of England, from Winchester to Eastbourne. The South Downs Way is a 100-mile long-distance footpath that follows the crest of the hills and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming villages, ancient woodlands, and open grasslands.
The Peak District
A beautiful and varied region in the heart of England, the Peak District is home to well-marked footpaths and trails. There’s something for everyone in the Peak District, from gentle valley walks to challenging mountain hikes. Some of the best hikes in the Peak District include Kinder Scout, a rocky plateau with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, and the High Peak Trail, a disused railway line that’s now a popular walk and cycle path.
2 Camping
Camping is a great way to spend quality time with friends and family, and it’s also a fantastic way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You’ll need a tent, sleeping bag, and other basic camping gear to get started. For beginners, consider choosing a campsite with amenities like restrooms and running water to make things a bit more comfortable. You can also try car camping, which allows you to park your car close to your campsite and use it as a base of operations.
Places to camp in England include:
The New Forest
A beautiful and unspoiled region of ancient woodlands, heathland, and rolling hills located in the south of England. There are many campsites within the New Forest, many of which offer scenic views, modern facilities, and easy access to the region’s many footpaths and trails. Some popular campsites in the New Forest include Hoburne Bashley Holiday Park, a family-friendly site with a heated outdoor pool, and the Camping and Caravanning Club’s New Forest Site, which offers a range of pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes.
The Yorkshire Dales
This is a varied region of rolling hills, beautiful valleys, and picturesque villages located in the north of England. There are numerous campsites within the Yorkshire Dales, among them – Howgill Lodge, Stablefell Campsite, and Breaks Fold Farm Glamping and Camping.
3 Biking
Biking is a great way to get around, see the sights, and get some exercise all at the same time. Whether you’re a road cycling enthusiast or prefer riding trails on a mountain bike, there’s a type of biking for everyone. You’ll need a bike that fits you properly, a helmet, and some other basic cycling gear to get started. Start with shorter rides and gradually increase the distance as you get more comfortable.
Besides The Peak District, two other good places to cycle in England are:
The South Downs
A range of hills that runs across the southern part of England, from Winchester to Eastbourne. The South Downs Way is a 100-mile long-distance footpath that follows the crest of the hills and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming villages, ancient woodlands, and open grasslands. The South Downs Way is a popular cycling route, and several cycling routes link to it.
The Forest of Dean
This is a beautiful and unspoiled region of ancient woodlands, heathland, and rolling hills located in the west of England. The Forest of Dean has a network of well-marked footpaths and trails popular with mountain bikers. One of the best places to ride a bike in the Forest of Dean includes the Family Cycle Trail, a gentle, traffic-free route that’s suitable for all ages and abilities.
4 Kayaking
In addition to exploring waterways, kayaking is an exciting and fun outdoor activity. A kayak, a paddle, and a personal flotation device (PFD) are all you’ll need. A kayaking lesson or guided tour can help you learn the basics and get some practice if you’re new to kayaking. You can try different types of kayaking, such as touring or whitewater kayaking, after you feel comfortable on the water.
It’s important to note that kayaking can be affected by weather and tide conditions, so it’s always a good idea to check local forecasts and tides before heading out on the water.
In England, you can go kayaking in The Lake District (Windermere, Ullswater, Coniston Water, Derwentwater etc.), The South Coast (Hadleigh Park Reservoir, River Itchen, River Hamble) or The East Coast (Coltishall, Sudbury, Geldeston Lock).
5 Stand-up paddleboarding
Getting a full-body workout while enjoying the water is possible with stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). To get started, you’ll need a stand-up paddleboard, paddle, and personal flotation device (PFD). Once you feel comfortable on the board, after taking some lessons, you can explore different waterways and try different types of paddling, like touring or surfing.
Some popular places to enjoy stand-up paddleboarding in England include The Lake District, The South Coast (home to many sheltered bays, estuaries, and rivers that are ideal for stand-up paddleboarding) and The East Coast (where you can find several quiet, sheltered waters).
No matter which outdoor activity you choose, the most important thing is to have fun and be safe. Make sure to follow all safety guidelines and recommendations, and always let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. With a little bit of preparation and some good old-fashioned curiosity, you can have an amazing time exploring the great outdoors.
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