Bag a Scottish Munro
People spend a whole lifetime ticking off Munros - the Scottish mountains over 3000 feet high - well, there are 277 of them after all! Regardless of whether it's your first, or your 277th, the views can be epic and the sense of satisfaction as you conquer each and every peak is guaranteed. Mountain guide Steven Fallon runs a programme of weekend hikes in Scotland with Ben Lui, and its neighbouring Munros - just some of our favourites on his bagging list.
Cycle the UK coast-to-coast
This challenging, 218km, four-day cycle ride with Explore takes you across England, from Whitehaven on the Irish Sea to Tynemouth on the North Sea. You'll ride through three beautiful Northern English regions: the Lake District, Eden Valley and over the rugged North Pennines. Included in the price (£245) is bike rental, maps/route information, three breakfasts, one night in a guest house and two nights in hostels. Not included is transfer to and from the start and finish.
Sea kayak west Scotland
Flexibility is the key to Wilderness Scotland's West Coast Explorer tour, as where you paddle will depend on the weather and wind. But highlights you can expect include paddling past the iconic Eilean Donan Castle on Loch Duich in the West Highlands, exploring the islands of Skye's Broadford Bay, or wild camping off the wild coast of Loch Hourn for up to three nights of this six-day Scottish sea adventure. You'll sleep in hostels and tents for a taste of real Scotland.
Canoe camp the Wye Valley
If you're looking for a canoe trip with an expedition feel but still closer to home, this three-day trip on the dramatic River Wye could be for you. Beginning in Glasbury, just north of the Black Mountains, you'll paddle several miles each day through changing scenery, tackling small rapids and flat stretches, and wild camping on river beaches and banks. The pace is relaxed and there will be plenty of time to swim, play and rest as you head down river through this AONB.
Walk the South West Coast Path
From Minehead in north east Devon, to Poole in Dorset, this National Trail traces the coastline of southwest England with a staggering 630 miles of breath-taking walking. From towering cliffs, to hidden coves, tin mines to subtropical woodland, and fishing villages to deserted beaches, this path has it all, with an incredible diversity of scenery, culture and history at every step. Encounter Walking Holidays breaks the Trail into nine sections of a week's walking each.
Wild camp in the Brecons
There is no greater feeling of freedom and adventure than camping high on a mountainside without a sign of civilisation or a soul in sight. Outside of Scotland, although widely tolerated, strictly speaking wild camping is not a legal right, so it is best to check first or ask permission from the land owner. Otherwise, a few National Parks such as Snowdonia, the Lake District and the Brecon Beacons have locations where wild camping is officially allowed.
