No More Tea & Crumpets, Say Hello To Adventure Britain 2012

Since getting poorly on my last trip to Portugal I have been under doctors orders to rest up, take things very easy and don’t do anything to active. However as I am getting better, my attention is turning to next year where I shall hopefully be back to full fitness and raring to go.

I’m craving an adventure, something a little more active and something that will challenge me.

Most people in Britain think that to find an adventure you need to look abroad, well think again people as here are just some of the things I would like to do in Britain in 2012.

Witness The Spectacular Northern Lights In Scotland

This may not be physically demanding but it would certainly be a challenge.

The Aurora Borealis, a spectacular sight to be seen in the Arctic can incredibly also be seen in Scotland. Being this far south however does mean it will be a little more difficult to get a glimpse of this wonder, but if you do your research and leave yourself flexible on dates to travel to an area such as the Orkney Islands or Thurso then you may just get to see one of the most beautiful sights on earth.

For more information check out Visit Scotland and the Aurora Watch UK website.

Throw Yourself Off A Cliff In Pembrokeshire

For nearly a year now I have been meaning to have a go at throwing myself off a cliff, I have yet to get around to it but 2012 will be the year for sure.

My plan is to head over to the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast, hand over some sterling to the lovely folks at Preseli Venture and they will teach me the best way to jump off a cliff into the ocean. It all sounds a little mad I know, but this is called ‘Coasteering’, an adventure sport that so called ‘normal’ minded folk have decided to do for fun which will see you scrambling along the rugged coastline, throwing yourself off cliffs and having the time of your life.

A little crazy, yes. Great fun, definitely!

Experience The Arctic In Gloucestershire

If you are looking for a little piece of the Arctic but don’t want the expense or hassle of travelling to somewhere like Alaska or Northern Norway then you are in luck because on a farm in Tewkesbury the team at Arctic Quest will give you a little hands on glimpse into what it is like up north.

Here you can learn how to run and control your very own team of huskies, snow is not needed as the sleds can run on wheels making this an all weather experience. Better still, after an exhilarating day with the sled dogs you can settle down for dinner around the open camp fire before retiring to a cosy traditional Sami Tipi for a good nights sleep.

Man V Horse Marathon

What started as a bet back in 1980 has become an annual event which see’s men and women take on horses over 22 miles of Welsh countryside. My first thought, like many others is that surely we humans can’t compete with a horse but in 2004 Huw Lobb proved us all wrong by winning the Man V Horse Marathon. No doubt spurred on due to that years prize winning fund of £25,000.

It’s a great event to compete in and if you find 22 miles a little to far, get yourself a few mates and enter as a team. For more information check out the official website.

Stand On Top Of Britain

To stand on top of Britain you need to reach the top of Ben Nevis. At 1,344 meters high, it may not challenge the Himalayas, or anywhere else for that matter, but after hours of trekking you will be delighted with the stunning views over Scotland when reaching the top.

The small town of Fort William is the gateway to Ben Nevis and a great way to get there is onboard Britain’s finest rail journey, the Caledonian Sleeper.

Take On Britain’s Ultimate Bike Ride

If you love a little two wheeled action then the ultimate bike ride has to be the famous Lands End to John O’Groats route. Travelling the 1000 miles length of Britain is going to guarantee plenty of blisters on the old bottom but it is a classic route that will take you through some of Britain’s most beautiful scenery, so the pain will be worth it.

Learn To Ski In Scotland

I will let you into a little secret, I am rubbish at Skiing. I have been to France a few times and I was the one always falling over, getting in peoples way and generally causing accidents.

But I would like to try again and where better to try than right here in Britain. Scotland may not have the reputation or as much snow as it’s European friends but it is very affordable and has some excellent runs for the beginner and skilled alike.

Walk Coast To Coast

I cannot think of anything better than a summer hike across England. A very popular route is the coast to coast path which will see you paddling in the Irish sea, then walking the 192 miles across England so that you can then take a little paddle in the North Sea at Robin Hoods Bay.

You don’t actually have to take a paddle in the water, just something I would like to do.

There is no doubt, if you are after some of England’s most beautiful scenery then this is the way to do it as it passes through no less than three of England’s most beautiful national parks.

Britain’s Highest Bungee Jump

And if you cannot be bothered with all of that, why not just throw yourself off Britain’s highest bungee platform.

Standing on the edge of the platform looking down at the ground which is over 300ft below you must be a terrifying yet fantastic adrenaline charged feeling.

I have yet to do a bungee jump but 2012 may just be the year and where better to do it than on home soil, or through home air I should say.

Locations for Britain’s highest Bungee Jump are near Manchester and London. For more details check out the Extreme Element website.

There is of course much more to do in Britain than that. If you have a suggestion, share it with me via a comment below.

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Thank you to the following people for the pictures in this article: Scott Hamilton, Mika Hirsimaki, Geograph, OP_timus, Tour Scotland, Placid Casual,  Bindaas Madhavi, Strange Funny World