7 Outdoor Activities and Sports You Must Try

1. Walking

The good thing about walking is it’s completely free and pretty much anyone can do it! There are walks for every fitness level and every mood. The UK offers some beautiful walks, from the Lake District, Snowdonia and Brecon Beacons to Dartmoor, Yorkshire Dales and South Downs. The UK has some stunning scenery that will take your breath away along with any stresses you may have.

Other benefits of walking include:

• It tones your bottom
• It gradually reduces body fat. You won’t get the body of Adonis from walking but you will see a difference in your fitness levels and physical appearance over time.
• Lowers your blood pressure.
• Reduces stress. What can improve your mood more than seeing the beautiful countryside, the sound of birds tweeting and rivers flowing? Heaven!
• Boosts your immune system.
• Gives you time to think. If you’ve had a bad day at the office or a disagreement with your other half, a 30-minute walk will give you time to cool off and rethink things. Things won’t seem half as bad after a brisk walk in the fresh air.
• Helps you live longer. Who can argue with that?!

2. Horse Riding

Horse riding is a fantastic sport which, not only keeps you fit, but also improves your confidence from handling and interacting with such a large animal. It’s a great weight-bearing exercise that tones your inner thighs and pelvic muscles and gets you closer to nature. Horse riding can be a challenging pursuit as it requires balance and coordination yet it’s calming and relaxing at the same time. If you ride or own a horse, you will understand the beauty of riding and the simple pleasures it can bring. It’s just you, your horse and Mother Nature.

If horse riding is something you’d like to try out, you can find out where your local horse riding centre is by logging on to: Find A Place To Ride

3. Cycling

Cycling, like walking, is one of those exercises that pretty much everyone can do providing you own or have access to a bike. Riding a bike is a skill you learn almost as soon as you can walk and stays with you for life. As the old adage goes: ‘it’s as easy as riding a bike’! Because it’s fun, you can enjoy cycling and not really feel like you’re exercising (but of course you are!) The benefits include working your muscles, improves your immune system, good for your heart, improves coordination and helps relieve stress.

Most people own a mountain bike, a road bike or a hybrid and simply want to go on leisurely cycles. Other people may wish to specialise in a certain type of cycling. There are many kinds of cycling from mountain biking to BMX and road cycling. Each requires different skills and one may suit you more than the other. If you want to find some good cycle routes in the UK, why not check out ‘Cycle-Route.com‘ and find one that suits your ability?

4. Climbing

Climbing is a sport which provides your body with a great all-over work out and relies just as much on technique as it does strength. You don’t need to be fit or toned to start climbing, that will come with time. What you need are good problem-solving skills and a head for heights! Over time, you will improve your stamina and concentration and you will also notice a difference in your body. Your back, abdominal and leg muscles all get a good workout. Other benefits of climbing, include:

• Builds confidence.
• Improves cardio – your breathing, heart rate and stamina will all improve.
• Teaches you life skills.
• Good form of stress relief – once you’re climbing, you’re in the zone! Everything else goes out of your head as your focus on one thing and one thing only.
• Working in a team improves your social skills

There are many great places to climb across the UK for climbers of all levels, from beginner to expert. Check out UKClimbing.com for everything from what to wear to finding your nearest climbing club.

5. Clay Pigeon Shooting

If you’ve never tried clay pigeon shooting then you should. It’s great fun and gives you a real adrenaline rush. Clay pigeon shooting is the perfect sport for those wishing to let off some steam and test their observation skills. Other skills required include good timing, steady hand, fast reflexes and cool under pressure.The benefits of this sport are it’s a great way to let off steam; it’s a real team bonding experience, exhilarating and rewarding.

There are many places across the UK to enjoy clay pigeon shooting, find your local club here

6. Fishing

Fishing is quite a therapeutic sport and is not just for middle aged men wishing to get out of the house for a few hours! Women, children and teens are also fans of the increasingly popular sport. Not only is it calming but it also involves a work out for your arms when throwing a rod. Yes, you can tone up from fishing! Many people fall in love with fishing because of the relaxing effect of the sport. Being outdoors in the fresh air can improve your lungs and general well being. It’s a great stress reliever and helps improve dexterity and reflexes. The thrill of a catch can also be exhilarating and a great social bonding experience. But be patient. There will be days when you don’t catch a thing and others when you will be waiting hours before you get to reel a catch in – that’s the appeal of the sport. It’s a waiting game and it’s very unpredictable.

Here are some of the top fishing spots in the UK.

7. Skiing

Skiing is one of the most popular sports in the UK. Snow, speed and beautiful views –what’s not to like? To be a good skier, you must have good balance, stance and coordination. Good core muscles will improve your balance over time. Advantages of skiing include:

• Tones stomach.
• Works muscles, specifically inner and outer thighs, hamstrings and the bottom.
• You can burn up to 3,000 calories a day. This equates to approximately 5lbs during a week’s skiing holiday.
• Improves breathing and lungs as the air is much purer in the mountains.
• Helps improve your mood as endorphins are released.
• Beautiful views. Unless it’s a ski slope in Scunthorpe.
• Improved sleep
• The adrenaline boost that skiing gives you is like no other. And once you’ve perfected not falling over, it becomes super addictive.

If you fancy trying any of our top 7 sports or activities, we have the perfect items of clothing to help keep you warm during those cold days.

Sealskinz range (gloves, hats, socks)

Wellies & country Boots (Le Chameau, Aigle, Dubarry)

Airoware unisex bodybase

Heatholders Range