Wild Summer Adventures on England's Coast
Be adventure-ready this summer and make the most of the great outdoors by ensuring you have the best kit!
Be adventure-ready this summer and make the most of the great outdoors by ensuring you have the best kit!
Summertime is the perfect opportunity to enjoy an outdoor adventure to make the most of the good weather and longer, lighter evenings.
From bikepacking and trail running, to paddle boarding and hiking, there’s a host of exhilarating coastal activities to be enjoyed this season.
Enjoy breath-taking scenery and open horizons on The England Coast Path: on completion at 2,700 miles, it will be the world’s longest coastal path, with unique stretches of coastal paths open to the public around the UK.
It features the dramatic landscapes of the Yorkshire coast with old fishing villages and lively coastal towns, to the iconic White Cliffs and expansive sands from Camber to Ramsgate in Kent.
The Path aims to stay as close to the coast as possible, which means some paths have a natural, uneven surface, and some areas will get muddy in wet weather.
Many of the walking trails along England’s coast are suitable for cycling, with the traffic-free routes making for safer rides for individuals and families. Cyclists can enjoy a gentle recreational ride on flat terrain, such as the scenic Chelmsford to Maldon route, or the Kent Coastal Castles Ride with great stone beaches, seascape and castle views to be enjoyed.
For riders looking for more of a challenge, the coast-to-coast Hadrian’s Cycleway is a 170-mile historical exploration, following the line of the Roman frontier from Ravenglass in Cumbria to South Shields in Tyne & Wear.
Stand up paddleboarding – ‘SUPing’ - is one of the UK's fastest growing water sports and a fantastic way to get a unique perspective of the coast, as well as discover beaches and coves unreachable by foot.
Explore the heart of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door - one of the most iconic sites on the whole of the Jurassic Coast – or discover hidden coves and secret lagoons along the Cornish coastline, from the stunning river Gannel, North Cornwall to the white sands of Porthcurno Beach, South Cornwall.
While visions of blue skies and beaming sun might be at the top of many outdoor adventurers’ wanted lists, it’s important to remember that steep hills, unfenced clifftop paths, and exposed trails often result in some challenging conditions. Keeping cool and comfortable and preventing the wild terrain and unpredictable weather from ruining that much-valued time outdoors is key.
Key to enjoying outdoor pursuits is acquiring must-have accessories and footwear for all thrill-seekers this season.
We’ve partnered with two high-quality active brands Sealskinz and OOFOS who offer stylish, yet practical and fully protective socks, caps, and sandals, there’s kit to suit every adventure and every adventurer.
If you’ve ever had a coastal walk ruined by wet feet, check out British waterproof accessories brand, Sealskinz: Sealskinz offers 100 per cent waterproof socks, ideal for hikers and quick drying. Leading recovery footwear brand OOFOS’s unisex sandal - made with the brand's proprietary OOfoam™ technology that absorbs 47% more impact than traditional footwear foams - is perfect for everything from post-hike camping to global travel – they’re machine-washable and even float – perfect for SUP trips!
Some say England is full. Far from it! Author and guest blogger Martin Dorey spent the summer of 2021 – the year we all stayed at home - searching for solitude. Did he find it? His new book ‘Off the Beaten Track: England and Wales’ spells it out.
Frances Mills is a trail runner and tour guide for Active England Tours, she has spent the past three winters running around the 2,700 miles of England’s Coast. This blog highlights some of Frances’ favourite places to visit along the South West Coast Path, including some great personal tales and also her top tips for winter travel in Cornwall.
If you really want to soak up the sea air, there’s little better than experiencing the beauty of the English coastline than by bike.