The ultimate microadventure bucketlist

Would you like to live more adventurously? Now's your chance to experience the wild and test your limits with these tempting bitesize challenges. Microadventures are the doable face of adventure. They're uplifting, not insanely expensive and don't require more than a day to complete. Plus, they're right here in the UK, so no jetsetting required. After all, when was the last time you tried something new?

#1 Sleep outside under the stars

Tents are all well and good, but the number one adventure accessible to just about anyone is a night’s rest under just the twinkling stars and the toasty cover of a bivvy. The world has just become your own   Wake up to an amazing sunrise without a wall of canvas.

What you need: A bivvy sack, water bottle and good walking boots.

Where to do it: The beauty of this microadventure is that it’s transferable, and can be taken just about anywhere. Grab forty winks from the bottom of the garden or your closest open green space.  For a real wow factor, try the Erme Plains on Dartmoor where a ring of ancient stones will encircle you, or bed down by the shores of Melynllyn in Snowdonia for a waterside haven.

 

#2 Get a rush ziplining

You may not be able to fly, but there’s a way to feel weightless and shoot at effortless speed any time you want. Ziplines carry a childlike sense of freedom and will have your heart racing in a matter of moments. It’s simple, yet effective.

What you need: Zilch

Where to do it: The longest zip wire in the northern hemisphere is right here in North Wales. Zip Below Xtreme features a gutrenching freefall in an abandoned slate mine and is an adults only playground. 
 

#3 Dive in to wild swimming

Swimming pools, nose plugs and chlorine won’t seem too appealing once you’ve tried the exhilarating feel of a plunge into pure open water. There’s no better way to feel truly alive than a leap into a gushing stream or placid lake and Britain’s crammed with spots begging to be explored.

What you need: A change of clothes and a towel

Where to do it: A waterfall is a great place to start, since you’ll have the feel of nature immense power at its cleanest and purest. Try the stunning heights of Kisdon Force in the Yorkshire Dales, where you can leap between a 5 metre high baby spout and a 12 metre high deluge breaching a 50 metre pool.

 

#4 Sleep in a bothy

It’s not just the thrill of the chase in finding these half wild, half secret rustic shelters that you’ll love.  You’re sleeping in a nest that carries a wealth of history and grants you access to the most spectacular wildlands and best long distance trails. Rustle up a hearty meal and then get cosy by the fireside in this free, communal and ancient accommodation.

What you need: A night in a bothy is essentially camping without a tent- so assume nothing is on hand. Bring a sleeping bag, mat and cooking gear plus materials to help light a fire.

Where to do it:  The majority of bothies are in Scotland. One of the most unmissable is The Lookout, which peeps over a bay in a time-worn coastguard station on the cliffs of the Isle of Skye. Whales and dolphins are commonly spotted below your temporary home.

 

#5 Fish your own supper and then cook it over a hearty campfire

Nothing the local supermarket stocks will ever compare to the succulent taste of a meal you’ve sweated over yourself. Don’t worry if you’ve so far struggled to net a minnow- time, patience and a few tricks of the trade are all you need. You can even skip the rod and go for the more basic process of hand lining. For this, tie a hook to your fishing line and bait it. If you don’t have ready bait then bits of bread, chicken, corn or cheese may work instead.  Stand by the water dangling your line and try variousbait options until you feel a tug.

What you need: Food scraps, fishing line and hook.  Then for the campfire you can gather nearby materials, but firelighters and a flint and steel with be a great help.

Where to do it: Local fishing locations.
 

#6 Touch the tip of the greatest peak

The feeling of summiting your first peak will never leave you. The stillness of the air, your sense of triumphant and the way you look down on the world are guaranteed to travel with you. It’s an unmissable bucketlist activity!

What you need: Strong walking boots, a waterproof coat and an emergency kit with first aid supplies and a charged phone.

Where to do it: Set your knees against the highest mountain in England, Scaffell Pike in the Lakes, and stand proud on the stone platform that marks the top. It’s the epitome of great bragging rights, and can be climbed in a day of solid effort.

 

#7 Dip your toe into stand up paddleboarding

Fancy breezing through placid waters, gently gliding through serene countryside? Stand up paddleboarding can take you to some of the most beautiful parts of Britain, and is a real test of your balance and navigation. It’s the closest to walking on water you’ll likely ever come.

What you need: All equipment can be rented, such as a waterproof gear, your paddle and board.

Where to do it: Nothing can beat a sunset or moonlit meander on your boards, so the Cuckmere Meanders in Sussex will take you via dreamy views from reedy waters right to the beach. This route is untouched by sea tides, so ideal for those starting out.

 

#8 Browse Britain on a canal boat

Forget jammed motorways, this is the way to get around! As soon as you join the waterways, you’re part of a lazy network that spans the UK and takes in gorgeous views and incredible attractions.

What you need: Hire of a narrow boat

Where to do it: The Llangollen Canal is a living, breathing piece of history you’ll want to glide through. The jawdropping Telford aqueduct will give you thrills, and you’ll be soaring high above the world on the River Dee.

 

#9 Discover geocaching

Treasure hunts are no longer just for kids, they can also be high tech and a way to step outside your comfort zone. You’ll go somewhere entirely new, find a treasure and share an intimate secret with a stranger.

What you need: The beauty’s in the simplicity of the microadventure. All you need is a GPS device and walking gear to get started.

Where to do it: The Chorley Circular is one of the most popular geocaches. You’ll circle an idyllic Staffordshire village on titchy country lanes, greeted by farm animals and a number of stiles. There are 32 treasures on offer, and a bonus if you finish the challenge.
 

#10 Fly high in a hot air balloon

Take a leaf out of Richard Branson’s book by soaring over the skyline powered by nothing more than hot air. Here’s the perfect way to satisfy your curiosity over what lies just beyond the horizon.

What you need: A reservation on a flight.

Where to do it: Picture yourself one of 100 multicoloured teardrops floating above the West Country in a spectacular display- it’s The Bristol Balloon Fiesta. It’s the largest festival of its kind in Europe, and completely free, so you won’t want to miss the magic.

 

#11 Climb the closest high point and watch the sunrise

For once in your life, see the sun start its journey unimpeded by a skyline of huddled buildings.  Find somewhere- anywhere- with a view that towers over the rest, and wait peacefully for the rays to break the clouds.

What you need: A sense of adventure and willingness to get up early.

Where to do it: Use an online elevation finder to map your closest high point, and strap on a pair of boots!

 

#12 Bare it all skinny dipping

It doesn’t get more liberating than a dip in the altogether under peaceful moonlight.  Dare yourself to get really close to nature in a totally new way.

What you need: A safe corner to store your clothes and a torch

Where to do it: Linhope Spout in Northumberland is the king of all things dipping in the buff. In a secluded glade of the moors you’ll find a deep cauldron, and from there it’s up to you to take the plunge. You’ll be rewarded with a relaxing pool that is deep enough for diving.
 

#13 Learn to surf the waves

You don’t need to spend long on YouTube to find awe inspiring spirals and curls in the face of bounding waves. Surfing is the ultimate beach thrill, but you might want to take a few lessons before you try your hand at cruising the swell.

What you need:  No need to buy anything, just rent both the gear and the professional instruction from your chosen seaside, and jump in.

Where to do it: Cornwall is paradise for UK surfers, and Polzeath Beach is the place to get on your board. Braced beside incredible Cliffside views the waves here vary from small chop to chunky waves giving an amazing range for practice and there are mouthwatering pubs to try after the water.

 

#14 Go foraging for dinner

Put away those cityslicker pretentions and grab yourself a free and enticing meal. It’s just what the doctor ordered!

What you need: A little research and knowledge plus a campfire and pot. You’ll also want to bring vegetable stock and seasoning and a way to filter the water you collect.

Where to do it: At low tide, hit a rocky coastline to find a full menu of seaweed strewn across the rocks and check online to identify the edible types. Wash your harvest thoroughly and it will make a tasty soup along with some freshly picked mushrooms.

 

#15 Have a childlike tractor tyre adventure

Nothing says ‘adventure in your backyard’ like a piece of apparent rubbish repurposed into a watery ride. Lie back, sunning yourself as you drift comfortably downstream.

What you need: The inner tube of a tractor tyre- inflated using a pump, a paddle and a wetsuit.

Where to do it: If you fancy seeing the Thames in a cleaner, unsmogged guise you’ll love splashing around in it at Pangbourne. You’re still in easy reach of London, but here the Chilterns surround you and the water is charming and idyllic rather than muddy.

 

#16 Push yourself with whitewater rafting

Nothing will get the whites showing around your knuckles like racing over turbulent waters. Now’s your chance to take an intrepid ride over the rapids and feel the power of a raging river. This microadventure is pure adrenaline.

What you need: Gear can be rented on site.

Where to do it: The Tummel in Scotland’s Cairngorms is something of a Mecca for rafters thanks to the Linn, an 18ft spectacular waterfall and its perfect seasonal thrills. It swells in summer to an action packed ride, and instructors are on hand to lead.
 

#17 Experience kitesurfing

Mashing together the best of air and water, here’s your chance to feel like you’re flying across the waves, or even somersaulting on the open sea. Harness the power of the elements for a while, and see if you get a taste for it.

What you need: You can rent all the supplies which include the board, kite helmet and harness. A wetsuit is handy on colder days.

Where to do it: Get on down to Pendine in Carmarthenshire to feel the acres of sandy beaches beneath your feet. You’ll be in great company as this spot is home to many land speed record attempts, but also offers a shallow 30 metre section that is a playground for kitesurfers.

 

#18 Conquer new environments in a fat bike

Where your average bike can’t go or where conditions are slippery and unsafe, fat bikes come into their own.  They’re particularly popular in winter where stability and great tyres will take you through snow sleet or anything else you feel like exploring, well off the beaten path.

What you need:  A helmet goes without saying, and small repair kit. The bike can be rented from outdoor stockists.

Where to do it:  It’s all about grabbing those tougher mountain bike routes and taking them on in tough conditions. This is an incredible off road bike with ridiculous climbing skills. It’s the perfect beast for the Snowdon Ranger Path in Wales, most often tackled in the winter, which entices you with rocky slopes and intense loops.

 

#19 Follow a river from source to sea

Make a journey to discover how that racing body of water came from a trickle and chart its entire development into the river we know and love.

What to bring: Waterproof supplies and walking gear. If pushed for time, you can canoe part of the route depending on the length of the river.

Where to do it: The Thames is an ever popular choice, but you could go rogue and try the River Forth. Its source is roughly 30km west of Stirling and it takes you past the bright lights of Edinburgh along 47km of adventure.
 

#20 Make a personal pilgrimage

How about an adventure that means something, but just to you? Instead of picking from the nearest guidebook, it’s time to choose something that really reflects your own life, goals and history. Choose two points that have great meaning for you, for whatever reason, and make the journey between them.

What to bring: Walking gear, OS map.

Where to do it: The world is your oyster when it comes to this idea. Tempted by the distance between your birthplace and your home? Trace it. Enticed by the route between all the schools you’ve ever attended? Hike it. Wondering how long it would take to walk that daily train journey? Test it out.

 

#21 Challenge yourself to sea kayaking

Lakes, bays, the ocean- they can all be toured in a kayak. You’ll have the chance to paddle crystal waters and explore hidden parts of the coastline known only to other adventurous spirits.

What to bring: All supplies can be rented.

Where to do it:  For everyone from novices to pros the Lee Valley White Water Centre is a great start, with a host of lessons on offer and freestyle options for once you’ve got your paddling skills in order. There are rapids on various levels and a slalom course that will get your heart beating full pelt.

 

#22 Test your stamina against the Christie Tower Run

If the idea of racing up a skyscraper sounds interesting, this eyecatching challenge is for you. It’s your chance to beat gravity and prove the strength of your thighs against the Manchester skyline, and the clock.

What to bring: You’ll only need sport shoes and clothes, the rest is taken care of by the organisers.

Where to do it: The iconic Beetham Tower in Manchester

 

#23 Get to know coasteering

There’s no shame in an instructor for this task, but it’s a learning curve that will have your scaling the tidal zone of rocky coastline with nothing but your body to keep you going.  Somewhere between ocean swimming and rock hopping, this is a free spirited way to find the caves and outcrops that others can’t reach and get your toes wet in the process.

What to bring: You’ll want to rent a wetsuit and helmet and perhaps bring along someone more experienced. Wear swimwear and comfortable sport shoes.

Where to do it: Wales is the birthplace of coasteering, so you can’t go wrong there. Try Swansea Bay for rocky yet accessible stretches that are full of hidden gems.

 

#24 Beat the clock in the Great North Swim

This enormous open water swimming event offers both the superb setting of Lake Windermere and the perfect way to ramp up your swimming skills. There are a range of lengths to suit any adventurer from 250 metres (about 10 lengths of your local pool) up to the muscle-aching 10k distance.

What to bring: A wetsuit and small entry fee are required.

Where to do it: Windermere in the Lake District.