Nine ways to enjoy the countryside

We’re lucky to live in the beautiful British Isles – so make the most of it and get out in the countryside this summer. Sarah Brealey suggests nine great activities to help you see our amazing landscapes differently.

Canal walks in Wales

Cycling in the New Forest

Outdoor swimming in Cornwall

Fly a kite in London

Canoeing on the Norfolk Broads 

Beach games in County Derry

Golf in St Andrew's

Orienteering in the Wyre Forest

Conservation work in the Lake District

Canal walks in Wales

There’s a lot of gentle joy to be found in canal walking – a fairly flat, easy walk, the tranquil water alongside, bridges and aqueducts for added interest, and perhaps the flash of a kingfisher or some colourful barges as you walk along.

There are canals all over the country and you can usually walk along the towpath. The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal in Powys is one of the most stunning in Britain, with a public footpath along more than 30 miles of towpath from Brecon to Pontypool.

Cycling in the New Forest

Whatever your age or ability, you can enjoy the feeling of gliding through the countryside on a bike. Cycling off-road means there’s no traffic to worry about. The New Forest has more than 100 miles of waymarked cycle routes, many of which are on tracks or old railway lines. You can cycle through ancient woodlands, heaths with flowering heather and gorse, and spot New Forest ponies. If you don't have your own cycle there are bikes to hire, too.

thenewforest.co.uk/activities/cycle-map.aspx  023 8028 2269

Outdoor swimming in Cornwall 

Swimming doesn’t have to involve chlorine and strip lighting. You can swim outdoors along with the fish, where every swim will be a bit different to the last. To many seaside lovers, there’s nothing better than a dip in the sea, but if that seems a bit intimidating, many beaches in Cornwall and Devon have sea pools. The natural buoyancy of seawater makes floating easier and there usually aren’t any waves to worry about. Bude Sea Pool in Cornwall is one of the best, a large, sandy-bottomed pool with lifeguards and views of cliffs and the horizon. It’s not heated, though, so it doesn’t get much warmer than 18C.

If you’re nowhere near the coast, why not find out if there’s a lido near you? You can still swim under the sky, perhaps with a view of some green space around you.

Bude sea pool, 01208 262822, tinyurl.com/budeseapool

Fly a kite in London

Flying a kite is a simple pleasure for all ages. You can make your own as a family project, or buy a stunt kite if you want more of a challenge. City-dwellers need not feel left out. Parliament Hill Fields in Highgate, London is one of the best spots in the country to let your kite take to the breeze.

 

Canoeing on the Norfolk Broads

Canoeing can be anything from white-water kayaking to a gentle paddle in a Canadian canoe, and is as much fun for beginners as it is for the more experienced. On the Norfolk Broads you can paddle along tranquil rivers, getting up close to the herons, dragonflies and even an otter if you’re lucky. Canoes are to hire at several points around the Broads, and you’ll get lifejackets, too.

canoethebroads.co.uk/contact.html 01603 756097

Beach games in County Derry

There’s a lot more to the beach than sitting in a deck chair – why not play a game of Frisbee or beach cricket? Or if you fancy something different, try boules (sometimes known as garden bowls) or croquet. You can buy sets of either from about £10, and will normally come with an explanation of how to play. They’re fun games that the whole family can join in.

Any flat sandy beach, park, or even your back garden will do as a location, but if you’re in Northern Ireland, try Downhill, County Derry – seven miles of golden sand with spectacular views. There are waterfalls, abundant bird life and even a picturesque temple.

Golf in St Andrew’s

Golf is “the best game in the world at which to be bad”, according to AA Milne, so don't let inexperience put you off. St Andrew’s, the home of golf, is the most inspiring place to start. The nine-hole Balgove course on St Andrew’s Links is designed to be welcoming to beginners. The emphasis is on fun and it is popular with families. The green fee is £12 in summer months, £4 for children. You can hire clubs, and lessons are available.

If St Andrew’s isn’t convenient, contact your nearest golf club. You won't necessarily have to be a member to play – many clubs accept “pay and play”.

St Andrews Links, standrews.org.uk, 01334 466666.

Find more places to play golf

Orienteering in the Wyre Forest

Orienteering involves navigating from point to point using a map. It’s family-friendly, with different levels of difficulty available. Forests and woodlands are popular locations, though you can do it in parks and urban areas too.

You can try it out at an event, where the people taking part are often competing against each other to get the fastest time, or in your own time at a permanent orienteering course. Most small local events are open to all and don't need to be booked. You don't need much equipment, just sensible clothes and shoes, a special map and possibly a compass.

The Wyre Forest has a permanent orienteering course to suit all abilities through beautiful mixed woodland. Paths are wheelchair accessible and there’s a cafe and toilets nearby.

Wyre Forest information (Forestry Commission) 01299 266302 / 01299 266929
British Orienteering 01629 734042, britishorienteering.org.uk

Conservation work in the Lake District

There are few parts of the UK more spectacular than the Lake District, so it's the perfect place to try your hand at some dry stone walling, hedge laying, tree planting or perhaps path maintenance. Conservation charity BTCV runs regular volunteering sessions in the Central Lakes area on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the year, and new volunteers are always welcome. Tasks and locations vary, but you'll generally have breathtaking views and get to meet other people too.

There are other conservation volunteering opportunities all over the UK, which will help you get active and fitter while doing something for your local area.

Visit www.btcv.org.uk/volunteer or call 01302 388883 to be directed to your local office.

And if you've worked up an appetite...Click here for great tips and recipes for eating outdoors