Perhaps you wish to get healthy by being more active, or maybe you just want to try something different than your usual fun activities. There are an abundance of outdoor activities available for beginners to try their hand at. Consider attempting to do more than one so you can compare and figure out which one is best suited to your needs and what you want to get out of the activity. Travel with bikes mounted to a cycle carrier for the discovery of new bike trails, or go running with a group for the outdoor social experience. There are many ways to have fun outdoors and be close to nature, plus you don’t have to have a special kind of skill set to enjoy these activities. Even if it’s just for a laugh with some friends, here are some recommended outdoor activities that are available for beginners everywhere.
1. Backpacking
When people think of backpacking they think of travelling countries with everything you own strapped to your back, but that’s not the case with this outdoor activity. This form of backpacking is just like hiking, only these long hikes require you to stay overnight at your location. There are opportunities to experience these hikes with a large group or in pairs, at least until you are confident to backpack alone that is. This activity provides a way to experience places that are typically unaccessible any other way, allowing you to see sights you may have never seen otherwise. Along with the incredible health benefits the various hikes have to offer, the scenery is not one to be missed and neither is the companionship you established through experiencing this opportunity with other people. These group hikes allow you to socialise while enjoying your surroundings, sometimes there are people who take part in these group backpacking experiences that are strangers so you have the opportunity to meet new people. Not only is backpacking a great outdoor activity but it is a chance to create new memories and experiences. Also, if you’re looking to experience the outdoors for more than a few hours at a time, then backpacking is ideal as your activity continues well into the night and then the next day. It’s the perfect way to take a break from everyday life and appreciate the outdoors in a very minimalistic approach. Many have stated that being so close to nature as you would when backpacking works well to change your perspective of nature and the outdoors. Camping outdoors will allow you to get closer to nature and build a level of confidence that you can take into your everyday life.
2. Cycling
Near enough everybody has been on family bike rides when their younger, its as you grow older that you find yourself no longer experiencing this activity. Yet cycling has been a rapidly growing outdoor sport in the UK, with more than 5.4 million people cycling at least once a week in 2016 to 2017. More and more people are cycling to and from work and school, as an easier form of transportation. So it’s not a big jump to think that bike rides are an accessible way to get closer to nature and enjoy the outdoors while sneaking in some exercise. As an ideal way to spend time with the family, the majority of us know how to ride a bike but less and less continue to ride as we get older and busier with adult life. So if you are looking for a way to spend time outdoors look into bike trails near you, or simply cycle around your local park to ease yourself back into the act of riding a bike. You can even make a day out of it and load your bikes onto a cycle carrier and drive to new cycle paths to spend the day discovering new outdoor sights. Why not take a picnic for you and a companion to enjoy, whether it be family or a friend experience nature with other people and really allow yourself to enjoy the activity.
3. Running
Running is an activity anyone can start, alone or with a friend, there are no skills required. Simply put on some trainers and off you go. Many people don’t realise that there are many different forms of running, such as road running or mountain running. Also known as trail running, this is where you run on different terrain on various trails, something that is a challenge for most. If you are looking to push yourself and you are confident in your abilities, trail running is probable one of the best ways to test your limits and really push yourself, all the while enjoying the stunning scenery. As a whole, running outside is a completely different experience than running on a treadmill at the gym, for one the scenery is never the same twice so you never get bored when on your run. Find a way to ensure that you enjoy your run by planning your route through a park or by a lake, a view which you can appreciate while you run. You don’t even have to run fast or very far, just a gentle, short jog is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and help you feel active and refreshed. Perhaps you enjoy running with company and socialising while you run, if so then it may be a good idea to join a running club. This is where people who enjoy the activity come together to run and socialise, planning different routes and forms of running to try as a group. This would be a good idea if you are a beginner runner and are looking for a bit of support, as these groups include people of varying abilities that all help and encourage one another when running. Alternatively, there are park runs setup every Saturday across the country. This is where large groups of runners gather at their local park to participate in a 3 mile run, while afterwards enjoying a short social gathering. So whether you prefer running alone or in a group, there are endless possibilities that you can try in order to find the right one for you.
4. Bird Watching
It may sound mundane, but bird watching is a very popular outdoor activity in the UK with bird watching huts located in nearly every park. This is a perfect activity if you are someone who likes to enjoy your own company and is adept at observing. The venture is a great way to bring you closer to nature and is even known to be quite a relaxing way to spend time. The quietness that is required for the task allows you to clear your head and refresh your mind from the stresses of the week. With over 10,000 species of birds there are plenty of animals to watch out for and keep you occupied while time passes. Many people have made a hobby out of noting down how many species they have spotted through the activity, you may yet become a professional bird watcher without realising. This is an activity that anyone can enjoy, whether you are a beginner or a professional, young or old bird watching is the perfect outdoor venture that allows you to relax and be closer to nature.
Altogether, there are many forms of outdoor activities that are ideal to try if you are a beginner. If you are not that active and prefer something less intense, try bird watching or a gentle stroll in the park, either way there is something for everyone to try regardless of their abilities. Make use of the nice weather and enjoy an outdoor activity, it doesn’t have to be alone as there are many ventures to be experienced with friends or family. All you need to do is pick the right activity for you and you’ll be enjoying the outdoors in no time.