This year may not have got off to much of an exciting start, but it is yet young and we can but dream of the adventures that lie ahead. If you’ve been feeling hemmed in, you may be thinking about ways you can set your spirit free when the time is right. Looking for a few exhilarating things to try later this year? Read on, and get ready to draw up your white-knuckle, spine-tingling bucket list for 2021.

Time for a spot of bracing outdoor fun? Here are our top five ideas designed to revitalise the soul and restore your love for life.

1. Wild swimming

What could possibly be more exhilarating than taking the plunge and swimming amongst the beauty of nature?

Packed with physical and mental health benefits, wild swimming has got to be one of the most invigorating things you can try year round. Yes, we did say year round! A winter swim does wonders for clearing the cobwebs, and is something that’s enjoyed country-wide by many.

Just be sure to follow all the expert advice before you take the plunge, it really is very important. Fancy a wild dip? Check out this UK Wild Swim Map for the lowdown on all the best places to dive in.

2. Coasteering

Coasteering is a thrill-seeker's adventure that can take in everything from rock-climbing, rock-hopping and cave-exploring to swimming, shore-scrambling and cliff-jumping. It involves following a rocky coastline on foot or swimming, with no help from boats, surf boards or other ‘accessories’.

The term was first coined by John Cleare, a combination of “mountaineering” and “coast”. Coasteering actually makes for a brilliant workout. Consider it an all-round fitness activity that builds strength and coordination whilst funnelling off serious calories. It also opens up locations that can’t usually be accessed by foot, so you really do get to explore the unknown. Plus with landscapes changing all the time, and different seasons coaxing out all sorts of intriguing creatures, it’s something you can really get a lot out of year round.

Here's a great guide we've found, covering how to and where to coasteer UK-wide.

3. Paddle boarding

Stress-reducing and the perfect platform for meditation, paddle boarding is actually one of the best full-body workouts. In fact, it can burn more calories in an hour than most sports thanks to the combination of strength, balance, core and endurance.

But all that aside, just imagine the fresh breeze in your face, the open water. The peace, the tranquillity. What could be more refreshing for the mind?

If you fancy a spot of paddle boarding, here's a great guide to the best sites around the UK to take to the water.

4. Kite buggying

Now, here’s something to master if you’re up for a challenge. Kite buggying is one of the oldest known kite-powered sports. It involves a two, three or four-wheeled light alloy buggy, powered by a wind-driven kite.

The front wheel is steered by your feet, leaving your hands free to control the kite. A bit of practice and you’ll be steering like a pro, picking up speed and maybe even performing the odd trick or two!

Fancy finding out more? Check out this kite buggying guide.

5. Via ferrata

Via ferrata is an Italian term that means ‘iron path’. Basically, it’s a protected climbing route built with a steel cable rail fixed to rocks, steps, ladders, suspension bridges and zip wires. The activity involves progressing the route using a harness clipped onto the wire, kind of a halfway house between scrambling and rock climbing.

If you’ve always wanted to give climbing a go, but you’re far from an expert, via ferratas are the ideal way to explore high altitudes safely, using minimum equipment. It’s something that’s grown into quite a popular sport over the past 20 years, and there are loads of routes across various countries, especially in the Alpine region. With some routes accessible for children, via ferrata can be an exciting option for a family adventure holiday.

Want to learn more? Check out this via ferrata guide.

Planning your 2021 adventures?

Go prepared! Get all the kit you need for a happy night under cover from the Outhaus online store.