The Adventurer's Guide to Britain Read online

  C ontents

  Introduction

  South-West England

  Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly

  South Devon & Dartmoor

  North Devon & Somerset

  Wiltshire & Dorset

  Southern & Eastern England

  London & Essex

  South-East Coast & the Downs

  The Chilterns & the Cotswolds

  East Anglia

  Central England

  The Peak District

  The Midlands & the Welsh Borders

  Northern England

  The Northern Lake District

  The Southern Lake District

  The North & South Pennines

  The Yorkshire Dales & the North York Moors

  Northumberland

  Wales

  Brecon Beacons

  Gower & Pembrokeshire

  Central & Eastern Wales

  Snowdonia

  Anglesey & the Llŷn Peninsula

  Southern & Central Scotland

  The Borders, Dumfries & Galloway

  Around Glasgow & Edinburgh

  Argyll

  Loch Lomond & the Trossachs

  The Central Grampians

  The Cairngorms

  Moray, Angus & Aberdeenshire

  Northern Scotland

  Lochaber

  The Great Glen & the North-East

  The North-West

  The Far North

  Scottish Islands

  Arran & the Inner Hebrides

  The Outer Hebrides, Orkney & Shetland

  I ntroduction

  Welcome to

  The Adventurer’s Guide to Britain

  – an inspiring collection of the best outdoor adventure experiences to be found across this diverse group of islands. Packed within the pages that follow you’ll discover tumbling waterfalls with rocks for scrambling and pools for plunging; soaring ridgelines through spectacular landscapes to speed along on your bike; kayak routes and wild swims around Britain’s intriguing coastline; and inviting, winding woodland trails where you can find peace on the run.

  We’re passionate about the great outdoors and we’ve worked together with local guides and experts to bring you the best places for adventures in every corner of the country. With clear challenge gradings and recommendations for hire, accommodation and other exciting things to do nearby, we’re confident there’s an adventure here for everyone. We hope you have a great time!

  Skills & Equipment

  The right clothing and equipment – and the skills to use them properly – are essential to making adventures in the great outdoors as safe and enjoyable as possible.

  Navigation

  Heading out into high, remote and weather-affected places is part of many great adventures, but if navigation goes wrong the consequences can be serious. Throughout the book we’ve indicated when good navigational skills are necessary, and we’d highly recommend learning the skills even if you have a GPS device. Basic maps are included for adventures where we judged this most useful, but these are no substitute for the relevant full-detail mapping.

  Cycling

  Our cycling adventures are predominantly off-road on bridleways and other permitted routes. We have also included a few road rides where they take in a particularly special challenge such as cycling around an island – or hopping between several. All our cycling adventures come with recommendations for bike hire.

  Cycling is permitted on:

  public bridleways

  byways open to all traffic

  unclassified country roads

  designated cycle routes.

  The National Cycle Network and Sustrans

  Walking and cycling charity Sustrans is the founder of the UK’s National Cycle Network, linking major towns and cities with waymarked routes, either traffic-free or on quiet roads. For more information and route inspiration, visit www.sustrans.org.uk. Route guides and maps are available from the Sustrans online shop and there’s a National Cycle Network app, which is great for finding local cycleways or as a route-finding backup when you’re out cycling.

  Swimming

  The experience of swimming in open water is a long way from that of trawling the lanes at the pool. It’s exciting, exhilarating, life-affirming stuff. But with all these extras come added risks too. Here are our top tips for staying safe in open water:

  Top Tips

  Take it slowly. Splash water on your face and breathe deeply before you enter the water, then allow your body to adjust to the change in temperature gradually.

  Don’t swim alone if you can avoid it.

  If you have health issues that might be exacerbated by cold water, seek medical advice before swimming.

  Never jump or dive into water of unknown depth or quality. Always check for submerged hazards before entering.

  Never swim under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

  Never swim in water of poor or unknown quality, in particular canals, urban rivers, quarries or flooded areas.

  Keep cuts and wounds covered.

  Always make sure you know how you will get out before you get in.

  Make sure you’re visible to others on the water by wearing a bright-coloured swim hat and even a swim buoy – a coloured float.

  Wear footwear to protect your feet from unseen hazards.

  Consider wearing a wetsuit for longer and/or colder swims.

  You can check the water quality at your local swimming spot here: environment.data.gov.uk/bwq/profiles/

  Scrambling

  Scrambles lie somewhere between hill walking and rock climbing and add an invigorating challenge to a day in the mountains. We have included only the easiest (Grade I) scrambles; in Britain many of these are of outstanding quality. All mountain routes are described for summer conditions only; do not attempt them in winter conditions without specialist skills and equipment. The British Mountaineering Council (www.thebmc.co.uk) has lots of information on scrambling throughout the country.

  On the Water

  Canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are a great way to explore Britain’s rivers, lakes, lochs, estuaries and extensive coastline. If you’re paddling on rivers or canals you will usually need a Navigation Licence, which you can buy online from the Canal and River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk) or from the local navigations office. Membership of British Canoeing includes a licence and supports the organisation’s important work.

  A buoyancy aid (lifejacket for small children/non-swimmers) will help keep you afloat if you capsize and a helmet will protect you from rocks. If you’re in any doubt about your ability to handle the conditions you might face on a kayaking adventure, join a group or hire a guide. Always check weather and tides before you launch.

  Useful Websites:

  British Canoeing: www.britishcanoeing.org.uk

  UK tide times: www.tidetimes.org.uk

  Weather: www.metoffice.gov.uk

  Where to launch: www.boatlaunch.co.uk

  Wild Camping

  Camping out in the wild is an adventure in its own right and can make many of the adventures in this book even more exciting. Waking up to a spectacular view from the summit of a mountain or to the sound of waves on a nearby shore is something every adventurer should experience. Wild camping is tolerated in many of the National Parks; however, in England and Wales it is expressly permitted only in certain areas of Dartmoor National Park and by certain landowners in the Brecon Beacons. Scotland’s Outdoor Access Code gives you the right to camp on unenclosed land; however, restrictions are being brought in for some areas as a result of antisocial behaviour. Camp responsibly to preserve this precious right for the future.

  Staying Safe

&nbs
p; Risk is an essential ingredient in many of the finest adventures and you can’t always guard against things going wrong. However, knowing how to manage problems should they arise may well prevent any serious consequences. Take a basic first-aid kit, torch, mobile phone, warm clothing, food, water, whistle and an emergency survival blanket or shelter for every person present. Always check the weather before you leave; if it’s not right, postpone or change the adventure.

  Ticks & Lyme Disease

  Ticks are present in many of Britain’s wild places, and cases of Lyme disease, caused by tick-borne bacteria, are increasing. Although they’re most prevalent in the South West, in East Anglia and across Scotland, ticks can be found in most parts of Britain. Try to avoid getting bitten by wearing full leg covering if you’re in a high-risk area. If you do find a tick, remove it promptly with tweezers or tick removers. If you experience a characteristic bullseye rash around the bite or flu-like symptoms, see your GP.

  In an Emergency

  In the event of an emergency, make sure you and the casualty are as safe as possible, and call the emergency services. Dial 999 or 112 and ask for an ambulance, giving your location as precisely as possible with a grid reference if you’re somewhere remote. Mountain Rescue will be dispatched if necessary. If you require a coastguard, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard. If you don’t have a phone signal, get to the nearest point of help as quickly as possible. The international distress signal is six blasts on a whistle repeated at an interval of one minute between each set. Basic life support is well worth learning about and courses are enjoyable and informative, and could save someone’s life.

  Adventuring Responsibly

  There’s a complicated relationship between those who live and work in beautiful places and the tourists who visit them. Many such places rely heavily on tourism, but along with money, tourists can also bring congestion, damage and antisocial behaviour. It’s in everyone’s interest to make the relationship as harmonious as possible, so respect people, creatures, possessions and the landscape. Drive and park considerately, and whenever possible use public transport – or, even better, self-propelled methods – to get there. Make it all part of the adventure! Fees for car parking and membership of organisations such as the National Trust, the John Muir Trust, British Canoeing and the British Mountaineering Council, all go towards looking after places that are full of adventures for all of us, and for future generations.

  The Countryside Code

  The Countryside Code outlines our responsibilities to respect, protect and enjoy the countryside. www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code.

  Symbols

  Family-friendly

  Suitable for families with younger children.

  Wildlife

  Adventures with particularly notable wildlife, as well as conservation areas, wildlife reserves and reintroduction projects – for example, for ospreys, beavers and red squirrels.

  Culture/history

  Adventures in places with strong cultural and/or historical connections.

  Public transport

  Adventures where getting to the start and finish is very straightforward by public transport, usually by train.

  Navigation

  Adventures in more remote and weather-affected areas that require a good level of navigational skill.

  S outh-West England

  The diverse landscapes of England’s South West, from the remote moorland of Exmoor and Dartmoor to the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic coast, provide opportunities for outdoor adventures of all kinds.

  Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly

  Cornwall’s wild western reaches offer miles of granite sea cliffs for high-quality climbing and exciting kayaking, while there’s exhilarating trail running along the South West Coast Path. Some of Britain’s best surfing and swimming beaches are here too. The Isles of Scilly are just a short hop by boat or plane from Cornwall, but on arrival you may feel as though you’ve landed somewhere else completely. From St Mary’s, the largest and most populous of the islands, you can visit Tresco, an island of contrasts; St Martin’s, famous for its beaches; Bryher, wild, rugged and beautiful; and St Agnes, the most south-westerly community in Britain. The wild, granite landscape of Bodmin Moor towards the Devon border is a fine place for running and mountain biking, while to the south the intricate creeks and estuaries are perfect for boats, swimmers and wildlife watchers.

  South Devon & Dartmoor

  Dartmoor is dotted with tors – volcanic rock formations well suited to climbing and scrambling . There are peaceful wooded valleys to ride and run through, numerous rivers for water-based adventuring and miles of trails, footpaths and bridleways to explore. Dartmoor is unusual in expressly allowing wild camping in certain places – perfect for a really wild, multi-day adventure. The South Hams to the south of Dartmoor is one of the warmest parts of the country, ideal for taking to the water year-round, and where you might spot seals, dolphins and even whales if you’re lucky.

  North Devon & Somerset

  Devon’s north coast is well known for its surfing beaches, and this stretch of the South West Coast Path is one of the hilliest, edging Exmoor’s starkly contrasting landscapes. Somerset’s Quantock and Mendip Hills are great places for walking, running and cycling, while the Cheddar Gorge and surrounding crags are home to some classic rock climbs. Exmoor is Europe’s first Dark Sky Reserve, perfect for night adventures and stargazing.

  Wiltshire & Dorset

  The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site stretches some 96 miles (154km) along the coast from East Devon to Dorset and is an intriguing area to explore. Visible along the eroded coastal cliffs are 185 million years of geology, covering the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Neighbouring Purbeck is dotted with Iron Age, Roman and Saxon archaeological sites, while almost half of Wiltshire falls within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, famed for its megaliths and series of ancient white horses carved into the chalk hillsides.

  1 Swimrun Scilly

  The Isles of Scilly are made for adventures, and in particular for the growing sport of swimrun. This is self-powered island hopping, swimming across the bays and running the winding coastal trails in between. If you’re swimrunning without a guide it’s best to explore just one island at a time, keeping close in to its shore as you go and well away from the currents and busy boating areas. Swimmers are near-impossible to spot from a boat, so wear a bright-coloured swim hat and consider taking a safety buoy. If you’re swimming between the islands, arrange for a kayak to support you – or even better, book in with Adventure Scilly for guided trail running, swimrun and sea-swimming excursions. Travel to Scilly is by passenger ferry from Penzance, or there are flights from several mainland airports. You’ll arrive at St Mary’s, from where there are regular transfers to the off islands.

  A great place to start is with a circumnavigation of Bryher, at a little over a mile (1.6km) long by half a mile (0.8km) wide, and one of the smaller inhabited islands.

  The route: start and finish at Bar Quay and go clockwise, swimming the bays and running between them until you reach Popplestones beach. From there it’s best to run inland, following trails across the island past the campsite and down to the water at the Fraggle Rock pub to avoid the tricky section around the north of the island. Once you reach the pub, you can swim over to Hangman Island, often walkable at low tide, before returning to Bar.

  Challenge level:

  Start/finish: Bar Quay, Bryher, Isles of Scilly,

  TR23 OPR

  Distance: 4 miles/6.4km

  Map: OS Explorer 101

  Local Highlights

  Camp at peaceful Bryher Campsite, either in your own tent or in one of the well-equipped in situ bell tents.

  Explore the islands – hire bikes on St Mary’s and kayaks on Bryher; head out for seal snorkelling on St Martin’s or on a wildlife safari in an RIB with Island Sea Safaris on St Mary’s.

  Refuel with Scillonian tatty cake, Veronica Farm fudge or Troytow
n Farm ice cream.

  2 Run the Lizard

  Running around the edge of a coastal peninsula is always a great adventure, and Britain’s rugged coastline is dotted with interesting headlands that reach out into the sea, many of them more like islands than part of the mainland. The Lizard is one of these places, with a magic all its own. Even the bedrock is different from the rest of Cornwall, comprising a complex and unique array of igneous and metamorphic rocks known as Lizard Serpentinite, and supporting a fascinating range of heathland and wetland habitats. The coastline here is one of the most spectacular, with gems such as Lizard Point and Kynance Cove to discover. The South West Coast Path runs around the peninsula, providing well-maintained, waymarked running with incredible views and the opportunity to spot seals, dolphins and basking sharks. And with average temperatures the highest in mainland Britain, it’s a great year-round adventure destination too.

  The route: begin at the crossroads in the centre of Lizard village where the A3083 crosses Pentreath Lane and Beacon Terrace. Head east along Beacon Terrace and then Church Cove Road to reach the coast path at Church Cove. Turn right and run along the coast path until you reach Kynance Cove. From here turn right, leaving the coast path and following signed footpaths to return to Lizard.

  Challenge level:

  Start/finish: Lizard village

  OS grid ref: SW 703126

  Distance: 7 miles/11km

  Public transport: buses from Redruth

  Map: OS Explorer 103

  Local Highlights