Outdoor sports can add a dash of excitement to any summer getaway. They’re also a great excuse to get out into the amazing landscapes that surround your holiday destination. A good dose of vigour and adrenaline will help to counterbalance holiday indulgences, too. Here are our top six outdoor sports you need to try this summer.

Paragliding

Ever wondered what it would feel like to fly? Paragliding is about as close as it gets. You’ll feel the rush of the wind as you soar high up towards the heavens and gaze down over an amazing bird’s-eye panoramic view of the world below. Though paragliders are unpowered, flights typically last around an hour and sometimes longer. Unless you’re a proficient practitioner, you’ll be sharing your glider with an instructor. 

Go-karting 

Whenever people describe driving a fast little car as ‘like driving a go-kart’ it’s always an overstatement. The experience never matches the adrenalin rush of screeching around a racetrack just a few inches from its surface in a roaring one-seater speed-machine. Go-karts are huge fun. They’re also amazingly simple: no gears, just one peddle to go, another to slow down, and a steering wheel. Harnesses and crash helmets take care of your safety. You’ll never know the satisfaction of outmanoeuvring and zooming past a friend until you’ve experienced it.

Rock Climbing 

Artificial rock walls are great, but they don’t compare to the real thing. There’s a primal joy in scaling a real rockface and often a great view to compliment your sense of triumph after you’ve reached your objective. In many popular rock-climbing areas you’ll find established routes featuring a series of secure anchor points. These routes are graded in difficulty using a numbered system that clearly indicates the level of challenge the route presents to any would-be climber. Rock climbing can look scary, and feel it too for first-timers, but use the right equipment and follow the correct procedures and you’ll be safe. Bringing along someone with experience or seeking the guidance of an instructor is a good idea on your first trip. Rock climbing is the perfect outdoor sport for anyone wanting to train strength, cardio and flexibility all in one go.

Road Cycling 

Cycling is great exercise. It’s also fun, and a fantastic way to explore beautiful landscapes faster than you could on foot while retaining the intimacy of the open air. The freedom of two wheels extends to how you choose to enjoy it: alone or with company, the choice is yours. You’ve probably seen hobbyists kitted out in specialist lycra riding flashy bikes, you may even be one yourself, but if you’re not, don’t worry. These things aren’t necessary to get enjoyment out of a cycling trip. You don’t even need your own bike. If an area is good for cycling, you can safely bet there’ll be a place you can rent bikes, helmets, and everything else you might need. 

Mountain Biking

Riding off-road can be a little more strenuous than riding on one, but the extra exertion often pays off with extra exhilaration. Mountain bikers typically follow designated tracks, the majority of which can be found in hilly, mountainous, or forested areas. Some routes are easier than others, but you’ll usually find a selection to choose from and plenty of information about each. Again, wherever there’s a mountain biking trail, you’ll almost always find bikes and equipment available for hire. If you’ve never tried mountain biking don’t be afraid. You can go at your own pace and if you have trust in your coordination, you have nothing to fear.

Golf

As outdoor sports go, golf falls on the gentle end of the physical intensity spectrum. But don’t take that to mean that this sport is unexciting. Games are often nail-biting, especially when competition runs close. Golf is also another great excuse to spend the day out amongst greenery and fresh air. Don’t worry about equipment or club membership. Most golf clubs hire out equipment and welcome visitors, though you might need to pre-book if you want to play on a popular course. You can find a selection of the best British golf holiday destinations in our article Golf Getaways and Weekend Golf Breaks. 

Be sure to enjoy whatever outdoor sporting activities you’ve got planned for this summer and remain aware that the sun, though pleasant and warm, can also be a hazard during the hotter months of the year. So remember to take plenty of water and sun cream whenever you’re playing or doing any sports outside.