The British Isles provides just about every type of camping and outdoor environment you could wish for. From secluded beaches, to beautiful dense forests and rugged mountains, there is something for every type of outdoor activity.
The outdoor lifestyle scene is very much on the rise, with more people ditching their “9 to 5’s” for full time adventure.
Scientists recently discovered a gene which is being called “The Wanderlust Gene”, believed to become embedded in a person’s DNA whilst a child. The gene, which is a derivative of the DRD4 gene, associated with the production of dopamine, has been directly linked with a heightened level of curiosity and restlessness.
And, according to scientists, more people have been found to have The Wanderlust Gene across the UK, than any other European country.
So that explains the growth the outdoor scene is currently experiencing.
But, with so many places to visit what are the best locations of Britain’s great outdoors?
Dartmoor
Dartmoor, located in South Devon is often described as a place of extraordinary beauty with a broad range of landscapes and environments to satisfy your wanderlust. The National Park is renowned for its epic landscape, which consists of charming river valleys and picturesque moorland. Home to a series of warmly-welcoming, cosy villages and hamlets, it appeals to not only to serenity seekers but those seeking an active break too.
Popular activities in Dartmoor include circular walks, picnics, camping and exploring the cinematic scenery via steam trains. Arts and crafts days, bushcraft days, trips to castles, ruins and museums are also excellent options. National Park Visitor Centres are located at Haytor, Postbridge and Princetown. The Two Moors Way stretches out for some 102 miles from north to south and is ideal for those wishing to explore Exmoor and Dartmoor.
The North York Moors
The North York Moors also ideal for those wishing to see the British outdoors at their best. The Moors are regularly explored on foot, via car and steam train, with hikers’ favourite destinations including Farndale, Rievaulx and Hayburn Wyke. The area is also home to Goathland, where long-running series Heartbeat was shot. Stay in the North York Moors and you’ll have some of the UK’s most renowned destinations including York, Whitby and Scarborough on your doorstep.
The Moors are also known for their generous selection of eateries, which include cosy pub-restaurants, famous delis and farm shops that make the most of the local produce. What’s more is that the Yorkshire Dales are just a short drive away on the other side of the A1.
Lake District
Located in the North West of England, the Lakes are amongst the most beautiful and scenic regions the UK has to offer. Over 15 million people pay a visit to the Lake District each year, with tourists coming from across the world. The Lake District is synonymous with towering mountains, charming valleys, classic English villages, distinctive towns and breathtaking lakes. Visitors are encouraged to use public transport to get around the lakes so the environment can be protected and parking doesn’t need to be a concern. The most notable parts of the Lake District include Coniston Water, Grasmere, Windermere, Ullswater and Wastwater — the deepest lake in England.
The Lake District has become one the UK’s best camping destinations too, but do not forget your Rumpl Blanket in the winter, as it does get quite chilly.
Loch Ness
Synonymous with the elusive Loch Ness Monster Nessie, Loch Ness has a global reputation and is 23 miles long as well as 700ft at its deepest point, which makes it the largest loch in Scotland when it comes to volume. The loch is located a short drive away from Inverness and is situated near to a range of charming villages including Dores and Foyers. You can use the A82 to drive along the loch’s western edge.
The ruins of Urquhart Castle overlook the loch, and you can find out more about events like the Wars of Independence as well as the Jacobite uprising at its visitor centre. Visitors have been claiming to see Nessie since way back in 1933, with rumours of a beast lurking in the water stretching right back the 7th century.
Two exhibition centres in Drumnadrochit will tell you more about the legendary beast. Many visitors choose to explore Loch Ness via bus and boat. The area is also ideal for fans of hiking, fishing and walking. Why not head out on a sunset boat trip to see the loch at its most beautiful?
These are just four examples of the spectacular outdoor beauty Britain has to offer. Other magnificent outdoor destinations for getting away from it all include the South Downs, the Pembrokeshire Coast, the Yorkshire Dales, Norfolk Broads, the Peak District, Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons, Northumberland, Loch Lomond and the New Forest. Wherever you decide to head to, an outdoor break in rural Britain can be one of the most relaxing, magical and fulfilling experiences you’ll ever enjoy.
Originally published at medium.com