Wild & Wonderful: A Beginner’s Guide to Wild Swimming
Wild & Wonderful: A Beginner’s Guide to Wild Swimming Take the Plunge into Wild Swimming! Have you ever arrived at a tranquil lake or rippling
June 25, 2024
Let’s be honest ladies, sometimes our daily lives can grind us down a little. We crave adventure, fresh air, a chance to reconnect with nature, whilst having a bit of fun! But where do you begin? What could you do? Where would you go? Who would you go with? Fear not ladies, Women Outdoors are here to unleash your inner adventure queen with some of the most popular outdoor activities for women in the UK, that are both fun and empowering!
Transform yourself from a screen queen into an adventure queen, trading Netflix binges for epic adventures! Ditch the sofa and get ready to embrace the uplifting power of the outdoors! To get you started, we’ve put together our ‘’Women Outdoors Top Five’’, which we believe to be five of the most popular outdoor activities for ladies. However, once you get started, the opportunities are endless…………………..
Hiking is a classic, popular outdoor activity for a reason. Its accessible to all fitness levels, doesn’t require fancy gear (comfy walking boots and a backpack will generally do!) and is usually free!
It allows you to explore beautiful countryside, close to home, or travel further afield to discover breathtaking landscapes and conquer more challenging hikes. Imagine the feeling of reaching a remote mountain peak with stunning views sprawling out in front of you. The sense of achievement is a feeling like no other!
Check out our Top 10 Day Walks for Solo Female Travellers for inspiration
Here at Women Outdoors, we offer a variety of guided hikes to suit all abilities, from easy nature walks for beginners in the Peak District to more challenging hikes and weekend climbs in The Lake District, Yorkshire and Snowdon, and even overseas hiking adventures!
With Women Outdoors you’ll walk alongside supportive, like-minded women, who will encourage you every step of the way. You’ll be lead through beautiful countryside with rolling hills, pretty meadow fields, and hidden waterfalls to some of the most breathtaking viewpoints. You’ll have the opportunity to learn new navigational skills whilst discovering more about the flora and fauna that surrounds you with expert guidance from our qualified hiking leaders.
Imagine yourself standing gracefully on a paddleboard, gliding effortlessly across a crystal-clear lake!…… Okay, we can’t lie, the ‘’gracefully’’ bit might not come instantly, but it’s surprisingly easy to learn and a whole lot of fun! There’s sure to be lots of giggles as you try to master your balance!
Once you’ve cracked it, Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is one of the most relaxing outdoor activities you could imagine. The gentle lapping of water, the warmth of the sun on your skin, combined with stunning scenery, is pure bliss! SUP is a fantastic way to connect with nature while getting a full-body workout too!
Women Outdoors want all ladies to experience this relaxing outdoor activity by providing regular paddleboarding sessions for beginners in The Peak District, with concessionary pricing. These starter sessions each last a couple of hours, so you can dip your toe, and get a taste before you venture further afield. You’ll being taught everything from mastering the art of climbing onto the paddleboard, how to paddle with ease, how to turn, stop and of course how to get back on safely (and hopefully gracefully) if/when you fall off! Our experienced instructors will have you paddling with confidence in no time!
Once you have the hang of paddleboarding, we also provide intermediate level paddleboarding sessions where you’ll develop new skills, become better planners and, most importantly, grow your confidence to enable you to become independent paddlers! Why not bring these skills to one of our weekend trips, such as hiking and paddleboarding in Snowdon!
Climbing might seem intimidating at first, but trust us, ladies, it’s incredibly empowering! Scaling a wall, feeling the strength in your arms and legs, and reaching the top is an amazing feeling. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about overcoming a physical challenge and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone.
Women Outdoors offer introductory climbing sessions in the Peak District, all led by certified instructors in a supportive and encouraging environment, again with concessionary pricing. The Peak District is renowned for its climbing opportunities, and you’ll soon see why! The rugged terrain and stunning landscapes you experience from those rocky heights fuel you with adrenaline and are most definitely addictive! With a mix of bouldering, abseiling and roped climbing, you’ll learn basic climbing techniques, safety procedures, and most importantly, how to have a the most amazing time while conquering your fears and building your physical and mental strength!
Okay, this one might sound a little crazy at first, but hear us out! Wild water swimming, taking a dip in picturesque lakes, tranquil rivers, or beautiful plunge pools, is an invigorating outdoor activity particularly enjoyed by women. The initial shock of the cold quickly gives way to an exhilarating rush, leaving you feeling energised and totally alive!
Did you know, wild water swimming has many health benefits including boasting circulation, improving immunity, aiding muscle recovery, burns extra calories (always a bonus!), all whilst improving your mental wellbeing and confidence!
We understand wild water swimming can be daunting, so Women Outdoors offer guided wild swimming sessions in safe and beautiful locations in our National Parks. Learn about water safety, acclimatisation techniques, and most importantly, the joy of connecting with nature in a whole new way!
Many of our wild water swims are coupled with a relaxing hike to the chosen beauty spot, where you can cool down and relax before heading back, providing a lovely few hours in the great outdoors with likeminded ladies, having fun!
Navigation skills are more than just cool – they’re a valuable tool for any outdoor enthusiast, are a game changer for anyone exploring the outdoors, and you can have heaps of fun learning whilst out in the countryside.
Obviously, learning how to navigate can help you avoid getting lost, especially on unfamiliar trails, however, mastering map and compass skills will empower you to explore independently with newfound confidence and opens doors to new adventures! You can explore off-the-beaten-path trails, plan your own routes, and unlock hidden gems! All of course while connecting with nature, and completely disconnecting with technology!
Check out our tips for developing skills and confidence as a solo hiker.
Imagine the thrill of completing a challenging hike, knowing you’ve navigated the route like a pro! Women Outdoors offer Navigation Day Courses in the Peak District that will equip you with the skills you need to confidently plan routes, read maps and compasses, and navigate any terrain with newfound self-reliance. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, our friendly, experienced female instructors can tailor the course to suit your needs.
Again, let’s be honest, when you think of fun activities outdoors, a map and compass is hardly what springs to mind! However, the sense of freedom and adventure it provides will give you endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Whilst your learning, you’ll be with a group of likeminded ladies, learning and laughing together!
The world of outdoor activities is vast and exciting! There are adventures to suit all budgets, to suit all tastes, and to suit all fitness levels. All you need is a sense of adventure and a willingness to give things a try! Here’s just a few more ideas to spark your adventurous spirit, with links to few recommended providers for you to find out more.
Fishing – For some reason, many people see fishing as a man’s activity. However, fishing is available for everyone to enjoy and is the most tranquil, relaxing experience. Sitting beside a lake or river, maybe with a good book, or simply just watching the world go by, waiting for that bite is so peaceful and relaxing. The equipment needed to get started needn’t be too expensive either, or there are many fisheries that enable you to hire, until your officially hooked yourself!
Women Outdoors are here to make your outdoor adventures fun, safe, and empowering. We offer a supportive community of women who share your love for nature and a desire to try new things. No matter your fitness level or experience, we have an activity waiting to unleash YOUR adventure queen!
So, what are you waiting for? Ditch the screens, lace up your boots, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
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