Countryside Access - Things to Do - Other Outdoor Activities

Getting out into the countryside isn’t all about walking, cycling and horse riding. There are plenty of other activities from kite-surfing to caving and canoeing, so if you want to try something new or need advice on where to get more information this is the section for you.

Allonby Beach with sea kayak/canoe ©Countryside Agency/Barry Stacey

On the water and fishing

In England there is no legal right of access to rivers, but there are plenty of places where you can get access to the water in a canoe or kayak through clubs or permissive access. The British Canoe Union supports the development of canoeing and the Amateur Rowing Association supports rowing and rowers; both websites have details of clubs near you. Or, for a high-adrenaline version of being on the water, you could have a go at kite-surfing. The British Kite-Surfing Association has details about BKSA registered schools where you can find qualified instructors. Recreational anglers can find out where to go fishing and other useful information on the Environment Agency's website.

Hang gliding, abseiling, orienteering, clay-pigeon shooting, caving, or metal detecting ….

Although not permissable on Access Land, there's still lots of countryside to enjoy. A great way to get a different view of the great outdoors could be from the air. The British Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association oversees pilot and instructor training standards, provides technical support and has details of where you can find a BHPA club near you. For a slightly noisier activity you could have a go at clay-pigeon shooting , the more competitive could try orienteering . For an underground viewpoint, you could also try your hand at caving or pot-holing. The British Caving Association is the governing body for underground exploration in the UK. For the less energetic, see what you can find underground by metal detecting .

Climbing

The new right of access has given climbers access to mountains in England which have been mapped as Access Land – click here to view the maps . If you want to have a go at rock climbing or abseiling go to the UK Climbing website or visit the British Mountaineering Council to find out about all aspects of climbing as well as climbing centres, courses and further information.

The Time Outdoors website offers free access to over 1,000 pages of events, clubs & expert advice on outdoor sports & activities.

Planning an event? Visit the Best of Both Worlds website for advice.

The Outdoor Industries Association

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds