Team GB of 2012 have been hailed as the best ever. If they’ve inspired you to get off the sofa and become more active, then check out our suggestions for the best place in the UK to access fun activities. Be warned though, taking part may result in improved fitness and a gold medal in Rio de Janeiro
The Lake District
Team GB’s cycling team kept themselves at the dizzy heights they became used to in Beijing and you could do your best impression in the beautiful Lake District. Cyclists and mountain bikers alike can enjoy a wide variety of paths, hills and bridleways.
Cycling routes don’t get too steep, so you can enjoy the scenery without too much distraction and, for the more adventurous, there are plenty of diving valleys and tall climbs to test your thighs. Of special note are the forests of Grizedale and Whinlatter.
Lee Valley
If the gold-winning canoeists grabbed your attention, you can sample the same kind of rapids, by venturing to Lee Valley. Opening in early September, the centre boasts a 160m Legacy Loop and an Olympic Standard 300m Competition Course.
You really can compare yourself against the best, by choosing between the Olympic rapids, eddies, drops, boils and holes and your choice of craft, be it canoe, kayak or white-water raft.
Bewl Water
For the less competitive (or, perhaps, simply the more sensible) there are more user-friendly kinds of water on offer. Set in the centre of the beautiful county of Kent, Bewl Water is South England’s largest expanse of inland water; the pond at the heart of ‘the garden of England’.
Introduce yourself to the sport with special day-long taster sessions and, when you fancy returning to dry land, there’s plenty of scenery to explore in the 17 mile perimeter.
Pembrokeshire
If you head away from the tame English inlands and head to the wild and wet Welsh coasts, the private pleasures of coasteering awaits you. Combining a combination of climbing, traversing and diving, coasteering may not be a name you instantly recognise, but it is becoming increasingly popular.
The Pembrokeshire coastline is truly spectacular, with hidden sea-caves, soaring cliffs and beautiful beaches, waiting for you.
Scarborough
When you think of surfing, the name Scarborough probably doesn’t rush to mind, but it’s one of the most accessible surfing spots in the country. One of the rare beaches that offers good waves at high and low tide, there’s something here for people of every ability level.
If you need lessons, the surf school in Cayton Bay is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year and they will make sure you’ve stood on the board by the end of your first session.
Image courtesy of Wikitravel.org
Brian Maloney works for travelworldrv the UK #1 in American and European motorhomes. His sofa recently snapped in the middle and he’s using the opportunity to get outside more.