Seven outdoor events you don’t want to miss this summer
1. The International Ocean Film Tour
See the best water sports films at the Ocean Film Tour | Ian Burton
When: 15-22 May
Where: Nationwide
What: Coming to Plymouth, London, Bristol, Glasgow and Edinburgh as part of a 70 city / 10 country European tour, the International Ocean Film Tour features six of the best water sports and environmental films of the year. This year’s films include And Then We Swam, the story of two rookies rowing the Indian Ocean, windsurf action film Red Bull Storm Chase and underwater adventures in The Crystal Labyrinth.
2. Keswick Mountain Festival
When: 14-17 May
Where: Keswick, Cumbria
What: A weekend of camping, hiking, biking, climbing, paddling and just about every outdoor activity you could ever want. There’s also guest speakers (including presenter Ray Mears, extreme runner Steve Birkinshaw and triathlete Alistair Brownlee), music from the likes of Badly Drawn Boy and free taster sessions aplenty. Weekend tickets start at £55.
3. The Bushcraft Festival
Learn new skills with Les
Hiddens at the Bushcraft Show |Photo Steve Strike
When: 23-25 May
Where: Beehive Farm, Derbyshire
What: A weekend of outdoorsy, gritty fun covering everything from canoe camping to axe throwing. Children-friendly activities include low rope journeys, woodland games, pinch pot making and tracking. Weekend tickets (from £95) cover three nights camping, vouchers for five paid activities, as well as evening entertainment from the likes of Cafe Warriors and Acoustic journey
4. Nightrider
When: 6-7 June
Where: Lee Valley, London
What: Join 4,500 riders cycle London by night. This 100km route begins at 11.30pm and takes in 50 London landmarks including Trafalgar Square, the London Eye and the Royal Opera House. The £39 registration fee includes support, a medal and breakfast, but you’re expected to raise at least £175 in sponsorship for a charity.
5. Wiggle Dragon Ride
Battle the Dragon |Matt Alexander/Human Race
When: 7 June
Where: Margam Park, South Wales
What: A choice of four sportives varying from 43km to 302km. The toughest, Dragon Devil, includes signature climbs such as Rhigos, Black Mountain and Devil’s Elbow. New this year is the Devil’s Staircase, a 15% gradient, 480m elevation climb. Our thighs are aching just thinking about it.
6. Run or Dye
When: 27 June
Where: Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire
What: A run with a very colourful splash or two: As you complete the 5km course you get showered in safe, eco-friendly powdered dye. Why? We’re not 100% sure – something to do with it being fun, we suppose. The dye is hitting Cheshire on 27 June, but other venues include Ipswich, Perth, Bath and Galway.
7. Rat Race Coast to Coast
Challenge yourself on the Coast to Coast, Scotland | Photo Andrew McCandlish
When: 12-13 September
Where: Nairn, Highlands
What: Oh, just a 105 mile bike, run and kayak from one coast of Scotland to the other. You can either opt to complete it in two days, or tackle the whole course in just one. Either way, you’ll pass Cawdor Castle, Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal, and earn a lifetime’s worth of respect from us. Best get training now, eh?
