Adventure bucket list: 40 amazing ideas in the UK and Europe
Siurana - Spain
If there’s one thing I love almost as much as going on adventures, it’s dreaming about going on adventures!
I began making a list of things I want to do a few years ago. We were driving home from Scotland, on the road between Innerleithen and Moffat. In the middle of this remote valley, we came across a popular car park, so stopped to read the information sign. It was the start of a two-hour walk to Grey Mare’s Tail.
The waterfall looked incredible, but we didn’t have enough time to visit that day. So I whipped out my phone and began a new note to make sure I’d remember for another time. And I’ve continued adding new ideas to the list.
Practically, I know I’m unlikely to tick every single one, especially as I still work and it continues growing. But, I see it as a pick and mix list which helps me remember and choose my next adventure.
Some things are official routes and known challenges. Others are random ideas of a type of activity, or places I want to visit. It’ll make sense as you scroll down!
West Highland Way: Tyndrum to Glencoe
Walks in the UK
1. The West Highland Way
The West Highland Way covers 96 miles from Glasgow to Fort William. I finally ticked it off my list in May 2023 - read about our 7 day West Highland Way walk.
2. Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK, and part of the big three: Scafell Pike in England (978m), Snowdon in Wales (1,085m), and Ben Nevis in Scotland (1,345m).
3. The Pennine Way (Edale to Kirk Yetholm)
I grew up on the Pennine Way, and it’s still a feature in many of the walks I do now. But, I’d still like to walk all 268 miles in one go.
4. The Coast to Coast (St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay)
The 197-mile Coast to Coast path starts at St Bees Head on the west coast and goes through three national parks: Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors. It finishes on the east coast at Robin Hood’s Bay.
5. The Hadrian’s Wall Path
The Hadrian’s Wall Path is an alternative coast to coast walk. It runs for 84 miles between Bowness-on-Solway and Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne.
6. The Yorkshire Three Peaks
The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a 24-mile round trip route, taking in Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. I’ve walked each one individually, but never all together.
7. The Lake District Wainwrights
The Wainwrights are 214 fells in the Lake District, all featured in Alfred Wainwrights famous guidebooks. They’re not chosen for their height, but are his favourite places.
8. The Peak District Ethels
The Ethels are 95 Peak District hilltops, over 400m above sea level plus some significant lower prominent hills. Read more in my blog post: What are the Peak District Ethels?
9. Grey Mare’s Tail, Scotland
Grey Mare’s Tail is a 60m waterfall in the Moffat hills. The Grey Mare’s Tail and Loch Skeen walk is 2.75 miles from the car park, taking up to 2.5 hours.
10. The Snowdonia Slate Trail, Wales
The Snowdonia Slate Trail is an 83-mile circular route starting in Bangor.
Ride Holme setting out on The Ambassador’s Way
Bike packing / touring in the UK
1. The Rebellion Way, Norfolk
The Rebellion Way is a 232-mile ride around Norfolk. The route follows quiet roads, cycle paths, and bridleways. And, being in Norfolk, it’s mostly flat!
2. King Alfred’s Way
King Alfred’s Way is a circular off-road adventure covering 220 miles. It starts and ends in Winchester, passing by historic monuments such as Stonehenge.
3. The Badger Divide, Scotland
The Badger Divide runs for 210 miles between Glasgow and Inverness. It covers rocky byways, gravel, and tarmac bike paths, with testing climbs and technical riding.
4. The Hebridean Way, Scotland
The Hebridean Way runs through the Outer Hebrides for 185 miles between Vatersay and the Butt of Lewis. I’ve cycled the first half, but would still like to do the full route. Read my series of blog posts about Bikepacking the Hebridean Way.
5. The Advocacy Way
In 2018, my husband created a bike packing route from The Dales Bike Centre in North Yorkshire to Cafe Adventure in the Peak District to raise money for the BMC Mend Our Mountains campaign. I’ve always wanted to do the route with him. Download a GPX of The Advocacy Way
6. Tour de Holme Moss
This is another of my husband’s routes, created in June 2020 when we could still only explore from our doorstep. Download a GPX of the Tour de Holme Moss.
7. LEJOG
The iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats covers around 900-1,000 miles, depending on the route. It runs the full length of the UK and I’m undecided about whether to tackle it 🤔
8. Black Sail Hostel, Lake District
Ever since a colleague told me about Black Sail Hostel (the most remote hostel in England), I’ve wanted to stay. And there are bridleways which take you there.
9. The Pennine Bridleway
Following a different route to the Pennine Way, the Pennine Bridleway is 205 miles. It begins at Middleton Top in Derbyshire, and finishes at Ravenstonedale in Cumbria.
10. The Trans Pennine Trail
The Trans Pennine Trail is a coast to coast route running between Southport and Hornsea. It covers 215 miles and is mainly traffic free.
Pottenstein in the Frankenjura, Germany
Adventure activities in Europe
1. Baguettes, brie, and bikes through France
Since my early 20’s, I’ve wanted to load up my bike to cycle around France. Naturally, it includes stopping along the way for a lazy lunch with wine, baguettes, and fine cheese.
2. Hiking the Cinque Terre footpaths in Italy
I first heard about the Cinque Terre in a fiction novel which was loosely based in the area. When I did a Google search, I was blown away by the beauty of the area.
3. Walking the Rota Vicentina Fishermen’s Trail, Portugal
I’d never thought of Portugal as a walking destination. But after the West Highland Way, the Rota Vicentina Fishermen’s Trail sprung up in my Facebook feed. Wow!
4. Bike touring in Spain
I’ve climbed lots in Spain and always loved the rural areas. I’d like to do some bike touring there, maybe the Ruta de la Plata (Seville to Santiago), but am open to ideas.
5. Cycling to Holland
My original idea was to cycle to Hull and take the overnight ferry to Rotterdam. Then cycle to Zebrugge and take the overnight ferry from there back to Hull. Sadly, the Zebrugge ferry no longer runs, so I’ll have to rethink this one!
6. Hiking in Austria, via the train
I’ve never been to Austria but always thought it looks stunning. And I have this idea about taking the train to Austria for walking holiday.
7. Walking in the Picos de Europa, Spain
The limestone mountains of the Picos de Europa in northern Spain look incredible. I’ve wanted to visit for years, and even considered a learning Spanish and walking trip.
8. Trails and tavernas in Crete
I walked the Samaria Gorge in Crete years ago, and always wanted to explore more of the rugged terrain. The island also has climbing routes 🤔
9. Adventuring in the Frankenjura
The Frankenjura - Frankische Schweiz - is a stunning area of Germany. We’ve visited times on climbing trips and would love to spend more time walking and cycling there.
10. Walking in Slovenia
I’d heard Slovenia was a great place to walk but never looked any further until I saw it on The Grand Tour. And it looks stunning, I really want to go walking there now.
Greek taverna, Kalymnos
Also on the tick list
1. Travel on the Jungfrau Railway, Switzerland
Ever since I learned about the viewing platform part way up the Eiger mountain, I’ve always wanted to take the Jungfrau train.
2. See the Northern Lights
It might be in the UK, maybe somewhere else. But one day, I’ll get to see the Northern Lights in all their glory!
3. Go to Up Helly Aa, Shetland
The annual Up Helly Aa fire festival in Lerwick, Shetland, looks incredible. I’ve also heard it’s one of the most popular and there are other smaller ones taking place.
4. Visit the Callanish stones
The Callanish (Calanais) Standing Stones are in a dramatic location in the Outer Hebrides. I’ve seen pictures of them with the Northern Lights dancing around. Incredible.
5. Run the Outside Hope Valley Round, Peak District
The Hope Valley Round is 20 miles and 1,360m of ascent, and the only running challenge I have in mind. I only dabble in running, so it would definitely be a challenge!
6. Go island hopping in Greece
This appeals to my wanderlust spirit. Spending a lazy season in Greece, hopping on ferries and wandering from island to island. With internet, maybe I could still work 🤔
7. Enjoy cafe culture in Copenhagen
I’m no city lover but a colleague once told me about Copenhagen in Denmark. The idea of whiling away the afternoon at a pavement cafe stuck with me.
8. Hideaway in the Highlands
I love being in Scotland and have no problems roughing it in a tent. But this luxury highland hideaway from 57 Nord has captured my attention.
9. See the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and only across the water from northern England. I’d love to see it and explore more of the area.
10. Eurostar to Bruges
Bruges is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. And I’ve been told you can get rather nice chocolates! With the Zebrugge ferry out of action, a Eurostar trip sounds great.
You may have noticed that everything on the list is in the UK and Europe. That’s because they’re closer, meaning less environmental impact.
But with 40 different adventures, there’s still plenty for me to go for!
I’m always on the look out for new ideas. So, drop a comment below if you have a favourite European adventure you’d like to share.
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Outdoor-Girl is run by Jacquie Budd, an outdoor adventure and marketing content writer for brands that care about their impact on people and the planet.
