Outdoorsy Brits reveal UK expeditions on their list of goals – including Hadrian's Wall

As life goes back to normal after Covid, Brits are keen to get back out there and explore the UK – with hiking, cycling and coasteering all on their lists

Hadrian’s Wall in Cumbria tops the list of UK adventures Brits are keen to try (

Image: M. Borchi/Getty Images)

Outdoorsy Brits have revealed the UK expeditions on their list of goals as life gets back to normal – including hiking in the Yorkshire Dales, cycling around the Isle of Skye, and rock climbing in the Lake District.

A study of 2,000 adults identified the adventures they’d most like to go on in the future, with climbing Ben Nevis (23 percent), walking the West Highland Way (17 percent) and swimming in Lake Windermere (14 percent) among the most popular.

Going on an “aquatic nature-trail” – also known as “coasteering” – along Giant’s Causeway is another excursion many (15 percent) hope to enjoy someday.

Other activities include surfing in Cornwall (13 percent), and canyoning in Perthshire (10 percent) – navigating down mountain streams using various techniques including abseiling and jumping.

The research was commissioned by HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, which has teamed up with renowned explorer Levison Wood to launch the brand-new Nokia T20 tablet and inspire the nation to embrace their sense of adventure.

Nearly one in four Brits want to climb Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland
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Image:

Tim Graham/Getty Images)

Available with built in GPS, the new tablet might be useful for the 31 percent of 18 to 34-year-olds who admit they rely on smart devices to avoid getting lost.

Nearly three in ten (29 percent) confess they use such technology for everyday journeys like going to work or popping to the shops, and one in four (25 percent) have cut their travels short if their smart device’s battery was low or had died.

As a result, almost as many believe a smart device (26 percent) is essential for outdoor adventures as they do a change of clothes (29 percent) or the tools to start a fire (27 percent).

Levison Wood, author and photographer, said: “There’s a whole world out there ready and waiting for us all to experience. It’s great to see so many people have a sense of adventure with the desire to explore the great outdoors in all its glory.

“I appreciate that some adventures on our list of goals can be daunting, but with the right equipment and a bit of know-how, it’s easier to overcome challenges than you might expect.”

The study found a fifth (20 percent) of adults are keen to be more adventurous following the pandemic.

Furthermore, 74 percent of those polled want to explore “everything” the UK has to offer once things are completely back to normal.

Around four in ten (39 percent) are eager to be more adventurous because they want to see and do new things, while a third (32 percent) want to try new activities to improve their health and fitness.

As such, 57 percent plan to try hiking in the future, 44 percent want to give backpacking a shot, and 39 percent are interested in trying endurance sports like orienteering.

Others want to have a go at scuba diving (24 percent), kayaking (21 percent), and mountaineering (20 percent) for the first time.

Coasteering, or an aquatic nature trail, is something adventure-loving Brits are also keen to try for the first time
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Gordon Scammell/Universal Images Group/Getty Images)

However, if they’re to try such activities, they might need to improve their sense of direction – as the typical adult gets lost twice per month.

Almost a quarter have lost their bearings in a car park (23 percent), 19 percent have suffered the same misfortune in a shopping centre, and 10 percent have struggled to find their way out of their own office.

Nevertheless, the typical adult thinks they could survive alone in the wild for six days, according to the study via OnePoll.

This is despite only 36 percent having first aid skills, just 29 percent being able to build a shelter, and only 21 percent knowing how to catch a fish.

Juha Werkkala, senior product marketing manager at HMD Global, said: “It was a pleasure to work with Levison Wood to showcase the Nokia T20’s features, while exploring the great outdoors.

“What’s clear is that technology can play a vital role in giving people the confidence and comfort they need to fully embrace their adventurous side.”

ADVENTURES BRITS WANT TO TRY IN THE FUTURE: