The best adrenaline sports in the UK

If going for a jog doesn’t do it for you, you’re not alone. For centuries, people have pursued activities that will give them that little extra buzz to full-on adrenaline rushes. Not to mention the health benefits. Not only do you get the immense thrill of a white-knuckle ride, but it also helps you keep fit and active. Staying healthy isn’t all about counting calories and watching your weight. 

Luckily, the UK has a wide array of adrenaline sports on offer and as we are unlikely to be leaving the country this summer, these options will be looking even more appealing as the weather gets hotter and thrill-seekers and sun-seekers come out looking for a change of scene.

BASE jumping

This extreme sport requires the partaker to freefall from an inanimate object, like a building, or a bridge or even a nuclear power station, opening the attached parachute on the way down. Unlike skydiving, BASE jumpers don’t use an aircraft of any kind, but instead choose to jump from the top of a fixed structures.

The “BASE” in BASE jumping is actually an acronym for the four types of fixed objects that athletes can potentially leap from while taking part in the sport. These objects include buildings, antennas, spans (which often refers to bridges), and the Earth itself. That includes high cliffs, mountain tops, or other tall natural locations.

BASE jumpers wear a parachute, and sometimes a wingsuit, which is a specially-designed outfit that allows them to slow their rate of descent while making precision aerial manoeuvres on the way down. With extensive training and safety equipment, BASE jumping can be done just about anywhere across the country that’s high enough. Excitement is subjective but generally this sport is regarded as one of the most thrilling.

Canyoning

Over the past two decades, canyoning has gradually transformed itself from a one-off summer thrill to an adventure staple – both in the UK and beyond. It’s basically the descent of a river system or a gorge using various techniques and methods. Quite often it involves abseiling down waterfalls, rock climbing and swimming through nature’s obstacles. It involves a mix of fun, adventure and teamwork.

The UK is blessed with some beautiful locations for canyoning, none more so than the Lake District in Cumbria – one of the best wet and wild locations in the world. This area is an ideal spot for canyoning as it has been carved out by glaciers leaving behind lakes and steep valleys. The volcanic rock does not allow for rain to be absorbed so rampaging waters have created spectacular gorges that are perfect for canyoning.

Ice climbing

Climbing ice caves is very challenging but also very rewarding. Rather than climbing on rocky surfaces, ice climbers use crampons, picks, ropes and other equipment to climb on ice. 

Much like in rock climbing, ice climbers typically work together in pairs. One partner serves as an anchor while the other climbs, and vice versa.

The UK has the largest indoor ice wall in the world at Kinlockleven, Scotland, which is suitable for both beginners and professionals.

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