Don’t just view a weekend away as an opportunity to be lazy – add a dose of adrenaline and explore the UK with one of these calf-quivering adventure races.
South Downs Adventure Race, Sussex: 5 September 2015
Fancy yourself as a multi-tasker? This could be the race for you. Incorporating all-terrain trail running with mountain biking, plus the option of kayaking for the truly intrepid/daft, this one-day event – which starts in the picturesque village of Duncton – is a great way to take in the local landscape while pushing yourself to the limit physically. If that’s your thing. questars.co.uk
Where to stay: The Old Railway Station in Petworth is a boutique hotel housed in four retired Pullman carriages. old-station.co.uk
Dirty Weekend, Yorkshire: 7 May 2016
Not THAT kind of dirty weekend (sadly). As if running 20 miles weren’t enough, the team at Rat Race have only gone and chucked 200 obstacle courses in a muddy field. The challenges include the world’s longest monkey bars – team work is essential so select your (strong) companions carefully.Afterwards, there’s a massive party with beer tents and big-name bands. Beats a massage. ratracedirtyweekend.com
Where to stay: Make the most of the on-site tents and caravans. Yes, there are showers – warm ones, at that.
The Three Peaks Yacht Race, Barmouth/Fort William: June 2016
Established in 1977, this long-running adventure race combines high-altitude jogging and sailing. If it sounds niche, that’s because it kind of is – but a great opportunity for sailors who happen to be good runners to sail the wild west coast of England before scaling the summits of Snowdon and Ben Nevis. We’re tired just writing about it, so we’ll stick to watching instead of competing, ta. threepeaksyachtrace.co.uk
Where to stay: Book yourself an Airbnb at either end. airbnb.co.uk
The Dart 10K, Totnes: 6 September 2015
Marked not by buoys, but local landmarks – such as a cormorant tree, a white rock, and Bow Creek – the Dart 10K is arguably one of the most picturesque swim routes you can choose. In even better news, all abilities are welcome (assuming you can make the distance), which makes it far more appealing to those of us who count the shower as the nearest we get to open-water swimming... There’s a big party at the end, too. outdoorswimmingsociety.com
Where to stay: Brownscombe Glamping is a new opening near Totnes – the spacious safari tents are set in a large field and have two bedrooms. brownscombe.co.uk
Buxton Spa Sportive, Peak National Park: 6 September 2015
Don your lycra and saddle up for this mountainous sportive in Derbyshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire. Starting in the historic Roman town of Buxton, the long route (that’s 135km and 3,000m of climbing) skims the sights of the Peak Distcit National Park. If that sounds like too much hard work, the short route (65km/1,400m) takes in equally stellar views with a little less pedal power. darkwhitecycling.co.uk
Where to stay: Canopy and Stars offers some cosy, Buxton-based options, from a yurt to a shepherd’s hut. Might as well embrace the country vibe. canopyandstars.co.uk
