Tag: Outdoors

6Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trends, Trips & Experiences

Active ‘coolcations’ in Europe – top destinations for hiking and cycling

The best destinations in Europe for an active “coolcation” have been revealed, with France's Mont Blanc region taking first place. In new research from SportsCover Direct, the sports travel insurance provider analysed 30 of Europe's most popular adventure destinations, ranking each on average summer temperature and humidity, hiking and cycling trail density, and travel time from the UK. Following another summer of record-breaking temperatures across Europe, online searches for coolcations have risen 74% year-on-year, with 65% of holidaymakers now saying they'd rather avoid travelling during the hottest time of year.  But, rather than giving up on travel altogether, many are simply choosing to visit somewhere cooler instead, and for a growing number, it’s not just about swappi...

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19Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: pedal kayaking at Hanz Outdoor Resort in Japan

A new water activity, the "pedal kayak", has been introduced at Hanz Outdoor Resort in Japan, offering guests a fresh way to explore the water.  This innovative kayak allows forward movement simply by pedalling with the feet, removing the need for a traditional paddle. Designed for ease and accessibility, the pedal kayak glides smoothly across the water, making it especially suitable for first-time kayakers, children, and older guests. Its intuitive operation allows participants to focus less on technique and more on the experience of being on the water.  Guests can enjoy the quiet rhythm of pedalling while taking in the surrounding natural scenery, creating a relaxed yet active outdoor experience. A two-hour pedal kayak trip is priced from ¥9,500 / £44 per person.  About Hanz Out...

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29Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: Cycling Scotland’s new Gallovidian Gravel route 

Launched to coincide with the opening of Cycling UK’s new Gallovidian Gravel long distance cycling route in Dumfries and Galloway, Saddle Skedaddle’s seven-day, guided gravel riding holiday explores Scotland’s newest cycling adventure. Following most of Cycling UK’s new Gallovidian Gravel route, Saddle Skedaddle’s guided holiday – the Galloway Gravel Escape – breaks up the long-distance way into manageable riding days.  Starting in Dumfries, also known as “Scotland’s Queen of the south”, the riding begins at the start of the new Gallovidian Gravel route. Exploring Mabie Forest and Lochaber Loch, cyclepaths and singletrack take riders through open countryside past Loch Arthur, the hamlets of Beeswing and Corra, and the coastal village of Rockcliffe. Venturing into dense woodla...

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9Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trends

Tywi Valley Path: new hiking and biking pathway opens in west Wales

The county of Carmarthenshire in south-west Wales has a new accessible and scenic trail for cyclists, walkers and families – the 13-mile Tywi Valley Path. The fully tarmacked pathway is designed for relaxed explorations and provides a traffic-free route for both the community and visitors alike through a swathe of Carmarthenshire's spectacular scenery. Expect panoramic views across the Tywi Valley peppered with historic buildings such as Paxton's Tower and Dinefwr Castle, each set within the dramatic West Wales countryside.  The path's opening will be marked by a series of guided and themed Sunday Strolls from 17 May running for four weeks. Tipped as West Wales's answer to the Camel Trail in Cornwall and following the river and the former railway line which closed in the 1...

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7Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trends, Trips & Experiences

Europe’s most affordable adventure travel destinations for 2026

Europe has never been short of adventure, from alpine ridges to the Adriatic sea, volcanic islands and forested mountain ranges. And, as internal data from sports travel insurance provider SportsCover Direct shows a 182% increase in adventure travel and Pinterest predicts “darecations” as the travel trend of 2026, it’s shaping up to be the summer of adventure.  But, as rising fuel costs and wider geopolitical uncertainty push up the cost of travel, affordability is becoming just as important as adrenaline. To help budget conscious thrill seekers plan their summer trips, SportsCover Direct has analysed popular European adventure destinations, ranking them on the cost of flights, accommodation, food and leisure to reveal the best value spots for affordable thrills this summer.  ...

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28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Events

Sports travel bucket list: running the inaugural Amazon Marathon

Marathon Tours & Travel has announced the launch of the inaugural Amazon Marathon, a new endurance event taking runners deep into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon in September 2026. Taking place on Wednesday 9 September, in Puerto Maldonado on the edge of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest, the Amazon Marathon offers runners a rare opportunity to race in one of the most biodiverse and remarkable regions in the world. The event blends trail running with cultural immersion and adventure, providing access to a part of the world that few people would ever be fortunate enough to experience in their lifetime. There will be distances to suit all runners; with marathon, half marathon, and 10.5km, all taking place on a looped jungle trail course. With race capacity intentionally limited, esti...

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28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: Matterhorn, Mont Blanc and Alps weekend hiking adventures

Walking tour operator Ramble Worldwide has expanded its portfolio of “Weekend Adventures” – a range of UK and European short breaks for experienced walkers which were launched in 2025.  A further four high-impact escapes in spectacular mountain settings across Mont Blanc and the Alps have been released. A choice of 17 Weekend Adventures are now available.  Here we take a look at the new weekend options…  Matterhorn Weekend: Alpine Hiking in the Swiss Alps (Grade 7)  Set amongst the iconic backdrop of the Matterhorn, this unforgettable trip is designed for walkers seeking breathtaking scenery and exhilarating mountain trails. With expert Ramble leaders guiding the way, travellers follow rugged paths through glacier-polished valleys dotted with wildflowers and panoramic...

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25Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Trips & Experiences

Ramble Worldwide’s top 10 walking holidays for beginners in 2026

Ramble Worldwide has revealed its top 10 walking holidays for beginners – a curated selection of gentle to moderate breaks designed specifically for newcomers to walking adventures, and those wanting to explore at a gentler pace, including small group, guided tours of the UK, Greece and Portugal. Walking holidays have been widely recognised as a rapidly growing travel trend, increasingly being chosen by travellers of all ages, seeking meaningful experiences which support both physical and mental wellbeing. Gentle exercise in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, support cardiovascular health, and enhance overall fitness, making these trips ideal for those wanting a restorative break with a sense of achievement. Walking in small groups also fosters connection and communit...

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14Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: exploring Stockholm Archipelago on two wheels

Home to 30,000 islands and islets, Stockholm’s archipelago is a unique mix of nature and culture – which makes it an ideal addition to any sports travel bucket list. Saddle Skedaddle’s new seven-day, self-guided cycling holiday hops between islands by ferry and bike to explore a landscape shaped by land and sea. Starting in Sweden’s capital Stockholm – a city built across 14 islands and connected by a network of bridges – the riding begins with a relaxed spin around Royal Djurgården, a leafy island right in the heart of the city. After travelling by ferry to Bogesundslandet, peaceful forest tracks, gravel tracks and quiet roads lead the way to the harbour town of Vaxholm, often referred to as the ‘capital of the archipelago’. There’s a choice of two different routes on the ride to Fa...

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14Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: Traws Eryri mountain bike holiday in North Wales

Following the Traws Eryri Cycling UK route, Saddle Skedaddle’s new seven-day guided mountain bike holiday in Eryri National Park covers some of the best off-road trails North Wales has to offer. Starting with a loop ride on Mach Trails, riders follow a mix of steep gravel climbs and flowy single-track descents, while taking in sprawling views over the Plynlimon mountains. Riding deeper into the heart of North Wales, an alpine-style singletrack road leads up the historic Ffordd Ddu to uncover views of Barmouth Bay as Eryri National Park comes into view.  Crossing the Grade II-listed Penmaenpool Toll Bridge across the River Mawddach to the lower Wynach Valley, gravel tracks take riders to the remote lake of Llyn Cwm-mynach. The route then jumps off the official Traws Eryri route to e...

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14Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: Loch Ness and Great Glen Way walking holiday 

Self-guided walking holiday specialist Inntravel has launched a number of new European itineraries for 2026, ranging from the wild atmosphere of Loch Ness in Scotland to the Prosecco Hills of northeastern Italy.  Among the other introductions for the year ahead are Spain’s oldest National Park, the wild Picos de Europa, and its ‘Green Coast’, and a single centre walking holiday in the whitewashed fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell on the quiet side of the Costa Brava.  In this new addition to the sports travel bucket list, we look at Inntravel’s walking holiday to the most famous glen and loch in the Scottish Highlands.  Loch Ness and the Great Glen Way  Explore both shores of Loch Ness on this self-guided holiday based at a stylish four-star hotel in Fort Augustus. The ren...

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20Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: Picos de Europa walking holiday in Spain

The spectacular skyline of the Picos de Europa region of northern Spain has held a special draw for centuries, signalling to sailors that they were nearly home, and now beckoning hikers from around the world. A new route offered by walking trip specialists On Foot Holidays maintains this sense of anticipation, starting in the green foothills to the east and journeying westwards to the higher wilderness. First you'll become acquainted with the quiet farm tracks scattered across the Polaciones and Liébana valleys. Stop at tiny villages to stay in wayside inns and small hotels where you can enjoy a glass of orujo (the local firewater) with your hosts and sample the hearty Lebaniego stew. After the bustling little town of Potes, follow the final section of the Camino Lebaniego pilgrimage...

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18Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trips & Experiences

Intrepid Travel unveils new premium walking and trekking trips

Adventure travel company Intrepid Travel has unveiled its range of new premium walking and trekking trips to some of the world's best hiking trails. Departing from January 2026 and led by Intrepid's most experienced local leaders, Intrepid's premium range is the company's most comfortable travel offering, where travellers can expect handpicked accommodation, premium service and exceptional included experiences. Spanning five continents and ranging from three to nine days, the 10 new premium trips feature hikes through Italy, Madeira, Vietnam, Nepal, Morocco, Peru, Jordan and the United States. Since its 2022 launch, premium has become Intrepid's fastest growing travel style, while sales of its well-established walking and trekking range have also grown. Intrepid has seen an 89% incre...

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13Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trends, Trips & Experiences

Demand grows for active travel in Spain’s lesser-known regions

Spain is seeing a surge in demand for active travel experiences, as three UK independent tour operators – Headwater, Pura Aventura and Naturetrek – report a marked shift in booking trends toward more immersive, activity-based holidays. Travellers are increasingly drawn to Spain’s lesser-known regions, seeking out walking, cycling and nature-focused adventures that go beyond the traditional sun-and-city breaks. In response, the operators have expanded their offerings to include immersive nature-based, cultural, and active adventures – from scenic cycling routes through Extremadura to wildlife-focused treks in Andalucia and multigenerational activity family escapes in the Pyrenees. Sharon Zanni, product manager for mainland Spain and the Balearics at Headwater, said: “We have seen a go...

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5Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Trends

Adventure travel trends 2025: fuelling a new wave of sports tourism 

The global adventure travel industry has entered a new era – stable, focused, and increasingly connected to the fast-rising world of sports tourism. That’s one of the big takeaways from the 2025 Adventure Travel Trends & Insights Report, the annual benchmark study released by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA). Now in its 18th year, the report reveals how active, immersive travel experiences are not just bouncing back from the pandemic, but helping define a more meaningful future for global tourism. Drawing from multilingual survey responses between February and April 2025, the report reflects the real-world data and insights of hundreds of tour operators worldwide, based on their business activity during 2024. It’s a clear snapshot of what today’s adventure traveller wan...

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27Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business & Industry, Trips & Experiences

Active ‘coolcations’: Heidi launches summer mountain holidays

The “coolcation” trend of choosing milder holiday destinations looks set to continue in 2025, after first gaining momentum last year following record-breaking high temperatures across popular Mediterranean hot spots. According to the Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel 2025 Report published by the European Travel Commission 15% of travellers are now actively seeking out milder climates, and 14% are avoiding destinations with extreme heat. In response to the growing “coolcation” trend, ski holiday operator Heidi has expanded its portfolio of travel itineraries to now include summer mountain holidays. In a survey of 900 UK skiers conducted on behalf of Heidi, 50% chose “summer mountain holidays” when asked: “What type of holiday are you planning to book - or have booked - in th...

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13Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trips & Experiences

Headwater Active Holidays launches new self-guided cycling tours  

Headwater Active Holidays has unveiled a series of new cycling holidays. Designed to inspire travellers to embrace the joy of two-wheeled exploration, the self-guided cycling tours cater to a range of abilities and interests, offering flexible itineraries that combine scenic routes with cultural immersion. The new offerings include tours through the picturesque landscapes of the UK, including the Scottish Highlands and the Channel Islands. For those looking to venture further afield, Headwater's expanded portfolio features routes along the fjords of Norway, follows routes of the Tour de France and offers e-biking tours across Southern Albania. Here we take a look at some of the highlights... E-bike across Southern Albania For travellers seeking a cycling adventure off the beaten t...

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13Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Trips & Experiences

Much Better Adventures expands cycling portfolio with new tour of Sicily 

Adventure travel company Much Better Adventures has launched a new cycling tour in Sicily to meet the growing demand for immersive exploration. This small-group adventure invites travellers to pedal through Sicily’s rugged landscapes, charming villages, and coastal paths, blending physical challenges away from the typical hotspots. The Sicily tour takes riders along the coastline, where they can take a dip in the cool waters of the Vendicari Nature Reserve, and relax on the beaches of Portapalon and Avola. Cyclists will explore the Baroque towns of Ragusa Ibla, Modica and Noto, and descend the Cavagrande canyon with panoramic views, while savouring traditional Sicilian cuisine.  “More travellers are turning to self-powered adventures that tread lightly and offer deeper connectio...

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26Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Trips & Experiences

Innsbruck hiking: outdoor adventures in the Capital of the Alps

For hikers, the Innsbruck region in Austria offers breathtaking mountain landscapes just minutes from the city. From family-friendly walks and nature escapes to a hiking foodie experience, Innsbruck has hiking routes that are perfect for every type of adventurer. Colette Verra, Innsbruck Marketing Manager, said: “Innsbruck offers the perfect blend of city and nature, making it a top destination for hikers of all levels. Whether you seek a relaxing walk or a thrilling mountain adventure, our region provides unparalleled access to beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and authentic alpine experiences.” A Family Adventure – The Zirbenweg Trail: Perfect for families, the Zirbenweg (Stone Pine Trail) on Innsbruck’s home mountain, the Patscherkofel, offers an easy and scenic hike through anc...

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14Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Trips & Experiences

Tignes summer mountain activities: biking, hiking and adventure

Tignes, a popular resort in the French Alps, is gearing up for summer with a range of mountain experiences and active holidays on offer. Visitors can discover newly designed bike trails, go hiking on the easy-to-follow routes, or embark on an adventure with family and friends.  Tignes Bike Park: new expanded trails Mountain bike riders will discover more than 7kms of redesigned trails in the Palafour and Tovière areas, with new options for beginners, families, endurance riders, and electric mountain bike enthusiasts. Even better, queue-free lift access means easier mountain access throughout the day. The newly revamped "Fresse Tagada" stands out as an iconic red trail, designed as a "flow trail" to help mountain bikers build confidence and progress their skills. Another highl...

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