In this candid piece, our writer shares their bold opinions on outdoor adventuring in the UK, and the things they may be a little too wax lyrical about. Agree or not, these insights are sure to spark some lively debate among fellow adventurers.
Adventuring in the UK is not all sunshine and rainbows, as I’m sure you’re well aware. It’s a mixed bag of unforgettable moments and unexpected annoyances.
And as much as I am a sucker for romanticising the rugged landscapes and the thrill of the wild, some of the very things I cherish about the great outdoors are also the same things that I find totally irksome.
From the impracticalities of tent life, to the ridiculous ultralight sacrifices people make, there are some quirks to outdoor adventuring, and it certainly isn’t as perfect as the glossy magazine images make out.
So because literally no one asked, here are my hot takes and unpopular opinions about outdoor adventure and domestic travel across the UK.
How many do you relate to or agree with?
Potentially Controversial Opinions on Outdoor Adventuring
Summer in Scotland is a Bloody Nightmare
Scotland is one of my favourite places in the world – the otherworldly landscapes, dramatic coastlines, outdoor culture and wild camping opportunities are unparalleled.
However, there’s just one thing that utterly spoils Scotland for me – pesky midges. These tiny yet relentless bloodsucking insects are the bane of every camper’s existence between the months of May and September.
They don’t just buzz around annoyingly; they swarm around you in droves, feasting on any and all exposed skin like it’s a gourmet buffet. That peaceful evening camp beside a picturesque loch or in the midst of the mountains is soon turned into an utterly miserable affair.
And what’s with them sacrificing themselves in your boiling hot dinner too?! Extra protein anyone?
Tent Sex Sucks
Ok, so there’s definitely a thrill in having outdoor sexy time, I’m not saying it’s all bad. But whilst tent sex sounds adventurous, in reality, it’s a logistical nightmare.
You’re crammed into a tiny space, wrestling with zippers, dodging stray sleeping bags and trying desperately hard not to burst your expensive blow up mat. The ground is hard, the walls are thin, it’s either stiflingly, unbearably hot, or utterly nipple-chillingly freezing. And of course there’s always a stray pinecone or sharp rock waiting to ruin the moment.
Let’s not forget, unless you’re staying at a campground with shower facilities, the whole not washing thing is kinda unsexy. UTI, anyone?
Romantic? I think not.
Dehydrating Your Own Food is a Faff
I’m by no means a stranger to a dehydrator. As an avid forager, I will spend many hours of my life preparing, dehydrating and storing all manner of wild delicacies, from mushrooms for risottos to flowers for my herbal tea blends.
But have you ever prepared and dehydrated two meals per day for a multi-day hike, totally from scratch? It feels nothing short of an operation that would rival feeding the British Army.
Whilst you certainly wouldn’t want to live off them, there’s a certain luxury in buying ready-made dehydrated meals. Yes, they’re expensive, and can at times be an underwhelming eat. But the time and effort they save? Incredible.
For those trips where you just wanna chuck a Jet Boil in your pack and go light, in my opinion, pre-packaged meals are totally worth it.
Ultra Lighters Can Take it Too Far
That being said, the ultralight obsession has reached absurd levels. There, I’ve said it.
We’ve got people cutting their blooming toothbrushes in half, as if those extra few grams will make or break their hike.
And don’t even get me started on the one set of smelly clothes they insist on wearing for days—because, you know, carrying an extra shirt or set of undies would be a catastrophic burden.
Sure, trimming weight totally makes sense and I am absolutely all for keeping your pack as light as possible. But when you’re sacrificing basic hygiene and comfort for a few grams, it’s time to question whether you’re really embracing minimalism or auditioning for a survivalist reality show.
Personally, I think it’s just a nerdy obsession and a sense of personal achievement rather than any real benefit achieved from the weight saved.
Dogs on the Trail Are a Mixed Blessing
Don’t get me wrong, I love dogs so please don’t give me hate for this one. But let’s be real — sometimes dogs on hiking trails (and at campsites), can be a pain in the backside.
While a well-behaved pooch is a joy to see bounding along the path, too often you encounter the not-so-well-behaved ones. You know, the ones that charge at you, muddy paws flying, or the ones that won’t stop barking, scaring off all the wildlife you came to see.
And it’s not just wildlife that is disturbed or harmed by bad doggos.
According to a report by the National Farmers’ Union in 2021, there were more than 3,000 incidents of ‘livestock worrying’ (a term used to describe instances where dogs attack, chase, or otherwise disturb livestock, leading to injury or death) reported annually across the UK. However, the true number is believed to be much higher due to underreporting. It’s a serious issue.
And let’s not forget the occasional surprises left on the footpaths that inconsiderate owners ‘miss’. Sure, dogs are man’s best friend, but on a quiet, peaceful walk, sometimes I just wish they’d be taken to the dog park instead.
Adventure Every Day is Not Sustainable
Whilst the ethos here at Adventure Brits is all about living a more adventurous life and exploring what the British Isles have to offer, we don’t want to fool you into thinking that we’re preaching non-stop adventure.
Nor are we here to hoodwink you into believing everyone is adventuring all the time. They’re simply not. It’s not sustainable or practical. Even on a big trip or expedition, down time is essential.
You don’t have to be the stereotypical ‘adventurer’ either (whatever that looks like) to enjoy the outdoors. Whether an adventure is camping in your back garden, a stroll along the beach with the pup or a bike ride through the hills, do it on your own terms in a way that suits you. No one likes an adventure snob.
Hiking with Headphones Tunes out Nature
I’ve expressed my opinions about hiking with headphones before and long story short: I’m not a fan. Whilst it might seem like a great way to pass the time, get motivated or into a rhythm, it’s really just a way to tune out the very experience you came for.
With headphones on, you miss the subtle sounds of nature—the birdsong, the rustling leaves, the babbling brooks—that make hiking so immersive. Plus, you’re less aware of dangers, like an oncoming cyclist or tractor.
And let’s not forget the social aspect. How can you engage in conversation or share the moment with fellow walkers if you’re plugged into your own world?
Hiking is about being present, not just getting from A to B with a soundtrack blasting in your ears.
The UK’s Weather is Perfect for Hiking
One thing we’re good at is complaining about the weather. But who needs sunshine and warmth to do outdoor activities, when all you’ll do is work up too much of a sweat anyway?
There’s something character-building about trudging knee-deep through a bog, soaked to the bone, with the wind howling in your ears. Mud and drizzle add character to your adventures.
The unpredictable skies keep you on your toes, turning every ramble or hike into a true test of endurance and preparedness. Will my 10-year-old jacket hold up? We’ll soon find out!
Plus, the moody mist or thunder-threatening skies makes for some seriously dramatic photos without any photo bombers in sight.
So embrace the rain and winter months; because for a start, if you didn’t, you’d hardly ever get out – it’s all part of the experience of exploring in the UK!
Bivvy Sacks are Glorified Body Bags
To some, bivvy sacks are the ultimate way to connect with nature—just you, your sleeping bag, and an intimate closeness to the great outdoors.
Whilst they’re popular in places like Australia (otherwise known as a ‘swag’), in the UK, bivvy bags can quickly turn into a claustrophobic, soggy nightmare. Yes, they’re lightweight and pack down to nothing, but when the rain starts pounding, and the wind picks up, that tiny shelter feels more like a body bag.
There’s no room to sit up and hang out, no escape from the condensation buildup, and forget about getting dressed without performing bizarre outdoor gymnastics. The thought of being trapped in a bag for days on end literally makes me feel physically sick.
While they’re great for the die-hard minimalist, for most of us, a tent’s extra few grams is a small price to pay for a good night’s sleep and a little breathing room.