Nikwax is formulated for adventure! Our love for the outdoors, and encouraging others to embrace it too, is at the heart of everything we do. We are the outdoor lover’s companion, be those adventures big or small, local or far-flung, solo or in couples and groups. Whether you’re scaling mountains, cycling trails or enjoying a gentle walk, there is nothing better than being out in nature.
To kick off 2025, we’ve listed out our top 12 outdoor adventures for the year ahead, open to all! Just add Nikwax to stay dry and warm whilst enjoying them…
Walking or Hiking
Striding out in nature is a simple adventure with big benefits. The positive physical and mental impacts on our health are well documented, and it can be enjoyed alone, with a partner, or in a group. No national park nearby? A ramble around your local area is still an adventure in our book.
Where? The Edale Skyline Challenge in the Peak District is a circular adventure covering approx. 20 miles The route is fantastically varied with rocky, grassy and flagstone trails, and the world-famous Peak District Bog.
What Nikwax product? Hiking Care Kit.
Caving
Is there anything more adventurous than exploring an underground world of caverns, tunnels, pots, splunking holes, stalactites and dykes? Add a qualified instructor and some friends to the mix for an exhilarating outdoor experience.
Where? Britain has a vast cave network to explore, with the majority found in the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Brecon Beacons and Somerset.
What Nikwax Product? Tech Wash / TX.Direct Wash-In.
Gravel Biking/Cycling
Riding on any unpaved surface is considered gravel biking, including gravel (obviously!), dirt, rocky terrain, woodchips, and anything in between. Gravel routes frequently lead riders away from paved roads, becoming more adventurous as they wind deeper into nature.
Where? BikePark Wales in Gethin Woods, South Wales has tracks for riders of every level, it’s the perfect blend of exercise and exploration with whoever you choose to enjoy it with.
What Nikwax product? Sports Refresh.
Wild Camping
Camping outside an official camping ground or caravan park is a great way to spend the night in some of the UK’s more remote countryside. It’s illegal to wild camp in England and Wales without the permission of the landowner, but in Scotland, vast areas of remote wilderness are available for adventures under the stars.
Where? Too many stunning spots to choose just one! Check out the Visit Scotland website for a wide range of wild camping adventures, whether you camp with family, friends or solo.
What Nikwax product? Tent & Gear SolarWash / SolarProof.
Wild Swimming
Outdoor swimming is fast becoming a mainstream pastime in the UK, with a huge 7.5 million of us venturing into rivers, lakes, lidos and seas*. Plunging (safely) into cold water is the ultimate way to invigorate mind and body whilst embracing the beauty of the great outdoors.
Where? As the deepest lake in England, surrounded by dramatic stony mountains, a dip in the Lake District’s Wast Water is a truly refreshing outdoor adventure, and even better enjoyed with others.
What Nikwax product? Tech Wash / TX.Direct Spray-On.
Rock Climbing
Nothing beats rock climbing for a sense of adventure and accomplishment. It’s a workout for both mind and body, with a view from the top! It’s also a great social activity – climbers often share the same wall space at climbing gyms and on rockfaces, navigating routes together.
Where? With routes for beginners as well as adrenaline junkies, the craggy landscape of the Lake District is a bucket list rock climbing adventure.
What Nikwax product? Sports Refresh.
Trail Running
Contrary to popular belief, mountains aren’t a necessity for trail running adventures. It is considered a “trail run” when you aren’t running on surfaced, paved, sealed or asphalt roads. Simply, it is about enjoying a run – of any length and speed – in the heart of nature.
Where? From Scotland to Cornwall, we’ve looked to Runners World for the best adventure trails.
What Nikwax product? Fabric & Leather Footwear Care Kit.
Surfing
Did you know surfing dates to c. AD 400 in Polynesia? That’s over 1600 years of adventures on the waves! Whether you’re a dedicated pro, a hobbyist or a casual admirer from the safety of the sand, there’s no denying the pull of the sea.
Where? Facing southwest towards the Atlantic rollers, the sandy beach and consistent swell of Watergate Bay in Cornwall is the perfect playground for both seasoned surfers and have-a-goes.
What Nikwax Product? Wetsuit Refresh.
Paddle Sports
Looking to try a new adventure this year? Paddle sports are a fun, healthy way to explore our country’s inland waterways, over 4,000 miles of them**! Whether canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding, our canals and rivers offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in scenic landscapes and wildlife habitats.
Where? The stunning Beaulieu River in the New Forest is a fantastic place to explore from. Take the river up or down stream, drift on tidal currents or explore hidden creeks.
What Nikwax Product? Wetsuit Refresh.
Picnicking
A small yet rewarding adventure, a picnic can be enjoyed pretty much anywhere, with no-one or with anyone. On a park bench, beside the sea, in a field or up a mountain. Just add something hot (soup or coffee), something crunchy (crisps or crudité) plus something sweet (cake or biscuits) for the perfect picnic alchemy.
Where? You decide 😊
What Nikwax Product? Outdoor Complete Protection Kit
* https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/oss-survey-results/
** https://www.gov.uk/guidance/inland-waterways-and-categorisation-of-waters