Where to live in the UK for boating, biking, and adventure

[Flagstaff]

We're moving to the UK for 2-3 years and are looking for suggestions on where to live. We need to be close to a major airport but other than that the location is flexible. We are whitewater kayakers, mountain bikers, alpine skiers, and I'm an avid trail runner. Ideally we're looking for a place that has lots of adventure sports going on but still has airport access.

Any suggestions on where to live?

[MikeB]

Glasgow.

Edinburgh.

[StephMoss]

Glasgow seconded! Moved up to Glasgow in 2005 from England and never looked back :-). Do all the outdoor sports you mentioned, and more, and there is so much scope for those from here. Very close to two Airports also.

Wales is another good place, South & Central, but can't comment on North. Family live in South Wales and it's as good for outdoors activists as Scotland.

One thing Scotland does have over the rest of the U.K: Rights to Roam... a new(ish) bill passed that means anyone has certain rights to access land all over Scotland... good for wildcamping, getting to rivers, finding forrests for cycling too.

For kayaking, you'd have so much choice of style/grade, all reasonably within 30mins to max. of 4 hrs drive from Glasgow. Similar for cycling, so much in/around Glasgow & so many moutain biker protected cycle areas within easy reach, see http://www.7stanesmountainbiking.com/Home for one example.

As for skiing, U.K not the most traditional (or predictable) of places for skiing, but of anywhere in the U.K Scotland is the place to be for this.
Hope this helps... happy to help you out with any other info you might need

Stephan

[Flagstaff]

Thanks for the suggestions. Edinburgh was the first place we thought of especially since my wife's company has an office there but we'll have to look at Glasgow. My wife will be in Europe next week so I'll see if she can work Glasgow into the itinerary.

The Right to Roam is very nice - I thought I had heard something about that but hadn't looked it up yet. We're coming from Arizona where 80% of the land is public land and accessible.

Years ago I was a class solid class 4 boater but now I just do multi-day rafting trips with the family. I'm looking forward to getting back into kayaking and teaching my 7 year old.

Thanks again,
JP

[kayak1]

South Wales....Swansea, all the surf beaches you want and all the rivers you need, and a white water centre near by....kayak Heavan! .. Afan Argoed mountain biking, mountains for walking etc. but don't tell everyone!!!!!

[StephMoss]

No worries. For the record, Edinburgh is conveniently located for quite a bit out outdoors activities too.

Stephan

[Scots_Charles_River]

Stirling

On the edge of the Highlands with both non-spate and spate rivers within an hours drive. Lots of local and further afield MTBing.

Also a pleasant place to live with cultural activities. It's a relatively expensive area to buy housing.

[snuggle_bunny]

lake district or scotland is best. preferably scotland as you are legaly allowed to kayak any inland waterway, unlike england and wales. bring some good insect repellant

[rugby-rob]

Aviemore area!! Or at least close to the Cairngorms. Has everything for you, plenty of biking trails, some sweet rivers, the mountains for your running and skiing (if we dont have another winter like this year!). Definately up around here!! Although I spent last year living near Fort William and that has everything too. Just depends, coz closest "major" airport to Cairngorms would be Inverness or Aberdeen which arent that far. But Fort William isnt too far from Glasgow.

[justin-g]

I'm going to disagree with my fine northen friends and say it's got to be in the southern warmer parts of the country. Scotland is great to have close and visit - but the southwest has a sublime mix of fantastic moutian biking - Bristol was recently voted the best all round city to live in for Moutian biking and has 20 km of brand new single track in the city.

The boating the in the southwest is the best in England and you have easy access to south wales - which gives you even more Mountian Biking, Paddling and hiking. No water about? There is a white water centre within 40 mins and loads of beaches and a beautiflu historic harbour.

Not to mention all the hill running and biking in the 4 national parks that are on our door step.... plus there are jobs, it's warm and you are close to the beach.

And less fake tan - way less fake tan....

If I didn't currently live in Bristol - I would move there asap...

Good airport too and a stones through from heathrow.

[Kayacb]

..... and a stones through from heathrow.

Made me chuckle!

As a born and bred Londoner.... Scotland, Glasgow infact. Or, if you can get away with it possibly 1-1.5 hours north and you've hit the jackpot. Unless you like to ski indoors it has to be Scotland!

More rain than the south, more snow than the south, more mountins than the south, better access than England or Wales. Better surf than the south... No M25, M4/M5 junction, no grockles.

[Cornholio]

I'd second Aviemore/Kingussie area or Fort Bill....superb MTB'ing and running-mountains and forests aplenty, where I am is 1hr from Fort Bill and the whole NW is less than 2 hrs away, loads of WW if that's your thing but also great for sea kayaking. Skiing is unreliable of course(after 2 mental winters I bought some new XC skis and we've had a very mild one this year barely a drop of snow...)... and unlike Glasgow or Edinburgh you won't need to worry about getting stabbed or your stuff nicked!!!(or air pollution !)

[Strad]

I have to agree with Brizzle as a good option, easy access to south wales, not too long to get to Dartmoor / Exmoor, North Devon beaches can be managed easily as a day trip. Easy access to motorway network and airports. Not forgetting the mighty Saltford weir.

Does appear to have it's own microclimate of dreary, wet weather though.