Adventure – Have we had enough of being Epic?

Writing for Mud and Routes, adventure is something I seek as often as possible. Adventure doesn’t have to be a six month trip across a continent, it can be something much closer to home. Something achievable by most, not the few.

I’m often left pondering if the language used to promote the outdoors is a bit too daunting for the majority of people as we big up our little adventures with tags of Epic and Awesome. We’re as guilty as anyone on Mud and Routes, I’m sure!

Visit Wales have recently paid Bear Grylls to promote their #findyourepic and 2016 Year of Adventure, but who would really want to spend a night out in the wilds promoted by him? If I was going to be in a life or death survival situation, he’d definitely be my second choice of companion after Ray Mears (ideally, give me both). But he’s the last person I’d think of if I wanted a quality meal and a good night’s sleep. I won’t even mention what he reputedly favours as liquid refreshment!  While three’s no doubt that we’re making the outdoors more ‘exciting’ and ‘cool’, are we at the same time putting people off getting outside?

I’m a big believer in a night under the stars being as comfortable as possible, or Wild Glamping as we like to call it, rather than an ordeal. We should be promoting this view of the outdoors, as somewhere with proper preparation we can be comfortable rather than miserable.

The Micro Adventure movement is another way we can be promoting people to get outside. That idea is that you can find an adventure locally that can be just as worthwhile as travelling hundreds of kilometers. It’s a matter of using your imagination rather than trying to seek out those bucket list adventures that owe more to bragging rights than seeking out true adventure.

So Get Outside, and see what adventures you can find locally. Walk a new track, seek out a hidden gem or try experiencing those familiar places in a different light. Don’t walk it, cycle or mountain bike it. Know somewhere in the daytime, visit at night and see the stars. I recently walked from my doorstep to follow the Wales Coastal Path for three days. There was something extra special in having set off from my own front door. Next time, I’ll return there on foot.