SUMMER’S here, the weather’s fine and you are in one of this country’s greatest natural playgrounds. So what’s your excuse for not being outdoors having fun? It can only be that you don’t know what your options are. Here are a few websites that might help.

Chance to ape Tarzan

Start with www.goape.cc, the home of Go Ape, "the rural tourist attraction of the year, 2003". Go Ape is an aerial assault course consisting of a network of rope-ladders, bridges, swings, obstacles and zip-slides, strung between the trees, high above the forest floor. Don’t worry if that sounds a little scary to you, you will be given a thorough safety briefing before you start and a secure harness will protect you at all times if you fall. There are several Go Ape centres around the country but the nearest one to us is in Grizedale forest. Check out some of the quotes and pictures on the website.

Go on a guided tour

For something a little more pedestrian, point your browser at www.milburngrange.co.uk/walking.htm for a good selection of guided walking tours throughout the Lake District, Pennines and the Eden valley. It’s just one of many walking sites featuring Lake District trails.

A steep learning curve

If none of the walks are steep enough for you, then try going vertical with Climb 365. Its website, www.climb365.net, provides information on the various different rock climbing courses that they run from beginners and lead climbing to snow and ice climbing (winter only).

Two-wheeled fun...

For some high-adrenaline, two-wheeled fun, try www.adventurecycling.co.uk. Adventure Cycling offers a number of guided, all-terrain, mountain-biking trips throughout the Lake District.

Hop on a horse

If you’d rather let someone else’s legs do the work, check out www.lakelandequestrian.co.uk. It provides various horsy excursions around the area. But be warned, after a full day in the saddle, you won’t want to sit down for a while.

Off-road action

Another great way to get some action is off-road driving. Kankku will take you out in one of its vehicles or teach you how to drive your own 4x4 properly. All the information you need is at www.kankku.co.uk.

Up, up and away

For a breath-taking day-out and the best possible views of the area, go to www.high-adventure.co.uk and book a hot-air balloon trip. There is no better way to see the Lakes than from the air in a balloon. A Champagne landing is included in the price.

Drive a hovercraft

One of the biggest activity caterers in the area is the Holmescales centre, providing: paintballing, off-road driving, clay pigeon shooting, archery, quad-biking, horse riding, falconry, amphibious driving, tree climbing, digger driving, rally buggies, hovercrafts and more. Check out its website at www.holmescales.com.

Fun in the water

Lastly, if you really want to get into the spirit of the lakes, then you have to get wet. For a great selection of water sports, including: sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, wake-boarding and canoeing, try www.elh.co.uk/watersports.htm or www.derwentwatermarina.
co.uk.

That should be all the information that you need. See you out there - on a cliff/lake/bike/horse.