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Gains in the great outdoors: Data reveals the top trending outdoor activities

Hiking is the most popular outdoor activity in the UK

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man windsurfing
Pixabay / Pexels

Even a brisk stroll in the great outdoors can be rejuvenating. Personally, I love the feeling of exercising outdoors because you’re spending time in nature and basking in the beauty of the season. In my neighborhood, the hot Florida sunlight peeks through the leaves of the tall, sweeping oak trees. At this time of year, the Christmas lights reflect in the mirror of the rippling lake.

For those who love outdoor adventures, you’re not alone. The 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report from the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) revealed that the outdoor recreation participation base grew by 4.1% in 2023 to a record 175.8 million participants, representing around 57.3% of the United States population. More people began biking, hiking, camping, running, and fishing. Interesting UK data from Go Outdoors highlights the outdoor adventures the Brits have been embracing in 2025.

The most popular outdoor activities in the UK

A man hiking
Lucas Allmann / Pexels

Just like here in the US, outdoor activities are surging in popularity in the UK. The Go Outdoors data reveals the following drastic increases in searches last year throughout 2024, with hiking in first place.

Hiking

Man hiking on a trail with small girl
Juliane Liebermann / Unsplash

With a 192% increase in searches, hiking is the leading go-to activity. Hiking is cost-effective and encourages you to get those muscles moving in nature. Researchers have found that hiking provides several benefits, including reducing blood pressure and stress levels, and improving focus and immune system function.

Nature walks

man walking in nature
Panditwiguna / Pexels

Nature walks rose by 53% and took second place. If you have a dog, you might take more nature walks as a low-impact, lower-intensity way to unwind. We shouldn’t underestimate the power of walking. I’ve covered so many studies on the benefits of this simple natural movement, including boosting brain power and heart health. In fact, one study that comes to mind revealed that a 15-minute walk was associated with better heart health and a lower risk of fatality.

Windsurfing

man windsurfing
Brett Jordan / Pexels

In the UK, at least, windsurfing was the third most popular outdoor activity, with a 42% increase in searches. Windsurfing combines surfing and sailing, and involves using a board and sail on seas and lakes. Especially in coastal spots like beautiful Cornwall, where I would visit friends when I was a kid growing up in the UK, windsurfing is an excellent choice to be active on the water.

Steph Green
Steph Green
Steph Green (Steph Zee) is a singer-songwriter and professional writer with over 12 years of experience in healthcare and…
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