Weird and wonderful events happening in the outdoors this Spring and Summer

The joint-messiest event on our list (see bog snorkelling later on), the Maldon Mud Race sees competitors crawling 400m along the muddy bed of the River Blackwater at low tide. Take part or spectate from the safety of dry land and help raise money for local charities in the process.

Aiming to inspire visitors to enjoy the great outdoors, the Keswick Mountain Festival plays host to running, hiking, cycling and swimming events tailored to all experience and fitness levels. This combines with live music, activities and speakers at the festival hub, located among the stunning Lakeland Fells.

The Hay Festival of Literature and Arts brings together readers and writers in a celebration of culture on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Having travelled to over 30 locations worldwide, the festival’s home in Hay-on-Wye provides the perfect opportunity to hear and learn from Nobel Prize winners, novelists, scientists, environmentalists and more.

Situated on the beautiful Scottish west coast, FyneFest is a celebration of all things beer, food and music. Since its inception in 2010, the festival has continued to grow and this year it will showcase over 250 different beers during the epic three-day session. Sorry, we meant “refined tasting experience”.

With distances ranging from 250m to 5km, this event among the stunning scenery of Lake Windermere is ideal for all experience levels. If you’re looking to dive into open water swimming in 2022, then look no further than the Great North Swim, the UK’s biggest open water swim event.

Based in Bristol, Festival of Nature is the UK’s largest public celebration of the natural world. Focusing on the importance of nature for our wellbeing and taking action to address the ecological emergency, the festival aims to educate and immerse us in the natural world.

Dating back to the 1800s, the Boulter’s to Bray Swim is perfect for beginners and experienced open water swimmers alike. Taking place along one of the Thames’ most picturesque sections, the swim meanders either 1.4 or 2.8km under two Grade 1 listed bridges and down a stretch of the river known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.

This family-friendly regatta on the South Devon coast includes a multitude of outdoor events, from the serious to the silly. Take part in the rowing races, sculpt the perfect sandcastle or spectate on the legendary pillow fight. There is something for all ages across this 200-year-old event.

Featuring live cookery stages, workshops and over 250 exhibitors, the Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival is a must-visit and a probably-should-take-indigestion-tablets for food fanatics. With celebrity guests The Hairy Bikers and James Martin, you are sure to leave this festival fully satiated.

Now a world-famous event, the World Bog Snorkelling Championships in Wales sees competitors swim along a muddy peat bog as fast as they can. Take part yourself or come along and watch participants brave the bog in their snorkels and fancy dress.