7 Exciting Ways to Experience the Great Outdoors ...

Let's face it, when the sun comes out, we love nothing more than to bask in its splendour, especially if we have been spending so many months indoors, looking outside longingly. One of the ways to welcome the summer sun is to pack that picnic basket and head off to a country park where you can feel super virtuous by consuming your delicious picnic and then walking off the calories! This is just one of the ways to experience the great outdoors.

Water sports are another way to experience the great outdoors and there are so many to choose from. Canoeing, kayaking, sailing, waterskiing, wake-boarding, rowing ... the list is endless. Water sports are a great exercise and we can all see the fabulous effects that surfing has had on the beautiful Cameron Diaz. Like many pastimes, It can be expensive when you take all the equipment and lessons into consideration but if it's something you enjoy, then it really doesn't matter.

I first tried rock climbing when I was about ten years old and it wasn't something I did again until about twenty years later, which is such a shame. I feel as though I missed out on many years of fun by not getting back into it sooner. Rock climbing is great exercise and the views you experience when you're climbing or when you get to the summit are truly breathtaking.

Ok, I'm not into traditional camping and am more of a glamping kinda gal. I'm not the only one as many people like a little luxury whilst they're camping and because of the demand, there are now many different ways to satisfy the diva within and experience the great outdoors without compromising on some of the home comforts. You could stay in a luxury caravan or lodge or how about staying in a 1960's Vintage Airstream, a Canvas Bell tent with a log burner or VW van.

Remember when you were younger and you always wanted a treehouse retreat in which to relax with your friends and get away from the folks? Maybe you were lucky enough to have one but if you weren't, there are many places you can go to satisfy that childhood desire and sleep a little closer to the stars. What a great way to experience the great outdoors! There are other unique ways to sleep in style such as log cabins, yurts and cave rooms.

I love cycling and there are so many places to go on your trusty two wheels. All you need is a bike which will see you in good stead on relatively rough terrain, like a mountain bike and you're good to go. The great thing about cycling is you can go pretty much anywhere and it's such a great way to experience the great outdoors, not to mention the calories you will burn whilst you're taking in the wonderful views.

As well as cycling, I also love walking and it can cure all manner of ills. Charles Dickens is reported to have overcome his depression by taking long walks and I truly believe it has curative powers. Walking is wonderful exercise and a great way to clear the mind. It's another wonderful way to experience the great outdoors as all you need is a comfy pair of shoes, a map and any other emergency equipment if you're really going off the beaten track. It's cheap and cheerful and one of my favourite ways to enjoy the countryside.

These are just a few ways to experience the outdoors. Can you think of any other ways?