Help me find a new hobby!

[MegBusset]

I have just rearranged my hours so I have every other Friday off work. I would like to put it to good use and try a new activity / interest / hobby. Something active or crafty would be nice

• I'm already working FT and doing a professional qualification. So nothing too studious or in front of a screen

• Not too 'peopley', I spend the rest of the week around people so something I can do alone ideally, or only with a few people

• Definitely has to get me out of the house, outdoors would be ideal

I have already thought of horse riding or canoeing but can't find an appropriate class near me on my days off. Again adult education or craft classes are weekly so every other week no good.

Any ideas?

Mudlarking! If I were still in England I'd be all over it but didn't really look into it properly till I moved to Australia. If you're interested in History it's an amazing, outdoorsy hobby.

You basically scour streams and riverbanks for old relics. There are incredible finds if you go to the waters near older villages and towns.

Here's a YouTube channel. Nicola White is a well known mudlark who usually frequents the Thames but also further afield.

www.youtube.com/c/nicolawhitemudlarkTidelineArt

Ice skating if you have a rink near you. Swimming.

Mountain biking? That's my hobby and it can be solo or in groups. Either way you're out in the woods and forest, connecting with nature snd getting super fit in the process. I took it up 6 years ago, at aged 46, and I now have a huge network of friends and compete in local level enduro races. Its as cheap or as expensive or as casual or involved as you want to make it

Outdoor art or photography?
Ok, summer might be nicer for art...
Carry-able easel, paper, pens paint pencils. Travel somewhere nice and draw or paint the view.

I'm a huge fan of beachcombing and mudlarking. You could also try hiking or geocaching?

Try Church Bell Ringing:

1. Indoors
2. Fairly technical
3. Not a huge amount of 'chatting' required.
4. No church attendance required.
5. Physical activitiy, no screens :)

Some great suggestions here, thanks!

I love swimming but it doesn't like me - pools give me thrush and I'm too much of a wuss for wild swimming!

Beachcombing could work, I live close to the coast. I wonder about birdwatching but think you need to get up really early to see the good stuff!

I like the idea of sketching, too. I'm not particularly good at drawing but perhaps I could find an online tutorial.

I know MN hates it but golf!! I play, you are outdoors in lovely locations, can play solo or just with or two others and practise by yourself.

You will need lessons and its a difficult game but well worth the effort!

Allotment?

Rock painting and hiding? Could combine with your beachcombing and make things out of your finds.

Hiking/walking/visiting outdoor spaces like country parks etc.

Just go for a walk somewhere and use maps/websites to find suitably located/length/difficulty walks. Find somewhere with a nice cafe for lunch or coffee and cake along the way.

I love hiking and do it most weekends with DH. It's my current default thing to do on my day off too - but I feel like I want something a bit more, you now?

Nordic walking?
Forest school for adults?
Paddle boarding?

Why don't you start a YouTube channel and record your hikes and beachcombing? People LOVE beachcombing and mudlarking videos.