THE people of Dorset have been unveiled as ranking amongst the top ten most avid adventurers in the UK, according to a new study.

Research conducted by outdoor gear specialists Cotswold Outdoor concluded the county ranks amongst the biggest fans for four of the activities they analysed.

The activities Dorset ranked high in were hiking, camping, swimming and snowboarding.

Cotswold Outdoor analysed purchases of clothing and equipment for specific activities and concluded Dorset was seventh overall.

A spokesperson for the company added: “With the past year and a half’s stronghold on international travel steering Brits to go exploring their very own ‘backyard’, outdoor activities including camping, climbing and hiking have seen an overall 152% increase in searches this year, compared to 2019.

"Dorset’s apparent affinity for all activities across the board is more than evident, as it ranks among the top ten biggest fans for four of the activities analysed.

"Those living in the county have been revealed to be the third biggest fans of swimming and snowboarding, sixth for camping and eighth for hiking."

Overall, Wiltshire ranked the biggest lovers of outdoor adventures, Stirling in Scotland was second and those living in Bristol follow as third.

Further information and more detailed data can be found via the Cotsworld Outdoor website.