Norway: More Than Just a Trip – An Ode to Joy, Awe, and Unbreakable Bonds

There are holidays, and then there are adventures. 

Our recent journey to Norway to hike, kayak and camp wasn't just a series of activities; it was an immersion into a world of such profound beauty and a testament to the incredible power of shared experience. 

To say it was amazing feels like an understatement.

It was an experience of sheer joy, a constant barrage of "wow!" moments and a deeply surreal feeling of being alive in a landscape that defied imagination, all amplified by the company of truly great people. 

This trip was a masterclass in laughter, a celebration of stamina, and an exhibition of collective fortitude.

From the moment we first laid eyes on the dramatic, glacier-carved fjords, it was clear this was something special. Towering cliffs, often streaked with the silver threads of waterfalls, plunged into impossibly blue waters. The air itself felt different – crisp, clean, and charged with an ancient energy. Kayaking through these majestic waterways was like gliding through a living postcard. Each paddle stroke brought a new, breathtaking vista, a vista that often left us speechless, communicating instead through wide eyes and knowing smiles.
There's a unique silence that settles in such vast wilderness, broken only by the dip of our paddles, the occasional call of a seabird, or, more frequently, peals of unrestrained laughter.

Laugh we did. Oh, how we laughed!
Sharing this adventure with a group of individuals so full of life, humour and unwavering support was the golden thread that wove through every experience. Whether it was navigating a particularly interesting obstacle, encouraging each other up a steep incline, or simply sharing stories around a crackling campfire under the glow of the lingering Norwegian twilight, the camaraderie was palpable. 

These weren't just travellers; they became fellow adventurers, bound by shared effort and an unspoken understanding.

The hiking was, at times, undeniably challenging. Trails wound upwards, testing our legs and lungs, demanding that extra ounce of stamina. There were moments of fatigue, of questioning whether the summit was worth the burn but with every upward step, the views became more expansive, more rewarding. Reaching a peak, breathless and triumphant, to be greeted by a panoramic tapestry of mountains, fjords, and sky, was an unparalleled thrill.

It was in these moments of shared exertion, of pushing our limits together, that a quiet fortitude emerged within the group – a collective resilience that turned every challenge into a shared victory.

Camping under the stars, miles from the clamour of everyday life, brought a profound sense of peace and connection. The simplicity of setting up tents, preparing meals together and sharing the quiet of the evening fostered a bond that city life rarely allows. We learned to read the weather in the clouds, to appreciate the warmth of a shared fire and to find joy in the smallest details – the taste of freshly brewed coffee in the chill morning air, the sight of a goat at the edge of the woods, the incredible silence of the wilderness.

That surreal feeling often crept in when we least expected it – perhaps while watching the sun paint the sky in hues of orange and pink, refusing to fully dip below the horizon or when you break that perfect mirror reflection in the cold water. 

These were moments that felt plucked from a dream, a reminder of the raw, untamed beauty our planet holds.

This Norwegian adventure was more than just stunning scenery and physical activity. It was about the infectious joy of discovery, the humbling wow factor of nature's grandeur and the deep, surreal sense of being part of something truly epic. It was about the laughter that echoed across the water, the quiet strength found in shared challenges and the incredible spirit of the people who made every moment unforgettable. 

We returned with tired muscles, yes, but also with rejuvenated souls, a treasure trove of memories and a renewed appreciation for the wild, the challenging and the enduring power of human connection. 

Norway, you were a dream and to the incredible souls who shared it – thank you for the laughter, the stamina and the fortitude.

​This one is etched in our hearts forever.

Now, give me a shout if you would like to come next year!

Don't Just take my word for it!

Project Active – Norway Fjords Edition 2025
If you’re looking for an unforgettable mash-up of adventure, camaraderie, and surreal hilarity, Project Active in the Norway fjords delivers in full force.
From breathtaking hikes through rugged mountain terrain to kayaking across glassy, glacier-fed waters, the natural beauty was only rivaled by the eccentric brilliance of the group.
Great people make great trips — and this crew? Unmatched. There were fireballs, impromptu poetry sessions, snoring symphonies, and the unforgettable presence of Fat Si. (You had to be there.)
Meals were an experience of their own: gin and sausage, rum and salmon, whisky-laced banter, and the haunting refrain of “Mary had a little sausage” became anthems of the trip. And who could forget the goat incident? Or the nostalgic deep dive into 70s TV aesthetics over a crackling campfire?

In short: this wasn’t just a trip — it was a fever dream of laughter, wilderness, and unfiltered joy. 10/10,

Would definitely kayak into the absurd again.

​Jake Bassi​

From the moment I arrived to the moment I left, everything was perfectly planned and ran so smoothly-it honestly felt effortless. Huge shoutout to Ben Scurr at Project Active for organising such a flawless experience. His attention to detail made all the difference, and it was clear he put his heart into crafting every part of the adventure.
One of the absolute highlights was two incredible days of kayaking through some of Norway’s most stunning fjords. Paddling between towering cliffs, past waterfalls and quiet, glassy waters—it was beyond breathtaking. As if that wasn’t enough, we also took on a rugged hike that pushed us in the best way possible. The views from the top were hands down the best I’ve ever seen—raw, dramatic, and completely worth every step.
And the laughs... from day one, I didn’t stop laughing. The energy, the people, the experiences—everything came together to create a trip I’ll never forget. If you're even thinking about a Project Active adventure, do yourself a favour and get in touch with Ben.

​He absolutely nailed it.

​James Scurr

Norway trip 2025 - Just back from an outstanding trip with Ben Scurr’s Project Active to hike and kayak around the stunning Norwegian fjords. From start to finish the trip has been truly remarkable and an unforgettable experience.
The scenery was breathtaking with the sheer scale of the fjords, stunning waterfalls, and sweeping views providing the perfect setting for a weekend filled with fun and camaraderie, alongside challenging and rewarding exercise. The trip is the perfect antidote to destress, get back in touch with nature, push yourself to new limits and get away from it all in the perfect location.
Thoroughly recommended and Ben is the perfect leader working to everyone’s pace and needs.
​
​Will definitely be joining Ben on another adventure soon.

​Paul Spencer

Norwegian Fjords – May 2025
Our four-day adventure into the heart of Norway’s fjords was nothing short of breathtaking from start to finish.
The trip perfectly balanced adventure and some much needed relaxation.
Each day in the wild was a trip highlight for me - gliding along glassy awe-inspiring Fjords, hiking to snow topped peaks, enjoying the occasional cold water immersion and sharing stories/music trivia knowledge by the campfire.
I wholeheartedly recommend this trip to anyone with a love of the outdoors, with Ben at Project Active taking care of all of the admin and logistics it’s the perfect combination.

Martyn C

I have just returned from Project Active’s 2025 Norway trip, and what an experience it was! I was originally quite apprehensive but the training hikes to the Malverns and Wales hosted by Ben, were ideal preparation. Once on the trip, which was expertly organised by Ben, the Kayaking, Hiking and camping, with breathtaking views, will be something I will never forget. The Hiking was challenging but Ben ensured no one was left behind and that everyone enjoyed the experience, which I am grateful for.

I will certainly be signing up to some more of Ben's trips in 2025.

​Ian Austin