Time to make a splash
SWIM THE THAMES
Not long ago, swimming in the Thames would not have been an appealing prospect. A 1957 survey of the river in London found eels to be the only sign of life. Today, it is home to more than 120 species of fish and popular swimming spots are emerging along its length – although swimming is prohibited in the city stretch because of strong currents and numerous boats.
One of the best places to sample the delights of swimming the Thames is in rural Oxfordshire. The stretch alongside Port Meadow, from Godstow Lock to Danger Bridge, is a perfect introduction.
Port Meadow is Oxford’s oldest monument, with a history of human use from burial to horse racing. It is common land with grazing rights – there’s a resident herd of ponies – and important for its rare collection of wild plants. It was while rowing up this stretch of the Thames that Lewis Carroll was inspired to write Alice in Wonderland.
Old Parsonage Hotel (01865 310 210/oldparsonage-hotel.co.uk) offers doubles from £200, room only.
DISCOVER THE MIDLANDS
The Monsal Trail is a former railway line converted into a multi-user path by cycling charity Sustrans and opened to the public in 2011.
The trail begins at the former railway station in the pretty town of Bakewell and runs 8.5 miles along the valley to Topley Pike near Buxton.
It’s perfect for families wanting a relaxed but fascinating ride surrounded by dramatic limestone scenery, through railway tunnels and across the muchphotographed Headstone Viaduct.
These features, alongside the towering crags at Chee Dale and the beautiful, rolling White Peak landscape of Monsal Dale, make it one of the most varied and spectacular leisure rides in the country.
The cafe at Hassop station is a nice stop for a post-ride refuel, or you can ride over the bridleway to Bakewell (take the first left through a gate when heading from Hassop station towards Great Longstone) and get a picnic from the deli or sample an original Bakewell pudding.
The Rutland Arms Hotel, Bakewell (01629 338 051/ rutlandarmsbakewell.co.uk) offers doubles from £89, B&B.
KAYAK IN SCOTLAND
The Argyll Sea Trail runs for more than 90 miles between Ganavan and Helensburgh in the south, taking in some of the best sea kayaking in Europe.
With its naturally diverse coastline, sheltered waters, islands, sandy beaches, caves and incredible wildlife, it is a perfect place to explore on the water.
The trail is designed to make paddling along this spectacular section of coastline as accessible and logistically straightforward as possible, with clear information and guidance on paddling provided.
Along the route there are nine access points, as well as the Crinan Canal, with guaranteed parking and trailer storage alongside or nearby. Each of the sections between these points can