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It might just be me, but I felt like Kings Canyon was the best place for me to get in shape. It's away from the crowds of Yosemite and empty enough that no one will watch you sweating and panting as you hike through the beautiful redwoods. It's a beautiful place, and the weather in the summer is always fantastic. I'd combine a trip here with a tour around northern California. I spent three weeks hiking, shopping and relaxing and I lost two dress sizes without altering my diet! Finally, the best point about the national parks is that they're very family orientated so there will be something for everyone.
www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm
83918 Grant Grove Dr, Kings Cyn Nat Pk, CA, United States
+1 559-335-2856
Google map: bit.ly/sk8E7C
There are plenty spa establishments in Marrakech and you may feel lost trying to find a good one. You won't find than Canal Forme Spa and Beauty Center.
Hammam & massage are about £40 and they have got a wellness swimming pool that does hydro massages. Access to the swimming pool and fitness is £25.
There is a hairstyling salon there too. My wife got a Keratin hair Treatment and I got my hair cut. A beautiful place to go.
53, Abou Baker Essediq Avenue - Guéliz Ménara - Marrakech. www.marrakechcanalforme.com
info@marrakechcanalforme.com
+212(0)524 339 580 / 581
Near the Royal Theater (Theatre Royal) and the Train Station (ONCF)
Club La Santa is on the island of Lanzarote. I'll be surprised if I'm the only person to suggest it. A 50 metre outdoor swimming pool and a 400 metre athletics track. Come on! It's a huge sports facility on the quieter side of the island, and a haven for fitness nuts. There are plenty of organised activities and special events, ranging from a daily schedule of activities that anyone can join in right up to the Lanzerote Ironman. An added bonus for sports fans is the number of professional sports people you get to train next to (although it's a bit of a humbling experience). For a less intimidating experience rub shoulders with them at the pool side cafe. My favourite activity; watching the sun set on the horizon while you're completing your evening swim session in the outdoor 50 metre pool in December.
www.clublasanta.com
Avenida Krogager, 35560 Tinajo-Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Tel: +34 928 59 99 99
My idea for a super off road bike ride is from Burrator in Devon up to Princetown, stop in at the plume of feathers for a warm by the fire (and 8 pints of shandy) and then rattle back down over the top of the moors in a circular fashion to Burrator. The first half is all uphill but of a gentle gradient with the reward being the “are you local” oasis, in the shadow of the towers of the prison (made famous by Sherlock), PUB!... and then the second half being mainly all down and a little rocky/FuN. Most riders will cope with it well and it’s all do able without pushing although there is one up hill I always skip (and definitely would the day after Christmas). Here’s a map! www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/nu/-devon/684126113096767600
This would be my local boxing day route, bit hilly but enjoyable if taken at a steady pace and gets the blood pumping! Setting off from the garden centre at Shelley up to Emley moor mast, highest free standing concrete structure in Europe and good view across the peaks to Holme Moss and Huddersfield. Down a long hill to the main road which you briefly join before a steep climb to High Hoyland and the Cherry Tree pub. Stop. Enjoy views a beer. Then a short climb before riding along high country lanes with more excellent views to Dunkirk and Denby Dale on the way back to the start point.
From Wadebridge gentle route down hill through broad leaf woods following the route of the old branch line to Padstow(Betjeman described the intrusion of the old green liveried southern railway engines into 'cream and chocolate' territory, on this route)
The route levels out and the camel estuary opens to the riders right with glimpses of the open sea on the later parts of the route.
Before this, the famous,award winning, camel vineyards, may(on boxing day?)offer inspiration for wine purchases for the new year celebrations.
Padstow ,with it's beautiful views towards the beautiful beaches of Rock and harbour side pubs,is a welcoming prospect.
Richard Tassell
Starting in the town of Abbiategrasso (meaning "Have Fat!" i.e. Good Luck!) I ride down the valley of the river Ticino to Pavia, the
wonderful ancient university town south of Milan; there, using one of the few bridges spanning the Ticino, I go west to San Marino
Siccomario before then heading north again, this time riding towards Vigevano. For those who have never been there - Vigevano is famous for its Piazza Ducale (the Duke's Square), a beautiful renaissance ensemble with a lot of cafes in the arcades. This is where I will have a cup of Cappuccino (or a hot chocolate) before heading back to Abbiategrasso. I hope to have burned enough fat during the past four or five hours to be ready for the Boxing Day dinner...
Here's the route on bikemap.net:
www.bikemap.net/route/358624
Although most of us could probably do with some exercise to burn off the excess consumption of Christmas Day – we probably won’t want anything too demanding.
The Manifold Track in the Peak District provides a perfect ride along a picturesque Staffordshire valley. It’s a disused railway track, so there are no difficult gradients – and there is car parking at either end (Waterhouses at the south and Hulme End at the north). Although it’s a linear route, viewing the scenery from a different direction makes the the return journey just as interesting – and there are pubs close to each end of the track!
This ride is entirely by road, and after the excesses of Christmas Day I would imagine that it’s best to start your Boxing Day ride gently, so head for the Poole/Bournemouth coastline and after purchasing your £1.20 return ticket take the Sandbanks Ferry south (maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl&q=sandbanks%20ferry). After the five minute journey across the mouth of Poole Harbour it’s a pleasantly flat start flanking the yellow curves and dunes of Shell Bay and Studland, eventually climbing up and over the viewpoint by the Isle of Purbeck Golf Course, where you can take in the panorama of Studland Heath, Poole Harbour and the surrounding area (unless you’ve got your head down!).
Carry straight on the B3351, which climbs and descends a few times, to the villageof CorfeCastle (maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl&q=corfe%20castle); when you reach the castle itself, turn left and cycle clockwise round it, climbing out of the village. Now comes the strenuous bit; after half a mile or so take a right on to the B3069 to Kingston Hill - a very steep and winding tree-lined road leads up the hillside to the Scott Arms at the top. Carry on out of Kingston, then after a mile or so take a right to Worth Matravers; if you started your ride mid to late morning then the Square and Compass (squareandcompasspub.co.uk/) should just about be open for a lunchtime pint and a pie (both guaranteed to be of exceptional quality).
After that, it’s a long fast descent down through the picturesque Purbeck villageof Langton Matravers(www.langtonia.org.uk/) and on to Swanage seafront, where you take a left along Shore Road, gently threading your way past the Boxing Day walkers, with the beach on your right. Climb back out of Swanage, past the pubs and hotels, and make your way back through Studland village and the return journey on to the ferry.
The entire journey is just under thirty miles and should only take a couple of hours’ worth of actual cycling. If you’re feeling both fit and adventurous the Purbecks can offer a number of off-road variations to this route, taking in most of the locations described, although time-wise it could take twice as long, depending on the course you choose.
South Shields to Seaton Sluice and return. I've done this ride a few times and its a great way to shake off the cobwebs, either with friends or on your own.
From South Shields head west and meet any other riders at the Tyne Tunnel 'pedestrian' entrance (more info here:www.bridgesonthetyne.co.uk/tyneped.html).
Come out of the tunnel and turn right. Follow the cycle route up the slight incline and bear right. Cross the road after about 500 metres and go along the side of Percy Main Cricket Ground. Pick up the cycle way and continue straight on, following cycle way marked '10' - part of the Reivers Route. Continue for around five miles and as you hit a new cycle way turn off the route '10' heading north easterly to East Hollywell. Head down the farm track and follow the track into Hollywell village, tacking a right had turn into Holywell Dene Road. The road turns into track after about 100 metres and after a further 400 metres turn right onto the old railway track, a few miles on you reach a road where you turn right and pass Seaton Deleval Hall, a national Trust property of some granduer (see www.seatondelaval.org.uk/Hall.html). Continue down into Seaton Sluice for great views of the sea and the spot where Robson Green says he learned to swim! We usually stop at the Waterford Arms (www.waterfordarms.co.uk/) which does great fish and chips.
From here its south all the way, following Route 1 and the coastline. Past the spectacular St Mary's lighthouse and on to Tynemouth Priory, the burial place of three English Kings, though I can never remember which ones. From here it's best to head for the Ferry and avoid any traffic. The ferry runs every 15 minutes and takes you into the heart of South Shields, two minutes from the market square. There's a great pub called the Allum House right next to the ferry landing but I'll be giving it a miss - just because if I stop off there on Boxing Day I might not want to leave!
A good ride of about 25 miles.
Fancy pedalling through a little-known history of north Essex? This easy-going four mile circular route begins and ends in the peaceful Domesday village of Ridgewell, but circumnavigates some hostile times in-between.
Head towards Haverhill on the A1017. Turn right onto Ashen Road and then right into Tilbury Road. Weave along this narrow strip of tarmac for three-quarters of a mile before turning left at a sharp right-hand bend. Immediately on the right are 14 moss-covered steps.
These steps lead to an area now given over to a small group of modern houses. But 64 years ago they led to a site that was once the headquarters of the US Army Air Force 381st Bomb Group based at Station 167 RAF Ridgewell.
Continue up the narrow hill between steeply banked hedgerows and follow the lane to its end. You now reach the wide plateau on which RAF Ridgewell was originally built. At the end of the lane, turn left. The road you are now following led somewhere entirely different during the Second World War as it was originally a taxiway used by British and American bombers to reach intersecting runways before heading off to Nazi Germany.
Follow the road's acute angles, passing Essex Gliding Club on the right. Directly ahead is an iron gate. Beyond this (on what is now private property) sat two hangars which were eventually demolished during the 1970s. It was inside one of these that Bing Crosby briefly entertained the US troops.
Descending slightly, you arrive in the small parish of Ashen with its 15th century buildings and royal connection (Lionel, son of King Edward III, is known to have been one of its residents). Turn left into The Street and follow its course. On exiting Ashen's western edge, watch the vista open up ahead to reveal undulating farmland.
Follow the road until it reaches its conclusion in Ridgewell. Turn left and follow the A1017 to the southern edge of the village. On the right hand side is the 18th century White Horse Inn. It was here that many of the wartime servicemen drank to forget their troubles. It now serves as a peaceful reminder of a time and place that should never be forgotten.
What I love about this ride is the fantastic variety of single track conditions it incorporates despite its compact size. Add to that it happens to be in one of the country's most breathtaking and under visited corners and is topped off by one of the Britain's finest inns. My mate Phil and I rode it for the first time last Boxing day and are heading back with a larger party this year.
Mountain bike required
Level: intermediate/difficult in places
1.5 hours
Park at the Inn at Whitewell (53.917584, -2.521362)
Head north on the road towards Dunsop Bridge. After a mile take a left onto the road immediately after crossing Burholme Bridge. The gradient steepens considerably and you pass one farm entrance on your right. After half a mile, towards the top of the hill is a second farm track on the right with a cattle grid and a bridleway sign. (53.916567, -2.53943).
The road snakes and undulates for a third of a mile. Just after the hen huts on your left make sure you bear right on the road where the left fork takes you to a farm.
After another 200 metres the bridleway should be signposted to your right, guiding you right up a great little climb through a conifer forest
On exiting the woodland the conditions change again, initially to open moor singletrack and then to a semi-technical descent down a rocky path incorporating one or two stream crossings.
At the bottom of the descent navigation isn't all that easy but you should be able to pick out the track as it crosses rough grazing land heading up towards a gate in the corner of the field (53.937874, -2.546529).
This is the top of the ride and a good time to replenish on snacks if you manage to find shelter from the inevitable wind.
Passing through the gate, you head diagonally right for 500 metres, the sketchy track becoming more defined as it turns right and begins the descent.
The descent itself is a real surprise, the track leads you down through undulating pasture where the grass is so tightly grazed it's more like carpet. The geological humps and bumps of the field present too great a pull and you end up abandoning the track altogether until you arrive at the farm at Hareden next to a brook.
You then have to make a decision, head back the way you came and enjoy it all in reverse or turn right onto the public road back towards Dunsop Bridge and the Inn at Whitewell.
Finally to the inn, dry yourself in front of one of the open fires while soaking up the jaw dropping views, the newspapers and of course the real ale. Only leave the two club chairs by the door, they're reserved.
There has to be a hill and a view from the top of it! This is one of the rides I do often from my house in Felpham near Bognor Regis. Go east along the coast using part of a Sustrans route, through Littlehampton and along the seafront (maybe seeing windsurfers), through to Rustington, then wiggle through to East Preston and the west part of Worthing, along the sea front and on a cycle path running to east Worthing. Then inland past Sompting Church (dating back to before 1000 AD) and up a hill to Steyning Bowl. It's not steep and there are great views from half way up right across to Brighton and beyond to Beachy Head. A bit further on and there are often powered model planes whizzing around. At the top of the Bowl you can see right across to the line of the South Downs and inland to the Weald. Then it's a steep hill down to Steyning on Bostal Road before turning back seaward via Botolphs (another Saxon church) and Coombes and then on to the art deco Shoreham Airport where there is a great stop for chocolate cake and coffee and a look at a variety of small planes coming and going. From there, go down to the seafront and along the cycle path to Worthing and home. If you want a really steep hill just do the route in reverse and tackle Bostal Road going up from Steyning. Two and a bit hours at an average of 16 mph - plus cake and coffee time!
A perfect way to walk off the xmas excess. A one and a half day Mount Kinabalu climb, reaching the peak just before sunrise on day two, for some beautiful views of the national park, then if you still have the energy a three day trek in the Maliau basin, some of Borneos only remaining primary rainforest. Day one's grueling uphill climb into the basin is particularly tough, where some bits are so steep that they have strapped ladders to the rock face, the next day is a little easier until you reach the Maliau falls and have to walk back up the very steep and slippery way you came in. Then day three is a pleasant meander through the rainforest with a little more time to take in the beautiful pitcher plants and fend off the persistant leaches! All in all a very rewarding trip, which you will finish with a great sense of achievement and absolute exhaustion!
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges run Mount Kinabalu climbs, and Borneo nature tours (an excellent tour company, with great guides) do five day treks in the Maliau basin. Air Asia do very reasonable flights to Kuala Lumpar then onto various airports in Borneo.
On a deserted beach about an hour south of Agadir, there's a stunning hotel called Ksar Massa. It's such a magical peaceful place and a great retreat. It's used by a company called fitscape which arranges fitness holidays. Lots of running on the beach, swimming, cycling, etc. We had an amazing time.
www.fitscape.co.uk/morocco-coast.php
Google map: tinyurl.com/yb67f82
Melanie Geenty has created an idyllic haven that offers a fantastic taste of French life combined with fantastically expert pilates teaching. She is the most amazing hostess and pilates teacher.
Accommodation is in a beautifully restored French farmhouse that exudes tranquillity and relaxation. The meals are delicious and superbly prepared using local produce. This is a great opportunity to relax, re-energise and unwind. I can't wait to return!
Les Tilleuls
La Roque Haute
24550 Camagnac les Quercy
Dordogne
+33(0) 553 31 97 22
melanie@pilates-en-france.com
www.pilates-en-france
nearest airport is Bergerac or Toulouse
nearest rail station is Gourdon
A country house hotel with an amazing fitness centre. Fab old country house down a long driveway. Fresh flowers in the entrance hall and friendly staff.
Big rooms with giant beds and nice cotton bedlinen. And smart flatscreen TVs with integral DVD player. But you will need to bring/buy your own as the selection downstairs is dire. Nice reading room too, but again, would advise own books, unless you are keen to read musty mid-century non-classics. Breakfast was good (though served only between 7-9am in the week).
What really made this place for us was the fitness facilities. Genuinely friendly staff meant a really great atmosphere. Good gym (not huge, but decent range of equipment- soon to be upgraded and enlarged apparently). Fantastic big 20m pool open until 9pm and lit sympathetically. Large sauna and steam room.
And, as well as grass tennis courts they have real tennis courts. Very odd, but the two that they have at Prested Hall represent about 1/40th of the world's total. The current no. 2 and no. 8 play there and you can bag a free lesson!
We paid £184 for two nights mid-week which seemed really reasonable.
Prested Hall, Feering, Colchester, Essex CO5 9EE
01376 573300
www.prested.co.uk
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