It is all about the location. The adventure. The scenery. And the buzz.
I am not telling you to hit the trails and take part in the in the world’s toughest mountain bike race from Canada all the way down to Mexico but at the very least have a crack at some of the slightly easier and less manic sections surely?!?

The route itself is actually the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route and starts in Banff, Canada going down the spine of the Rockies down to the border of Mexico. A total of 2745 miles- not one for the faint hearted at all. It’s not the extra 500 miles than the Tour de France that makes this so daunting its the prospect of waist deep snow in the mountains, ankle deep mud, below freezing temperatures at the highest points and over 100F in the desert in New Mexico.

The other unusual thing about this trip is that you have to carry everything with you. The trip is self-supported which means no cars, no mechanics and defintiely no masseurs at the end of each 100+ day. What’s more the prize money…well there isn’t any so you are doing this for love!
Rather than give you a blow by blow account of the route the best bet is to check it out yourself.

The route itself can be mixed and matched so if you don’t have a minimum of 17 days, 23 hours and 45 minutes (the winning time from 2009) or want to be one of the 27 non finishers out of 43 then you can jump in and out at any point. The other thing to bear in mind is that this is not a hardcore route. In fact 80% of the tour is on dirt or gravel with a further 10% on paved roads and a further 10% on trails.

If that is a bit too much for you then check out Laos.
The two week cycle trek under consideration is is designed 100% for families. Obviously the question you need to ask is do you want to take your kids away with you when you can have such fun and adventure without them? Well, yes of course you do! Everything is catered for and so you don’t need to carry anything with you. It’s not all go though as there are several days off. lots of swimming holes to enjoy and you can even have a day to ride an elephant- who needs Disney World?

The guys at Grasshopper Adventure can put all this together for you so be sure to have a look at their site.

If you want to stay loyal to these fair shores then there are plenty of options in England of course. The Lake district does sound a little basic doesn’t it? But what about flying around in the dark. At night. Would that float your boat? Cycle Active offer you a full day of activity and then let you head home to either rest in the pub or grab your lights and hit the routes again. Nice!

Just north of the border, and probably generally more expected, in Scotland can I suggest that we try somewhere a little different to the usual Fort Williams (although to be honest it is pretty spectacular there). Why not head to the remote Knoydart Peninsula for a change? The views of the mountains and sea lochs are truly breath taking plus you can have a wee dram in Scotland’s most far flung pub, The Forge. Not bad hey!

Keeping with the UK theme, albeit one that incorporates a little bit more…, the 6000km North Sea Cycle Route is defintiely not one for the faint hearted. It is apparently the longest cycle route in the world and is basically a loop down the west coast of Great Britain, hop on a ferry to Belgium then back up the other side through the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Denmark where you then jump back onto a ferry and over to the Shetland Islands.

Although a long distance it might the North Sea route could be perceived to be a little mundane perhaps. How does 11,000m of vertical descent grab you instead then? France is a bit of an adrenaline junkie haven. It’s capital is perhaps deemed to be Chamonix. The Chamonix to Nice route has eight classic cols and winds it’s way around 565km of tarmac. It is not for the easily swayed or weak minded of you as it can be a gruesome but rewarding experience for the experienced cyclist.

Lastly it would only be proper for me to offer you something a little bit on the intense and crazy side. Head over to Costa Rica for one of the most savage races around. In 1561 the Spanish took about 20 years to tek across the mountains. The Ruta de los Conquistadores crosses from the Pacific to the Caribbean in about 4 days! The race tends to take place early November and is open to anyone with a bike, a keen sense of adventure and a little competence on a bike.

As with all of these things there is of course an element of risk attached. whether it be from traveling, damage to your kit or even yourself you should take out some travel cover so please have a look at this offering here.

Very often there is a level of horsemanship needed for these trips. At the very least you will need to know how to tack up but you defintiely don’t need to be ready to step out at Badminton!

So the first option is something called unguided trail riding. You get given a horse, a map, directions and the somewhat vague promise that dinner, your bed and perhaps more importantly your luggage will be waiting for you at the designated B+B… The beauty of this is that you have to do everything yourself. Open the gates, manoeuvre through, past or round other livestock and also sort your horse out in the evening.

So where is this happening? Over in the Welsh Hills of Radnorshire. There is a company called “Free Rein” who sort everything out for you and are an absolute joy to go with too.
The horses themselves are incredibly well trained and are tolerant of pretty much everything whether that be motorcycles, other animals and tractors.
As you set off the horses easily get into their stride and it all pretty much all your can do to remember that you are the one that needs to offer directions. Map reading skills are a pretty good added bonus as depending on the weather the hills can be a pretty bleak place to spend the night! Having said that you are given a load of directions that should help out if your year 8 geography has slipped your mind.
The Roast Ox Inn, in Painscastle, is a delightful place to have a bit of refreshment and the fantastic thing is that there are more horse parked up than cars!
Throughout the day you are likely to see red kites effortless gliding in the sky, cross rivers and streams, pound through fields full of sheep, cross farm yards and down bracken strewn paths.
Your over night stop off is in Rhulen where you will find buckets of food and grooming brushes for the horses already set out in the stables. Once the most important creatures have been dealt with (the horses obviously), you can then look after yourself with a hot bath over looking the stunning scenery followed by a delicious three course meal that is strongly reminiscent of being at home. What more could you want after a long day in the saddle?

After a long and incredibly deep and peaceful sleep day 2 sees you heading back to your starting point to be reunited with your luggage and your car however it would be pretty dull if you went the same way you had come. Instead you head to Llanbedr Hill via rocky outcrops and glassy pools. Lunch is once again in Painscastle (there are 5 different pubs to head to) and then back home. Talk about a rewarding, tiring and exhilarating weekend away.

So, if you want to go further afield and somewhere slightly different where should you head to:

1) Botswana would be a good one although you need to be a pretty good intermediate level.
The vast plains of Botswana are perfect for the extra speed and distances covered by horses. You can go on a four day riding safari across the Kalahari meeting bushmen, learning how to gather food, have a go at animal tracking and even going hunting. You are accompanied with a “San” bushman who will guide and track all sorts of animals from springbok, leopard, wildebeest and even cheetah. If you are interested then check out Equine Adventures.

The second option is Morocco.
Although not strictly horse related how many people do you know have been trekking on a camel? Something different for sure, especially as you would be making headway through the seemingly mystical Sahara Desert. 7 hour days savouring the unique ambiance of the desert ploughing through sand dunes and kasbahs and spending nights under canvas. Unlike other trips you are required to have a good level of fitness. Conveniently enough head to Best of Morocco for more info.

Moving on from Africa I would also have a look further west in South America. There are so many great things to do in Costa Rica and riding is defintiely doable, although perhaps not quite how you thought. This trip is a family friendly one for kids and adults alike. Imagine the kids reactions as they plod on through cloud-forests, Savannah and plantation lands. You can also stay on a ranch allowing you all to try a loud of different activities including kayaking, snorkeling, wild life spotting and canopy tours. A real all action activity packed trip. Its not cheap but Equitour will sort you out.

For those of you who want to learn how to ride why limit yourself to doing it in rainy England? And while you are at it have a wee go at dolphin and whale watching coupled with some other fantastic excursions on the little known and visited Portuguese islands the Azores. While learning to ride you will stay in a traditional local quinta that has the riding school attached. To book have a look at In the Saddle.

Last up, riding but not quite how you or I would really imagine it….How does sitting astride the biggest beast of them all sound? Becoming a “mahout” in Laos learning to ride an elephant! Becoming a Mahout though is more than just riding, you become responsible for its upkeep including feeding it, bathing it and looking after it’s every whim. The 3 day course takes place in the ecolodge in Luang Prabang under the careful guidance of experienced Mahouts. If you are interested in something as different as this then head to the aptly named Mahout Lodge.

Remember if you decide to try any of these or other activities then please get travel insurance as it is pretty easy to fall and hurt yourself.

With so many possible locations and places to go and be amazed by it was a tough old choice. But after much thought and chatting to people I plumped for the Cairngorms!

The Old Forest Walk in Glen Tanar is a brilliant route and htis time of year the forest is a lush evergreen and can provide plenty of shelter is needed!
It’s not too long at about 5 or 6 miles and covers a windy well marked route. It winds through the Old Caledonian pine forest that once covered Scotland. you will get the chance to see red squirrels, Scottish crossbills, red and roe deer as well as Otters and Salmon in the Water of Tamar. the views are stunning and you will be charmed I am sure.

To start the walk go to the car park next to the Braeloine Visitor Centre (you can get maps, guides and other bits and pieces here) and follow the path through the forest out along the banks of the Tanar. The Tanar itself is a tumbling highland river full of giant boulders, deep pools and waterfalls so definitely remember to take your camera. The route continues past the tiny chapel of St Lesmo and the gradually ascends to the Knockie where you will get a fantastic view across the pinewoods. Follow the route downhill and through the glen and you will cross some beautiful stone bridges over the Tanar and Allachy Water. After an old stone shed the path forks taking you either down towards the villages of Aboyne and Dinnet to the right or through some grassy fields and close to the banks of the Tanar if you go to the left and want to finish the walk heading back to the visitor centre.

Whats great about this route is that there is an easy stop off point for food. the Boat Inn in Aboyne is a great traditional inn with a lovely restaurant serving locally sourced produce including steak, fish and cheeses.

If you want to spend the night then try the other local village, Dinnet. Loch Kinord Hotel has a two rosette restaurant, roaring log fires in the lounge and comfortable rooms that come with breakfast included.

for more information on the area have a look here:
http://www.visithighlands.com/aviemore

So, I hope that makes up for my failure to include something on Scotland last time.
Fingers crossed its not too late for you to get out and enjoy the walk.
have a lovely time.

First up lets have a nose at the New Forest:
Parking up at the Gunn Inn in Keyhaven you can cover one of the most beautiful stretches of the 60-mile Solent Way. The route itself is pretty flat as you follow the signposts highlighting the trail. What makes this special are the fantastic views looking over the water to the Isle of Wight on one side and the forest stretching out to the other. You can often encounter New Forest ponies grazing next to the sea and along the forest edge as it encroaches down to the path. The route itself can either be done in a circle through Lower Pennington and past Oxey Marsh all the way back to Keyhaven or just walk back the way you have come! Be prepared to see over wintering birds in the Lagoons including egrets, Canada and Brent geese, lapwings among others.

Food wise, chow down at the Gunn Inn but make sure you eat after your walk as the portions are pretty big and it will also mean you can work your way through the 240 malt whiskies they have on offer.
If you want to stay down there to make a weekend of it then the Stanwell House is a good bet.

For more information on the area have a look at:
www.newforestnpa.gov.uk

Next up lets have a look at the Lake District.
Have you ever braved the winds and rain in the Lake District? If not i wholeheartedly recommend it.
I would suggest strolling around the shores of Ullswater. You can start off with a 35 minute trip on the Ullswater steamer down to Howtown and from there walk back to Glenridding from where you started. the walk itself is a good 6.5 miles. The route is quite self explanatory as you take the path immediately on your right and then follow it so you have the lake on your right hand side. Views are initially across the water to the quaint village of Pooley Bridge and the wood covered Dunmallard Hill. Soon after you are encompassed by a semi natural woodland which offers protection form the elements where you stop and listen to the wonderfully relaxing sounds of the local wildlife (birds, squirrels and what not). After the woodland you crisscross fields and pick up bridleways until you once again get back to the water front.

Unfortunately there aren’t any pubs directly route but try the White Lion Inn, famed for it’s mouth watering steaks which is just after the farm on the main road.
If you want to stay up there the you can stay in Glenridding at the Glenridding Hotel.

To get some more information on the local area have a look at:
www.ullswater.co.uk
Or for more general info have a look at:
www.lakedistrict.gov.uk

It would be churlish now to miss out on Wales now wouldn’t it…
For me one of the most beautifully stunning places I have come across.
Obviously there are some seriously tough treks and walks in Snowdonia but how about this gradual 4.5 mile route?
Starting at the valley of Cwm yr Wnin and head off to Foel Ispri. Head out to Dolgellau on the A70 and then after the roundabout towards Porthmadog take a left turn following the track until you see a parking space before a farm. On the opposite side you will see a kissing gate which signals the start.
as you walk through some woodland get prepared for the absolutely breathtaking views. As you come out of the woodland onto the open mountainside looking up the Mawddach Valley you follow the wall to the left and then westwards to the summit of Y Garn. This vantage point offers you the stunning view of the Rhinogydd mountains to the south and the Aran mountains to the east. Once you finally recover from the view head south to Mawddach Valley over the stiles down to theheart of the Welsh gold mining industry at Foel Ispri. You can then head back through a farm on the public right of way.

If you want to sample some local produce then the Tyn-y-Groes provides a good location with a nice warming crackling fire.
For a really good, high end B+B find the old slate-cutting mill Graig Wen which is near to the Mawddach estuary.

To get some further information check out: www.snowdonia-npa.gov.uk

Well, I was going to add something on Scotland but with time running out for me to post this and benign pretty busy that will have to wait I am afraid.
Fingers crossed all this info is useful and I look forward to spreading some more pearls of wisdom soon