Hike: Scafell Pike
Scafell Pike is England’s tallest peak, and any adventurer worth their salt should have it on their bucket list. It’s an exhilarating 3,209ft to the top, and if the weather plays ball you should be able to see across the rest of the Southern Fells hills. If you don’t fancy hanging out with some of the toughest sheep south of the border, then bike rides around some of the smaller lakes at Scafell’s ground zero should satiate your thirst for some proper Cumbrian adventure.
Where to stay: Lindeth Howe Country House hotel is set in acres of private gardens, and is a great place to rest those sore muscles after clambering up Scafell. Plus, it’s right by Lake Windermere. classicbritishhotels.com
Climb: Dartmoor
Dartmoor is full of granite tors (or rocks sticking out of the hills to you and me) and the larger, more hardcore outcrops make great climbing or ‘bouldering’ companions. The Dewerstone, with its tall craggy rocks, is a great spot for keen climbers, as is the aptly named Central Groove.
Where to stay: Moorland Garden Hotel has the best of both worlds: on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park as well as close to the centre of Plymouth. moorlandgardenhotel.co.uk
Cycle: Severn Valley
Rather than spending the days between Christmas and New Year eating tins of Quality Street, take your bike west around to the Severn Valley, which runs from Wales through Shropshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. Here’s the good news: it’s fairly flat. Bad news: it’s 210 miles long, so good luck choosing where to begin.
Where to stay: Number Thirty Eight in Bristol makes a good base before you point your wheels north. number38clifton.com
Canoe: Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has a vast network of canoe trails, and you can see a lot of its spectacular countryside while strapped into a fibreglass boat. If you’ve only got time to try one, head down the 50km-long Lough Erne Canoe Trail. Take your tent along for the ride and pitch up at the side.
Check out canoeni.com for more information.
Walk: Inverness-shire
Inverness-shire is prime Scottish Highlands territory, and makes a (bracingly cold) walking destination. Loch Ness is one of the best places to start. There are more trails than you can shake a (walking) stick at, from gentle strolls to demanding hill climbs. Try the South Loch Ness Trail – a 28-mile tramp around the quieter, less familiar (to most) side of the huge lake.
Where to stay: To hole up away from the cold, check into one of Eagle Brae’s Canadian-style log cabins with stunning views out over Loch Ness. eaglebrae.com
