Race director Mary Pearson guides you on this rural road race around historic Northamptonshire

■ Distance: 7 miles/11.2km ■ Time: 4 hours ■ Grade: Easy

Brilliant, flowing riding through the best that the East Midlands has on offer. No wonder its one of our favourite local routes…

■ Distance: 8 ½ miles/13.5km ■ Time: 4 hours ■ Grade: Moderate

Our walks th is month 1 Quiraing Isle ...

On a leisurely weekend break, the last thing I expected to be wearing was a hard hat with a headlamp, a battery pack and a pair of wellingtons. But there I was, fully togged up – along with seven othe