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

(Photograph taken in 1890) Looking for a DIY challenge and a move into the countryside from Basingstoke we decided to buy the Old School House in Clyffe Pypard. The Victorian house, dating back to 185

It’s always risky trying somewhere new, when you really like the place that you’ve been going to at February half-term for the past three years. Add to this our annual craving to see the sea after a l

The vicious cold of velvety, green water bites my legs and I gasp as I inch my way deeper into the lake. The sun casts a buttery glow over the surrounding Powys hillscape and I pause to take it all in

■ Distance: 6 miles/10km ■ Time: 3½ hours ■ Grade: Moderate

In January, I make a calendar showing key dates – football fixtures, meetings of the WI, a wedding in the family – and see what gaps there may be for trips away. From that routine came a late spring b