One of the most picturesque inland waterways in the world, the Caledonian Canal is a magnet for leisure boating, cycling and walking. It stretches diagonally across the Scottish Highlands, linking som

6 20.6km / 12.8 miles / 7-7.5 hours Ascent 1122m/3680ft

We love the Yorkshire Dales, but in summer it can get quite crowded, with walkers off on adventures up the peaks and the less energetic strolling around the picturesque market towns and villages. In a

AS hotel names go, this one’s a little unusual. Across Church Street, where I’m standing in the Welsh Border town of Chirk, is the Hand Hotel. Parts of it date back to 1610, during the reign of James

5 15.6 km / 9.7 miles / 6 hours Ascent 1080m/3543ft

I’d wager that most keen swimmers have, at some point, daydreamed of owning a lake. Being just a few steps away from a swim in an idyllic location – it’s the stuff of dreams. But staying at Lenches La