Star quality

In the heart of the Alps, JOE MACKIE upskills his trail technique and tastes the best of the Tour du Mont Blanc

First, a full disclosure: I asked four organisers of some of the most popular residential piano courses if they could put me in touch with former students who might be willing to share their experienc

Am I the only one who finds the word “hiking” intimidating? For me it has always conjured up images of crampons, ice-axes, carabiners and frostbite. So, when I’m invited to join a small group on a hik

When a race follows the route of the world’s longest downhill ski race – in reverse – you know the spectacular views will be hard-earned. Duncan Craig tackles the Alps’ fabled Inferno Half Marathon

Fascinated to know whether she could stand on a stage and make strangers snigger like she does her friends and family, Gaby Huddart enrolled on a stand-up comedy course

Olympic star Keely Hodgkinson is back on the track at last, says Simon Barnes