Travel: Getting out of lockdown... and into shape on the UK's best fitness breaks

Believe it or not, there have been several positives to emerge from our various lockdowns, including a renewed enthusiasm for keeping fit.

We’re all desperate to stretch our legs and explore, discovering places close to home, while also keeping our health in check.

From swimming and sailing to hiking and cycling, we’ve selected a few exciting breaks promising to challenge and inspire in equal measure.

Pedal power

Countless bike tyres have rolled through the Yorkshire Dales National Park, an area famous for hosting the Tour de France’s Grand Depart.

A new self-guided tour allows cyclists to enjoy the scenery while following in the pedal paths of champions.

Setting off from Pateley Bridge, head to Masham and Hawes via Yorkshire’s highest road. Other sights include Wensleydale, Swaledale, Bolton Castle and Birkdale Common,.

How: Wilderness England offers a four-night trip from £845pp (four sharing), including B&B accommodation.

Sail on

Cast off in the peaceful waters of the Inner Hebrides and learn the ropes of sailing while enjoying some of the most dramatic scenery in the British Isles. Designed to immerse guests in Scotland’s marine wilderness, this trip also offers a chance to spot whales, sharks and dolphins.

On land, long walks will reduce the wobbles of days at sea. On the Isle of Rum, visit the crimson Kinloch Castle, and discover the Isle of Eigg, often touted as the UK’s most eco-friendly island. Other ports of call include unspoilt Ardnamurchan and colourful Tobermory on Mull.

How: Wilderness Scotland offers a six-night trip from £1,100pp (two sharing), including all meals, starts from Mallaig.

A swim suits

For so many, wild swimming has been a saviour during lockdown. Those brave enough have discovered both a new hobby and invigorating health benefits.

Experienced mermaids and mermen should dive into a specialist trip in Ireland exploring Donegal’s coastline with sails and swim strokes.

Based on board tall ship Lady of Avenel, guests will navigate to spots only accessible by water,.

How: Swimtrek offers a seven-day Donegal Atlantic Way trip, starts in Derry.

Kayak caper

Admire the beauty of Scotland’s beaches on a newly launched kayak trip, skirting secluded bays and sheltered shores, and splice through the clear waters of Loch Moidart.

Paddlers are rarely alone; dolphins, porpoises, seals and the occasional basking shark will keep them company.

After a few hours, pull up on land to wild camp at the Sound of Arisaig and forage for shellfish and seaweed.

Trips are accompanied by a guide, no previous kayaking experience is needed.

How: Much Better Adventures offers three nights from £560pp (two sharing), including all kit and food.

Stroll with it

Winding its way from Kemble in Gloucestershire to Charlton in south-east London, the Thames Path is a gentle meander.

Inntravel has launched a trip using buses, boats and trains to complete the route, including stays at pretty hotels in the villages of Goring and Henley-on-Thames.

How: Inntravel offers six nights from £795pp (two sharing), including six nights’ B&B, three dinners, and luggage transfers.

Freezy does it

Popular in the Alps, ice climbing is set to catch on closer to home, with the introduction of a new itinerary in Scotland.

Using crampons and ice axes, beginners can get to grips with frozen inclines, with a guide for every two climbers. Once slippery slopes have been scaled, there’s a chance to ascend Tower Ridge, one of the finest routes on Ben Nevis.

How: Much Better Adventures offers three nights from £700pp (two sharing), including full board, starts from Fort William.

Travel has finally started to open up again – but we advise checking restrictions at gov.scot and gov.uk for the latest guidance before booking your break.