Ask a fellow traveller

The Cycle Touring Club (ctc.org.uk) has three well-established routes and other information for members that can be downloaded from its website. The YHA (yha.org.uk) and the Scottish YHA (syha.org.uk) have a 16-day route between their hostels, which you can download. Book two to three weeks in advance as certain hostels, like those in the Lake District if you plan to tackle the Kirkstone Pass, get very busy. Also worth stopping at Carbisdale Castle SYHA, north of Inverness, possibly the best hostel in the world.

Safety in numbers

Don't know your UVA from your UVB? All at sea about SPFs? Brigid Moss grills the experts on summer's hottest health issue - sun protection.

Fresh starts

Whether cycling through mountain valleys or hiking around its lakes, you can get an affordable taste of Alpine living in Slovenia. Just don't expect a lie-in, says Gwyn Topham

Common ground

Juliet Rix explores Britain's newest national park, which has hardly changed in 1,000 years.

Bicycling B-roads

I am planning an individual sponsored cycle ride from Lands End to John O'Groats. Where can I find a good itinerary avoiding major roads?

Wonder walls

The ancient citadel of Machu Picchu may soon be on Unesco's list of endangered heritage sites. David Atkinson tracks down South America's lesser-known Inca trails for an eco-friendly alternative.