Walk this way
Cumbria, one of England's most picturesque counties, is also one of the hardest hit by foot and mouth. But it is still possible to enjoy a holiday there. David Ward reports
The simple pleasures are the best
A three-day break at health farm Ragdale Hall left Jill Tilden blissed out
Blind climber sets out to conquer Everest
The Ministry of Tourism in Kathmandu said Erik Weihenmeyer, 32, will be the first blind person even to attempt to climb Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain, which stands 8,850m tall on the border of Nepal and Tibet
Walking and climbing in Alsace
We have booked a cottage in Riquewihr in the Alsace region of France for October. We have read that there is good walking and climbing in this area but have been unable to find any guide books. Can your readers recomend any. We have tried the BMC website, but to no avail.
Dengue fever warning in SE Asia
The risk of catching dengue fever on the Thai island of Phuket is higher than usual this year, health officials have warned
A taste of heaven and hell in the frontline fight for my waistline
Anthony Browne, the Observer's health editor, roadtests two very different types of health farm in Ireland, which offer treatments ranging from pampering and gastronomic over-indulgence to colonic irrigation.
Ski tips
Equity Total Ski launches an online operation, how to combine days on the slopes with evenings at the card table, mixing glacier skiing with hiking and horse riding, and how to organise a do-it-yourself holiday to America.
Tourism is bad for our health
Travellers looking for guilt-free trips should be aware that there's no easy solution, argues Guardian Unlimited's Environment Editor, Joanna Griffiths
I can see clearly now the rain has come
New Zealand This has been a week of firsts. My first time in a sea kayak, first time camping solo, first ride in a helicopter, and my first time ice climbing on a glacier.' But Sam also has time to reflect on life back in London
US skiing prices go on climbing
British skiers may be attracted to North America by ever cheaper package holidays but they could be shocked by the cost of living in the resorts.