Joy and pain from end to end

Jane Tomlinson recalls one of her many inspirational long-distance rides.

Paths of enlightenment

If you've walked along the coast, you will know that private areas almost always mean a detour inland. Now the government is considering plans that will open up a corridor around the whole of England. By John Vidal.

The ultimate marathon

The annual Marathon des Sables race covers 151 miles of primedesert over six days.

Ask Tom

Tom Hall of Lonely Planet answers your questions about worldwide travel.

10 family breaks

Youth hostelling | Stables | Camping | Farmhouse | Adventure | Wilderness | Gourmet | Walking | Paris | Lakeside

10 active breaks

Climbing | Fly-fishing | Skiing | Sailing | Golf | Sea kayaking | Walk | Cycling | Horse riding | Surfing

The luxury break

In:spa is offering yoga and fitness retreats to Ksar Massa.

Five best … places to retox

Fall off the wagon | Ditch the diet | Forget the gym, relax | Who needs an early night? | Don't save, splurge

The cyclist as conquistador

'Never again,' swore Peter Walker on completing a Costa Rican cycling adventure billed as one of the toughest - and muddiest - in the world. Two days later, he was dying to be back with the chain gang.

In Rocky’s footsteps

Ever since the first Rocky film, fans have been running up the most famous steps in America in homage to their boxing hero. And their stories are just as inspirational as that of their idol, Sarfraz Manzoor discovers.