A report published in the Lancet suggests that as many deaths are caused by inactivity as by smoking (see BBC report). Not enough people are exercising apparently. So here are a few ideas for activity holidays to get you moving that I have tried.
Cycling along the Danube
Cycling along any river is relatively easy if you go with the flow because rivers flow downhill. Pick one of the great rivers of Europe to cycle beside and because they were once the great trade routes you will pass plenty of history, several cities and loads of great scenery. I chose a 300km section of the Danube to Vienna. I cycled each section and had my luggage transported ahead to my next hotel for me. All of this was arranged by ??? Who also offer other cycle routes along other European rivers. The Wachau was my favourite section.
Donau Touristik, based in Linz offer self-guided tours along the Danube with luggage transported to your next hotel each day.
Sea kayaking among the islands of Sweden’s Baltic Coast
Do the North organise sea kayaking among the islands of the Saint Anna Archipelago on Sweden’s Baltic coast south of Stockholm. You wild camp on any of the thousands of islands and cook your own food. They supply kayaks and the equipment, tents, navigation aids and a mobile phone to summon help. You send them a list of food and supplies and it’s all there when you arrive. Four of us spent a delightful five days paddling among the islands going where the fancy took us.
Do the North operate self-guided sea kayaking tours in the St Anna Archipelago.
Walking with a donkey in the Cevennes
Robert Louis Stevenson is not the only one to go walking with a donkey. You can book a holiday hiking with a donkey in the Cevennes staying in gites, hotels or hostels. You don’t have to carry anything as the donkey does that. It also means a decent picnic can be packed and carried by your friendly beast of burden to be eaten in an idyllic setting a beside a stream and a tumbling waterfall.
Aven et Calade (website is only in French) organise guided walks with a donkey in the Cevennes. Your guides will introduce you to the nature of the area through which you walk.
Hiking along the North Cornwall coast
The North Cornwall coast has a lot to offer and in my view is best seen from the long distance footpath along the cliffs. Picturesque harbours, old tin mines, rugged cliffs and coves or sweeping sandy bays make up the coastline. No need to take your luggage with you as your baggage is transferred ahead to your next hotel. St Ives to Padstow is one of the best stretches with a bit of everything. The walking is varied and there is always the opportunity to stop for a cream tea, pasty or fish and chips.
Western Discoveries have a series of self-guided walks. Their St Ives to Padstow walk along the coast with baggage transfers can be found here
Hike, bike or kayak?
These are just four activities that I have done. There are a lot more around. Hike, bike or kayak – which one would you do? Or is there another activity you prefer? Do you have a favourite activity you do on holiday? Do you do it just on holiday or is it an activity you do all year round? Let us know what you do in the comments below.
