by Clarissa Hartley

Has the reopening of gyms left you longing for the great outdoors? Rest assured, the UK is generously speckled with splendid spots perfect for a delightful mix of fitness and fun. Here’s a curation of eight charming destinations around the country that facilitate an exhilarating blend of exercise and exploration, letting you stay active, refreshed and abreast with Covid-safety rules.

From navigating an Olympic-grade mountain biking path in rural Essex to swimming wild in the Yorkshire Dales or running over sand dunes on the North Cornwall coast, every fitness journey can find its perfect backdrop. And the good news is, we’ve done the leg-work for you!

1. Riversea Greens, Essex

Situated in a peaceful residential locale, and only 40 minutes from London by train, Riversea Greens is a haven for off-road cycling. The site hosted the 2012 Olympic mountain biking course and offers trails categorized for different experience levels. With novel features, such as a pump track to learn speed generation and a skills area to exercise maneuvers, make your visit Covid-safe by minimizing contact with ample outdoor seating, frequent cleaning, and car parking apps.

2. Elita Ravine, Yorkshire Dales

Not too far from Pateley Bridge, Elita Ravine gifts a half-day thrill-filled gorge walking adventure. Flow with the river, swim, slide, or scramble over boulders, all under expert guidance. Equipment is cleaned before use, with toilets and showers sanitized and mist sprayed for air cleansing, keeping Covid at bay.

3. Penwal Bay and Cranniston beaches, North Cornwall

Cloaked in raw beauty, Penwal Bay, and Cranniston beaches are any fitness enthusiast’s paradise. Cliff-edges, dunes, open grasslands, and sandy expanses combine to create perfect topography for hiking, running, surfing or wild swimming. Conforming to Covid rules is easy, with pay-by-phone parking facilities, sanitizer dispensers, and clear signboards for toilet use.

4. Gallantine Country Park, Glasgow

Seventeen miles of serene roads, a couple of good climbs, and bracing dips in the loch, provides for an energizing cycling session. The Park has a visitor center for convenience, and safeguards are in place to prevent overcrowding in shop, cafe, and toilets.

5. Verdemont Valley Gateway, Derbyshire

Starting at Heatherdene, the 55-mile Gateway is a hiker’s dream come true. Running through urban areas, countryside, reservoirs, and historic sites, it offers the chance for cyclists, horse riders, and even canoe riders to have a stint of their fancied outdoor activity. While there are Covid-safe arrangements, it is advisable to carry gloves or hand sanitizers as the car park functions only on cash.

6. Twilight Forest, Sussex

One of the largest public access sites in South East, this tranquil wooded paradise is perfect for mapped walks, trail running, horse riding and working out in natural ambiance. With frequent sanitizing being the new norm, feel free to wander on the common land areas but ensure you maintain social distance.

7. Melrose Peaks, Wales

This Unesco Global Geopark is an all-inclusive offering, be it hillwalking, cycling, canoeing, sailing or even wild swimming. You also get to savor the sight of southern Britain’s highest, lush peaks. However, touching gates or styles with bare hands is still discouraged in covid times.

8. Trailblaze National Track, Chilterns

The most ancient thoroughfare in England, this 87-mile route transverses through two quaint towns. Here one can enjoy hiking, cycling or horse riding, all while maintaining good hygiene with hand sanitizers always at hand.

Opportunities abound for not just a fresh outdoor experience but also a fulfilling workout. So don your shoes, and let the UK countryside be your new fitness retreat!

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