The landscape was striking, but so was the diversity of the hikers. We can make this the new normal – and we shouldA fortnight or so ago, my two teenage kids and I set out on a three-night visit to the Peak District where...
Read MoreWhether you’re commuting, training or riding for fun, we asked specialists to break down what to know before you buy – from specs and safety to price• The best bike locks for every budgetFor me, cycling is therapy. It’s calming,...
Read MoreAt the very moment Trump’s rambling speeches and meme–fied inanity threaten to overwhelm us, fashion, music and film are moving in the opposite directionPut down your negroni, hang up your Prada handbag and pick up a paperback....
Read MoreI loved Tanzania – we flew over hungry lions in a national parkI can still remember my first flight, in 2002. It was magical. I was working as a tour guide in Myanmar. I met a British balloon pilot called Phil, who had a spare...
Read MoreI have been called the LeBron James of spreadsheets, but I try not to take myself too seriouslyGrowing up in Waterford, south-east Ireland, I was always good at maths. I first used Excel at university in Cork while studying...
Read MoreFor fifteen years I have been devoted to the sport, but can still barely tackle or shoot. I decided to get a coach and give him the challenge of a lifetimeIf I told you I have played football for 15 years, you’d probably assume...
Read MoreThe boundaries between work and leisure are being blurred, but it’s vital for your health to learn how to turn off. Whether you do your job from home or not, here’s how to reset and reclaim your private time • Sign up here to...
Read MoreStop stressing about self‑improvement or waiting until you’re on top of everything. This year give yourself permission to prioritise pleasureI have a proposal to make: 2026 should be the year that you spend more time doing what...
Read MoreOur writer tried out seven activities: forget novelty mugs and aftershave – these are the gifts they’ll actually appreciate• The best Christmas gifts for 2025Want to give the ultimate waste-free gift, or buy someone something...
Read MoreAre you feeling festive? If not, here are some great and unexpected shortcuts, from fish pie to ‘intermittent wrapping’ to watching a seasonal film every day of DecemberIf I haven’t wrapped up warm and wobbled around in circles,...
Read MoreWhether it’s music boxes, glasses cases or mugs, footie coasters, F1 keyrings or pet portraits, adding a personal touch to a gift has never been easier• The best self-care gifts for ChristmasStruggling to find a gift for your...
Read MoreFind an appealing activity and stick with it even if you lack skill, says Karen Walrond, author of In Defense of DabblingTell us: have you fallen in love this year?All my life I’ve been bad at sports. At school I was always...
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