Page 198 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - England's South Coast

196  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

SPORTS AND OUTDOOR
ACTIVITIES

Numerous sports and outdoor activities are less-structured activities, there are a huge
on offer in southern England. With its miles number of possibilities, from walking on the
of coastline, water sports are a major feature South Downs to surfing in Cornwall. For those
of the area. There is also a wide range of who prefer to watch rather than participate,
courses available to help you learn a new there is a variety of spectator sports, including
sport or practise an activity. If you prefer football, cricket and horse racing.
Walking
meals and accommodation.
With a network of long-distance The British Horse Society has
footpaths and shorter routes information on where to ride and
crisscrossing southern England, a list of approved training schools.
walking is an excellent way to For riding in the national parks,
see the glorious countryside. check the websites of Dartmoor,
Highlights include England’s Exmoor and the New Forest.
longest National Trail, the South
West Coast Path, Dartmoor (see Golf
pp142–3), Exmoor (see pp122–3),
the South Downs (see pp86–7), Many of southern England’s
and the New Forest (see p97). golf courses are welcoming;
The Ramblers is England’s Mountain biking along the coast of the other, more high-profile clubs
main walking organization, and spectacular Isle of Wight only admit players above a
its website provides information certain handicap. Green fees
on most routes and walking and luggage transport. If you and facilities vary greatly. Some
areas, and lists suitable hotels, are organizing your own cycling clubs require a valid handicap
B&Bs and hostels. The National holiday, contact Cycling UK, certificate, although a letter of
Trust website (see p202) also England’s main recreat ional introduction from a home club
recommends walks, including cycling body, and Sustrans, the may suffice. Specialist operators
buggy- and wheelchair-friendly organization responsible for the such as Golf Vacations UK
routes. Ramblers’ Worldwide National Cycle Network. Both arrange packages, including
Holidays offer guided group provide important information temporary club membership.
walks through lovely landscapes, on cycling and rules of the road. If you wish to go at it alone, the
and Sherpa Expeditions Golf Club Great Britain has
organize self-led walks. information on where to play.
All walks are rated easy to Horse Riding and
Pony Trekking
moderate. Travel companies
will advise on the level of fitness The most outstanding locations Boating and Sailing
required and any essential for riding are the New Forest The pleasure crafts that fill South
clothing and footwear. and the South Downs. Dartmoor, Coast marinas are testament to
If you are planning to walk on Exmoor and Cornwall offer pony how enthusiastic the English are
your own, especially in remote trekking, an activity popular with about boating and sailing. The
areas, it is essential to be well novice riders and children, since Royal Yachting Association has
equipped and to leave details the ponies are well trained and a list of approved schools. One
of your route with someone. rarely go faster than a canter. of the most trusted is Cornwall’s
Pony-trekking holidays usually Falmouth School of Sailing,
include basic training, a guide, which offers a range of sailing
Cycling
The region’s bridleways, tranquil
lanes and designated tracks are
perfect for cyclists. HFH Cycling
Holidays offer group holidays
on the Isle of Wight (one geared
to families), guided by an
experienced leader. Self-led
tours are offered by Compass
Holidays in Cornwall, and
Headwater in Dorset. The
operators provide bike hire,
accommodation, route maps Horse riding on the wild, grassy moorland of Dartmoor National Park in Devon

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