Jon Sparks
Nordic delights: cross-country skiing in Norway
Gliding silently through snowy forests or venturing into a white wilderness: Gålå in central Norway is a perfect base for cross-country skiers, whether experts or complete beginners Read the guide
Lancaster ancient and modern
Lancaster offers the visitor masses of history and a little bit of mystery, plus great modern food, drink and shopping, all in some of England’s best urban landscapes Read the guide
Iron ways through the Italian Dolomites
On a via ferrata in the Italian Dolomites, one of the most spectacular ranges on Earth, you have the safety of steel cables for protection and no need for masses of specialist climbing gear Read the guide
Morecambe: the town that came back from the dead
After decades in the doldrums, Morecambe once again has a seafront that lives up to its exhilarating setting and famously fabulous sunsets Read the guide
Tampere: city on the rapids
Finland’s first industrial city has moved smoothly into the 21st century. Compact, walkable and lively, Tampere flanks the rapids that gave it birth and still give it a special energy Read the guide
