Helen Glover’s Top Five Landscapes To Explore

As spring approaches, it's the perfect time to discover the stunning landscapes across the UK that are perfect for springtime adventures.

We caught up with two-time Olympic champion and lifelong outdoor lover, Helen Glover MBE to find out some of her favourite spots to explore across the UK - from climbing Ben Nevis to kayaking along the British coastline.

Coast - I’m really lucky to have kayaked around a good portion of the British coastline. We had some of the most stunning days off the coast of Pembrokshire - we saw a minky whale and had velvet water running underneath us the entire long weekend.

Woodlands - The magical Trevaylor Woods, near to my childhood home in Cornwall, are very close to my heart. One of my favourite things to do now is take my kids up to the woods near our house in Berkshire and build dens for hours. 

Sand dunes - One of my favourite childhood memories were the frequent trips to Gwithian Sand for epic games of hide and seek. 

Rivers - Having kayaked the length of the River Thames in the Devices To Westminster Kayak Race, I have seen the Thames in all its glory. It feels like you are in another world when exploring the hidden tributaries by paddleboard or kayak that are only a few hundred metres away from a bustling town. 

Mountains - Climbing Ben Nevis was one of my favourite days in British mountains - beautiful snowy mountain peaks, lots of friendly hikers and a lovely atmosphere.

I love being able to share these amazing places with my children. Being in these places also reminds me of my own childhood memories and means that I can create new memories with my kids.

My advice when visiting any of these places is to respect the area you are in and leave it as you found it.

Some of these places can be enjoyed in quiet, empty tranquillity. Other times, on a sunny day, you may arrive and find the entire world has had the same idea as you. If this is the case, my advice would be to enjoy your time around like-minded outdoor enthusiasts! 

As cheesy as it sounds my favourite place outdoors is anywhere my children are. Seeing the outdoors through their eyes shines a whole new light on things - walks may be slower as we overturn every log to search for insects, but it makes me appreciate how much the outdoors gives back to us as long as we look after it.