BA - The Club - Five epic drives for fitness bunnies

B9 Road, Mauritius

Pining for some winter sun and a bit of fitness motivation? Grab a bike and hit the scenic route of Mauritius’ famously hair-raising B9 road. For what the B9 lacks in a memorable name, it makes up for in beauty. Picture it: to your right are basalt cliffs and wild vegetation. To your left are the beach and the Indian Ocean. You might even spot a turtle swimming by. Start your route at World Heritage-listed Le Morne, then weave your way through Baie-du-Cap and various dramatic U-bends and potential pit stops (we recommend the viewpoint at Macondé Rock, a legendary hairpin turn). Head on to some breathtaking beaches, such as Saint Martin and Bel Ombre. You’ll also pass the surfing spot of Jacotet Bay, so you won’t be short of any high-energy sporting ideas before you’re done. Round it all off with a drink in the village of Souillac.

Chianti Road, Italy

Do you have a penchant for fine wine? Italy’s Chianti Road between the cities of Florence and Sienna is a most palatable choice. You can drive, walk or cycle through the gently rolling countryside, peppered with cypress trees, olive groves and, of course, enotecas – the route’s charming wine shops. Earlier in the year, it’s quieter – and you’ll spot signs of spring with ochre and lilac wildflowers peeping out. Depending on the length of your stay, there are many potential Chianti routes you can take that will guide you past vineyards, castles and historic villages. If you’re planning to do the whole stretch, why not book-end some fitness with a bit of art appreciation? Sienna’s mediaeval 12th-century Piazza del Campo is only narrowly matched by Florence’s art offering: the Capelle Medici, Uffizi gallery and the Accademia gallery.

Fife Coastal Path, Scotland

Get motivated to get moving with Scotland’s gorgeous scenery as your backdrop. Enter the Fife Coastal Path, 77 miles of dazzling coastline running between Kincardine and Tay. There are plenty of places to stop to stretch your legs. Take a stroll around Devilla pine forest, which has pockets of lochs and track paths for all walking abilities. Your route will lead you through quaint fishing towns such as Anstruther, where you can pick up fish and chips from its renowned seaside restaurant. Then, of course, any golfing fanatics will know that playing a few holes on St Andrews’ courses is a given. Be sure to wander through the mediaeval Scottish university town while you’re there. It’s filled with cobbled streets, lovely cafés and fine pubs.

Icefield’s Parkway, Canada

Commonly regarded as one of the most scenic routes in the world, Canada’s Icefield is known for its blue-azure lakes, forests and waterfalls. The road trip itself is a stretch between Lake Louise and Jasper and can be completed by car in a day. But if you want to up the exercise, give yourself a few days to take it all in on foot. There are plenty of stops along the road (the Waterfowl Lakes and Peyto Lake viewpoints are a must), but hiking is how you’ll truly appreciate your surroundings. Head to the rushing waters of Mistaya Canyon to get the heart pumping again. It’s only a mild incline, so it’s ideal for most abilities.

Kystriksveien, Norway

If you want to hit 2023 running, try out Norway’s epic coastal route for size. Kystriksveien, which spans from Steinkjer to Bodø and crosses the Arctic Circle, abounds with high-octane activities. Hiking is very popular along this scenic route – even the small island of Leka has more than 50 marked trails to try out. If you want to up the ante in adventure, tackle some of the mountains, such as De Syv Søstre, Dønnamannen and Heilhornet. The coastline of the archipelago also delivers several cycling routes. And if you’re after more of a rambling, mild biking afternoon, head to the islands of Vega, Dønna and Herøy, all of which can be ‘done’ in just a few hours.