From rock climbing in the Peak District to honing your creative writing skills in Crete, why not take a break with like minds and fellow learners this year?
Even complete beginners will soon be scaling sheltered Peak District crags on this two-day course with Pure Outdoor. Participants will master tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of six learners to one instructor, there is a lot individual attention and personalised targets. The course is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is non-residential, but Pure Outdoor has a list of recommended, affordable accommodation nearby, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.
£199 for two days, weekends from 7 March-8 November, plus weekday courses most months, pureoutdoor.co.uk
Moclín, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will learn how to plan and create abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants producing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals, including a tapas dinner in Granada; and an excursion to the castle and other local sights.
