London might have it all but every now and then there’s nothing better than leaving the city streets for a quick fix of fresh air and open space. From hiking to canoeing and wild swimming to mountain biking here’re some top ideas for active days out from the capital.

With plenty of rail connections there’s no need to sit fuming in traffic, so grab your walking boots, swimming costumes, picnics and cycling shorts and break through the M25 barrier. In this new series of guest blogs, Richard Garland, outdoor buyer for Ellis Brigham explores 10 active days out, all within easy reach from the big smoke.

1. Rock climbing at Harrison’s Rocks, near Eridge, East Sussex.

With over 200 different climbs Harrison’s Rocks offer proper free climbing in a day trip from London. The stunning sandstone crags are the largest of a cluster of local outcrops and provide a range of short climbs from approximately 15 feet (5m) to 30 feet (9m). It’s about a mile and a half walk from the train station at Eridge, which you can get to from London Bridge or Victoria. Climbing is at your own risk so if you are inexperienced make sure you go with an expert, see Soft Rock Climbing’s website for advice on tuition and guided climbs.

2. Cycle from Winchester to Petersfield, Hampshire

A great day’s cycling within easy reach of London. This mainly off road, traffic free 26 mile (42km) cycle route passes through beautiful Hampshire countryside as it wends its ways from Winchester to the pretty market town of Petersfield. Chuck your bikes on the train at Waterloo and an hour later jump off at Winchester and set off along the South Downs Way. Bear in mind this isn’t a smooth tarmac track, it’s often rough bridleway with some good steady climbs so take your hybrid or ATB rather than your slick road bike with skinny tyres. Make sure you know when the trains back from Petersfield to London are before you set out and give yourself plenty of time to get the last one back.

Top tips

• Travel off peak when you can for cheaper train fares and always make sure you know when the last train back to London is.

• Cycles are carried on the trains of all train companies operating on the National Rail Network but each company has its own policy about taking cycles on their trains. This useful web page has links to rail companies and their bike policies

• If you are biking around make sure you have a pump and a puncture repair kit!

• Always take a swim suit and a towel as you never know where you might come across a wild swimming spot

Next week, sea kayaking and mountain biking…

(pics c/o www.flickr.com/photos/aleksiaaltonen and www.flickr.com/photos/aneye4apicture)

Related posts:

Related posts:

1. Active days out from London – part three
2. 1.5 million bikes going unused in London
3. Join us for the Mayor of London Sky Ride on 4th September!
4. An inside look at the London to Paris bike ride
5. Have a go at… tree climbing