Cycling is fast becoming one of the UK's most popular outdoor pursuits, both for leisure, family fun and getting to and from work. So, what are the benefits, and is it really worth the effort?

1. You'll save money - once the initial outlay of buying a bike and the associated gear has been made, there are virtually no on-going costs. With fuel prices hitting an all-time high, just think of the cash you'll save by not buying petrol!

2. You'll be helping the environment - once a bike has been manufactured, cycling has a very small negative impact on the environment. By not driving, you reduce the harmful emissions and, with fewer cars on the road, overall road safety is improved.

3. You'll get fit - cycling has numerous health benefits, and helps shape, tone and firm muscles. A 30 minute each way commute will burn 8 calories a minute - that's enough for 125 slices of chocolate fudge cake! Cycling is also an ideal low impact sport as there is relatively less stress on the knees and ankles compared to activities such as running other aerobic exercises.

4. You'll free up time - whilst it's clearly going to be quicker to drive rather than cycle from A to B, you will gain free time by not needing to go to the gym to stay fit and healthy.

5. You'll de-stress - gentle pedalling is a great way of de-cluttering your mind and helping you see things clearly.

6. You'll increase your chances of living longer - cycling reduces the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and the most common form of diabetes . One rough calculation suggests that new cyclists covering short distances can reduce their risk of death (mainly due to the reduction of heart disease) by as much as 22 per cent.

7. You'll be in vogue - 25 million bikes are now owned in the UK!

8. You'll be surprised - did you know that cyclists and pedestrians actually absorb lower levels of pollutants from traffic fumes than car drivers?

9. You'll be able to do it - there are no real age barriers to cycling, and people of most fitness levels can cycle, slowly and gently if necessary. Anyone with heart disease or other conditions affecting their activity should, of course, consult their doctor before starting any exercise programme. Those of all body shapes and all but the most extreme body weights can ride a bike!

10. You'll enjoy it!

If you've already got the cycling bug, or you'd like to give it a try on gentle routes through beautiful countryside, why not take a look at our range of cycling holidays in France, Italy, Spain, Gozo, Cyprus, Austria and, new for 2008, Portugal? Alternatively, just give our sales team a call on 01606 720199 to discuss your requirements. We look forward to hearing from you shortly!

If you would like to sample one of our cycling holidays, then why not watch our short video on the Headwater cycling experience?