Beacons Way: It takes eight-days to complete the 95-mile path through the uplands of the Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons and the similar sounding Black Mountain. Involving remote and rugged terrain and many peaks accumulating almost 2,600 metres of ascent, it's no surprise the army trains here. Poor fitness, dodgy map reading and errant compass navigation unerringly resurfaces to bite unwary hikers hard in their fatigued gluteus maximus. If in doubt join a guided group.
Aborginal Heritage Museum: The most awkward element of Australia's past is the treatment of indigenous people. Along with countless lives lost, native Australian culture as a whole was effectively negated by European settlement. Take the Manly ferry to this small, understated and poignant museum which catalogues pre-colonial times, European arrival, the first of many conflicts, and finally 2008's government apology to indigenous Australians - 'The Stolen Generation'.
Beltane, Edinburgh: Amongst Europe's Celts Beltane fires were historically lit to acknowledge the cycle of the seasons and the growing power of the sun. Processions led by a Green Man and a May Queen combined pre-Christian themes of death, rebirth and fertility. Since 1988 celebration of Beltane itself has been reborn, the 30th April at Edinburgh's Calton Hill is the site of a growing performance festival.
Crete: Largest of the Greek islands Crete has been spared the worst effects of mainland economic travails. Along the north coast an arterial road has ensured tourism development of questionable value from west to east. However, inland the White Mountains, towering Mount Psiloritis itself, numerous charming villages, and a south coast of coves accessible only by boat or on foot, reveal an island of stories, of superlative food and hospitable people.
Dumfries & Galloway: It's not just people that look forward to spring. Dumfries & Galloway's Wild Spring Festival encompasses a number of guided nature rambles exploring the awakening insect, bird and animal life of one of the UK's top wildlife regions. From a Good Friday Saunter in Wigtown to a Hungry Caterpillar Story Trail around Southwick, there's something for all ages.
Austin City Limits Live (ACL) at The Moody Theater, Austin: A state-of-the-art 2,750 seat venue, ACL hosts around 100 concerts each year. Musical heritage may be lacking but The Moody Theatre's excellent acoustics have made it a favourite for live recordings, including America's longest running music series 'Austin City Limits' - a sort of neo-US Old Grey Whistle Test.
Bass Rock: A brilliant white landmark just over a mile off the North Berwick coast, the steep slopes of The Bass, though today uninhabited by humans, receive pungent attention from 150,000 resident gannets - the world's largest single rock colony. The Scottish Seabird Centre offers boat trips and guided tours of the nest sites.
1 Archerfield House, Fletcher's Cottage: High on the list of top British spa resorts, Archerfield House lends itself to longer visits and Mother's Day is a perfect excuse for a recce trip. A facial or massage plus full use of Fletcher's Cottage spa combines with overnight Pavillion suite B&B accommodation (with full larder) and a bottle of wine. From £130pp.
Antrim Coast and Glens: Officially designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this wild coast stretches from Ballycastle in the north to the port town of Larne in the south. Highlights include views over Sheep and Rathlin Islands, and saying your prayers in Ireland's smallest church before tackling the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.
