Everyone looks better with the rosy flush of fresh air and exercise
anyway. The companies below offer a range of activities for singles
throughout the year, from climbing nights to go-karting and white-water
rafting. Many also offer longer breaks and holidays; check their websites
for details.
SPEED BREAKS
In the past four years, Speed Breaks has expanded from organising ski
weekends for singles to activity days that include climbing and walking.
Londoners can meet like-minded people on a cycle tour around Richmond Park,
for example, or on the climbing wall at Swiss Cottage Sports centre,
northwest London. Speed Breaks is London-based, but there are walks
organised near Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, and
Wendover woods in the Chilterns, Oxfordshire. Those with a love of water can
take to the waves sailing in the Solent. Book in advance as places sell
quickly, particularly for women.
Age From 25-55
Cost Activity days start from £24.95 Contact 0845 8382600; www.speedbreaks.co.uk
RSVP
Established in 1992, the dating company RSVP takes a candid approach
to its introductions, with its activities an accompaniment to the real
adventure of finding romance. If you fancy going off the beaten track, RSVP
offers go-karting, gliding and wakeboarding days as well as cycling and
walking. Activities scheduled for the next few months include walks in
Rutland, Leicestershire, the Dunstable Downs in Bedfordshire and
Fotheringhay, Northamptonshire, as well as white-water rafting and archery.
Specific dates to be confirmed.
Age From 25-55; a separate section, called Better Times, is
for the over-55s.
Cost Membership, which is a one-off payment, costs from £345,
plus a monthly fee of £19.99. Activities cost extra.
Contact 0800 5427262; www.rsvp-int.co.uk
ESSENTIAL ADVENTURE
If navigating the frothy water of a river rapid sounds too intense, why not
try bonding while canoeing or kayaking. Essential Adventure doesn’t limit
itself to unusual water activities; there’s abseiling, bushcraft (lessons in
wilderness survival), caving, climbing and coasteering, which is a cross
between climbing, jumping and swimming around and on the coast. Events take
place all over Devon. Minimal fitness and no experience required.
Age Open to all age groups and abilities.
Cost One day, from £40; two from £75
Contact 01395 271156; www.essential-adventure.co.uk
SPICE UK
When it comes to finding love, Spice UK thinks it has found the secret
formula. Set up 25 years ago, the company boasts more than 15,000 members.
Dave Smith, its nationwide co-ordinator, says: “The emphasis is on
like-minded people coming to have fun, but unbelievably we can’t keep up
with the number of weddings.” Although the group is based in Manchester,
activities are arranged regionally. Which means that everything from bungee
jumping to golf lessons, paragliding and hot-air ballooning is within your
reach.
Age From 18 and over
Cost Membership fees from £29.37
Contact 0161-873 8788; www.spiceuk.com
RAMBLERS ASSOCIATION
Walking and talking over mountains, dales, heaths and beaches might
just prove the perfect combination. As its name suggests, Ramblers organises
a vast range of group walks as well as providing a framework for anyone who
is interested in the institution of walking in Britain. Ruth Wembridge, the
association’s head of membership recruitment, says: “We have lots of members
who’ve met and married through walking, and you never know who you might
meet.”
Age All ages welcomed
Cost Annual membership £14-£24; lifetime membership £600
Contact 020-7339 8500; www.ramblers.org.uk
BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION
Help your heart by helping others. The British Heart Foundation is renowned
for organising high-profile fundraising activities, such as the London to
Brighton bike ride in June, as well as sponsored walks and swims. The
fearless could try tandem skydiving, sharing the exhilaration of jumping out
of a plane with somebody else has got to be intense, in a good way.
Age Generally open to all
Cost You can make donations to the British Heart Foundation
online; see details below
Contact 020-7935 0185; www.bhf.org.uk
