4 Health, Fitness & Beauty


23RD JANUARY 2025


Best car-free hiking locations from London


London may be a bustling metropolis, but stunning natural landscapes are just a train ride away. Words: Evelyn Richards


Hiking is a great way to boost both your physical and mental health this new year. For those without access to a


car, or who just don’t fancy driving, there are plenty of routes you can easily reach by train or Tube. So, lace up your boots, plan your


route and get ready to head out on an adventure.


Seven Sisters Cliffs, East Sussex Te Seven Sisters Cliffs are one of Southern England’s most striking natural landmarks. Topped with a carpet of green grass, the brilliant white-chalk cliffs plunge dramatically into the cerulean sea. Tere’s a 13-mile route between


Eastbourne and Seaford. Although moderate in length, the rolling hills can make it challenging. Hikers should allow for around six hours to complete the challenge. Tere’s a National Trust cafe en


route if you want to stop for a cream tea or a loo break. How to get there: Take a train from London Victoria to either Eastbourne or Seaford station.


Epping Forest, Essex Epping Forest is a vast, ancient woodland with numerous trails to explore. Te Oak Trail is particularly lovely, offering a delightful mix of open heathland and dense, enchanting forest. Te proximity to London and the


variety of scenic trails make Epping Forest an ideal destination for a quick escape. How to get there: Take the Central Line Underground train to Teydon Bois, Loughton or Chingford station.


Box Hill, Surrey Box Hill offers a variety of trails with breathtaking views of the North Downs. Te Stepping Stones Walk is a popular choice, featuring a picturesque river crossing and woodland paths. Te well-signposted trails and


frequent foot traffic make this a safe choice for beginner hikers. Plus, the views from the top of the hill are absolutely worth the climb. How to get there: Take a train from London Victoria to Box Hill & Westhumble or Dorking station.


South Downs Way, Sussex Te South Downs Way is a long- distance trail, but you can enjoy a segment of it as a day hike. Te Lewes to Ditchling Beacon


route is recommended as it offers stunning vistas over rolling hills. Tis trail provides a taste of the


iconic South Downs, with easy access from London. Te open landscape gives you a feeling of freedom, and you’ll likely encounter fellow hikers along the way. How to get there: Take a train from London Victoria to Lewes station.


Knole Park, Kent Hiking influencer Chloe Tomas (@kentandsussexwalks) recommends Knole Park Kent’s last medieval deer park, for a countryside walk. Te grassland, beeches, oaks and


pines makes for a vivid spectacle. And kids will love spotting the


fallow deer and Japanese sika. You don’t have to be a National


Trust member to visit the park. How to get there: Take a train from Waterloo to Sevenoaks station.


A new healthcare era — is a full-body scan worth it?


Dr Nitin Shori explains why 2025 is the time to be proactive about health, and the popularity of AI body scans


Tere have been huge developments in preventative healthcare over the past year — including rising demand for full-body scans and a more proac- tive approach to healthcare. Many want to gain a better under-


standing of their own body. But in a world where individuals can access unprecedented amounts of health data, the big challenge is how to make sense of this and use it to improve their health.


A proactive mindset Dr Nitin Shori, a GP for two decades and Elevate’s chief medical officer, explains: “Taking a proactive approach to healthcare isn’t


just


about reacting to illness, but having the knowledge to support a healthier and better quality of life. “Busy schedules, poor sleep and


high stress can take a toll, which can lead to chronic conditions, like heart disease and increased cancer risks. By understanding current health and future risks, individuals are empowered to take better control of their health trajectory.”


Demand for full-body scans Tere has been a surge in Google searches for full-body scans in the


DR NITIN SHORI


UK. But are they worth investing in? Dr Shori said: “Preventative full- body scans are one of the big trends for 2025 — but there are different types. Tey’re generally only avail- able outside of the NHS and some will provide more insight than others. “An AI-supported full-body MRI,


for example, provides detailed imaging of the body, and we can now combine this with advanced blood profiling and deep analysis of DNA — a new approach designed to iden- tify risks and catch conditions at an early stage, or reduce the likelihood of them developing. “Te crucial part of proactive


healthcare is being able to respond to this new level of health insight — with medical expertise and lifestyle changes.”


Dr Shori is chief medical officer at Elevate — the newly launched proactive health membership scheme. With its advanced testing and doctor-supported proactive healthcare, Elevate is one of the first providers of AI-supported full-body MRI scans direct to consumers.


elevatehealth.me KNOLE PARK/GETTY


NEW YEAR IN THE CAPITAL DISTRIBUTED WITH SEVEN SISTERS CLIFFS/GETTY


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