Forged in the heat of the volcanoes, Lanzarote has always attracted the fit and the sporty from cyclists to walkers and has become the place to be for triathletes but now Playa Blanca is the stage for the ultimate challenge.

Enduroman comes to the southern point of Lanzarote on 4th and 5th February with competitors testing themselves at a combination of swimming, cycling, and running. Wimpen guests at Las Brisas and Las Casitas will be able to enjoy the thrills and excitement as the challenge unwinds around the village, and then return to the relaxation of our pools, sunbeds, and bars.

You might want to pull up a comfy chair just to read what these athletes are taking on, it’s enough to take your breath away.

• Double Enduroman – Saturday 4th Jan at 2pm, Swim 3.8 kms, Cycle 180 kms, Run 84 kms
  Enduroman – Sunday 5th at 8am, Swim 3.8 kms, Cycle 180 kms, Run 42 kms
  Medio Enduroman – Sunday 5th at 10pm, Swim 3.8 kms, Cycle 180 kms, Run 21 kms
  Olimpico Enduroman – Sunday 5th at noon, Swim 3.8 kms, Cycle 180 kms, Run 10 kms

That should be enough to test anyone. Normally the activity in Playa Blanca is sedate and restful consisting of strolling along the front to watch the ferries come in and out or to find the best spot on the beaches.

It’s that time of year when we all feel a little guilty about overdoing the food and drink over the festive season. Exercise is a great way to fight back, Wimpen resorts offer lots of facilities but Tenerife can be like a huge outdoor gym with weather that makes getting fit a pleasure.

There are some wonderful bracing trails around Tenerife and Arona council has announced a series of free guided walks that unlock the history and culture of the south of the island. Arona covers Los Cristianos and part of Playa de Las Americas but move inland and up into the hills and it’s another world filled with nature at its best.

Starting on 17th January the walks begin at 9am and set off from Valle San Lorenzo, Arona town and other key points from around the municipality. The groups are limited to 25 people and the guides are fluent in English, Spanish, and German and have good local knowledge of history, culture, and nature. Initially there are eight routes for January but when the scheme ran a few years ago it carried on for several months and added extra walks to meet demand.

• Tuesday 17th – Valle San Lorenzo to Casas Altas
• Thursday 19th – Arona to Tunez
• Saturday 21st – Valle San Lorenzo to San Miguel
• Tuesday 24th – Montaña Guaza
• Wednesday 25th – Arona Casco to Altavista
• Thursday 25th – Barranco Chijas
• Saturday 28th – Arona to Ifonche
• Tuesday 31st – Malpais de Rasca

It’s important to register using your local details, or passport if your visiting Tenerife, this will then cover you for insurance. The Tourist Information Centres in Arona have full details and booking forms, or you can call 922761600 or use the website www.arona.travel The pace is leisurely and the walks around medium difficulty but the views and experience are very rewarding.