As an embattled environmentalist, long used to being way outside public opinion, I am delighted by The Times 'Cities Fit for Cycling' campaign.

I see it as a major breakthrough for cycling.

The conflict between cycling and driving, cyclists and drivers, is real and obvious - especially when you are the one on two wheels. 

Alastair in icy waters

Alastair survived his plunge into icy waters at Battery Rocks in Penzance.

He says: "Once I was numb it was exhilarating. I even went back in for a second dip."

The Guardian is covering the escapade and we'll let you know when video evidence appears online.

Thanks for your well-wishing and tips... The temperature on that day was 4 degrees, by the way!

Photo courtesy of The Guardian

Alastair Sawday

Tomorrow I am wading into the freezing ocean at Battery Rocks in Cornwall in the company of a stoic 70-year-old woman who swims there every day. For unmentionable reasons I feel bound to stick to the plan whatever the weather. Does anyone have any tips that might save me from agony and total humiliation?

We're in high spirits in the office, poring over the final selection of pubs that have made the cut for our Pubs guide. Our man, David Hancock, knows everything there is to know about the pub scene (we've tested him - often - and he's not failed yet!).

We're kicking off our owners' recipes series with this simple dish from Rosanna at La Traversina. Her warmth and welcome are legendary, and her garden in Piedmont in the summer is brimful with 230 varieties of roses. They grow much of their own fruit and veg, too, and cultivate giant tomatoes.

Over-wintered, overspent and overdrawn? Here's a small selection of some bargainous British B&Bs

We've had some LOVEly features in the press... In the Financial Times 'Expert Selection' section you'll find Alastair's recommendations for boltholes for two, and in Venue magazine, Toby Sawday's top ten romantic retreats for the love-struck. If you want to spring a surprise for your loved one in February, take a look... Or tell us if you've had a memorably romantic Sawday's stay...

Alex Skinner, our main man for Spain, sends news from his inspection trip

A smart choice of inspecting car for a six-foot-five-incher...?

I'm on an enormous trip, travelling from Malaga to Madrid to Segovía to Castile y Leon, to Asturias, Barcelona, Murcia and Valencia.

Inspection trips are always full of surprises, and the first one for me was the size of my hire car. A Smart car. Not so smart for a chap of six-foot-five-inches to end up with one of these.

A bolthole just for two, Blackberry Barn, Norfolk

Want to spring a special surprise this Valentine's Day? Or at least escape the commercial mayhem? Take a look at Just for Two, one of the most popular areas on our site. You'll find rustic retreats like Blackberry Barn, right, little apartments and the odd eco-cabin or two. If you can only steal a few days away, have a look at our self-catering places that offer short breaks.

Sally Shalam, national newspaper columnist, travel writer and Anglophile blogger, tells us what makes her happy when she's on her travels

'Lovely home from home’ people write in guest books the length and breadth of Britain. I know, because guest books are my bedtime reading when I’m away reviewing. They are a fast-track vignette of others’ experience. What I don’t understand is why anyone would want a home from home on holiday.