There might still be a bitter nip in the air, but as the skies get brighter and the days get sunnier, you know it's time to leave the sofa behind.

With nature coming back to life all around, spring is a great time to get active. Luckily, with so much countryside surrounding Newport, it is isn't hard to get a healthy slice of exercise.

NPLife shows you how (and we've even tried it). By Kelly Salter.

Twmbarlwm

Exposed to slaps in the face by the wind and surrounded by a fantastic panorama of estuary and rugged landscape, it's a awe-inspiring scene. But this isn't some exotic remote mountain range. This is the view from Twmbarlwm, which dwarfs Cwmcarn at its base. High above the Nant Carn valley, its humped summit is visible from miles around. Used since ancient times as a sacred area and a defence post, Twmbarlwm now offers an active day out for all the family. With walking, cycling and a scenic drive to tempt you outside, what are you waiting for?

We've got one big hill and three ways for you to enjoy it.

Walking

Shake off those winter hibernation habits with a challenging hike through beautiful woodland up to the peak. There is one main route, approximately two miles to the top and back. As the climb is quite unrelenting, your personal fitness is going to determine how long it takes you. However, whether you march up or gently ramble, there is wildlife and spectacular views to take in. A map is available from the information centre with trail directions.

Want to do it this weekend? Here are some top walking tips from the Ramblers Association:

Wear walking boots so your ankles are supported and you have grip on muddy ground. Take a full bottle of water and perhaps a thermos with a hot drink. In our unpredictable British weather a good waterproof jacket is a must. Instead of one thick jumper, wear lots of thin layers so your body temperature can be more regulated easily. Take a rucksack - this leaves the hands free. Bring a hat and gloves - about 40 per cent of body heat is lost through the extremities.

And don't forget your camera!

Cycling

For mountain bikers looking for a challenge, Twmbarlwm's steep sides should be a good stretch of endurance, and daring. There are two options to choose from, both of which will require some biking experience. The cross country track winds around the hill's contours and a downhill trail defies gravity as it plunges down towards the valley bottom. Completed in 2005, these trails offer real variety for enthusiasts. Check out the Forestry Commission's website for more information on the trails.

Car

If walking or cycling are firmly off your list, then you can take the Cwmcarn Forest Drive, which winds up to the top. You'll have to park up and walk the last 10 minutes to the summit, which is a strenuous climb, but the views make this a must. There are seven stopping places along the seven mile route, with BBQ hearths on several sites. The site three has a children's play areas and is also themed with fairy-tale sculptures. With a choice of picnic spots, you can pack a spot of lunch and really make a day out of it.

Nature

As well as spectacular scenery, Twmbarlwm is also home to many wildlife species, as Caerphilly County Borough Council ecologist Mel Sutherland reveals. "It's an important site for nature conservation, with its heather and acidic grassland. It's unimproved, meaning that it's not treated by fertilizers and its also rich in rare plants. There are anthills, billberry, wild thyme, lots of rabbits, and the cuckcoo flower. There are a number of ponds with dragonfly - April and May are the best time to see them. There are possibly brown hare and lapwing. Acidic grassland is quite rare in South Wales and is regarded as an important habitat when it hasn't been altered by agriculture. Key features of acidic grassland species are short growing flowers, and fine plants."

Spring is a great time to see brown hares, as they act out mating rituals. Males will chase each other at high speed - and can also reach up to 45mph when fleeing predators. If you are really lucky you might catch them boxing.

This happens when females literally beat off unwanted attention from the males. Brown hares are viewed as a scarce species by the Mammal Society and their presence on Twmbarlmwm is being monitored by Caerphilly County Borough Council and Gwent Wildlife Trust. Mel says: "If people let us know when they see brown hares, then we can encourage sensitive management of these areas from the land owners' point of view." If you spot a hare or a lapwing please contact the trust on the details below.

To spot a hare, look out for: Black tipped, pointed ears, Long hind legs, Thick rugged coat, Golden eyes

Getting there

Walkers and cyclists can access the site all year around. Cwmcarn Forest Drive is open 11am to 6pm from March to Easter, and 11am to 7pm from March to August to vehicles.

For other times and vehicle entrance fees check out www.caerphilly.gov.uk. The visitor centre is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, 9am to 6pm Friday to Sunday, from Easter to September. Again, check the website for winter opening times and information on the centre's four- star campsite.

Thanks to European funding, the new visitor centre will be opening on the site in summer 2007. In the meantime facilities may downsize, but there will still be plenty of information and advice on offer from the staff.

Contact details Cwmcarn Forest Drive 01495 272001 www.caerphilly.co.uk

The Gwent Wildlife Trust www.wildlifetrust.org.uk 01600 740358

The Forestry Commission www.forestry.gov.uk