We arrive at the top of High Cup Nick in the North Pennines. “It’s like the world starts just over there,” comments my friend Mark. He’s pointing down the U-shaped chasm of High Cup Gill, beyond whose

10 great sites for brilliant birdwatching

The North Country Rover ticket offers four days’ travel within an eight-day period and covers the north of England from Halifax up to Newcastle and Carlisle (excluding heritage railways). Available at

Vast, varied and fiercely proud, Yorkshire rewards those who travel slowly and look closely. From moorland villages and grand houses with spellbinding interiors to tea rooms, abbeys and bracing sea ai

6 20.6km / 12.8 miles / 7-7.5 hours Ascent 1122m/3680ft

5 15.6 km / 9.7 miles / 6 hours Ascent 1080m/3543ft