NEWCASTLE AND MARDU CIRCULAR Level Easy Elevation gain 217m Length 6.1km (1hr 49min) Description This round-the-hill loop trail from Newcastle leads through peaceful rural landscapes and small village

■ Distance: 8½ miles/13.6km ■ Time: 4½ hours ...

■ Distance: 10 miles/16km ■ Time: 6 hours ...

No need for blood, sweat or tears here, as the smiles break out on the easier edge of the Southern Uplands ’ Galloway Hills.

Jeremy Ellwood ticks three more courses off his list in this northerly Scottish county, which is blessed with golf aplenty both on the coast and a little inland

16.9km / 10.5 miles / 5.5 hours Ascent 388m/1305ft