Alex Roddie enjoys the best bit of the undulating South Downs Way

Roger Butler peers over steep slopes on a roller coaster along Offa’s Dyke

OUR latest adventure takes us to a tranquil setting alongside the glorious River Thames, to charismatic Cookham in Berkshire. Many enthuse that this is the most scenic stretch of the river from source

Walk through three counties visiting Cheshire’s Matterhorn, Derbyshire’s ancient bridge and Staffordshire’s secret church all in one Peak District hike.

TINTERN ABBEY AND DEVIL’S PULPIT CIRCULAR Level Moderate Elevation gain 328m Length 8.2km (2hr 35min) Description A loop that includes Tintern Abbey and a climb to Devil’s Pulpit for spectacular views

■ Distance: 6¾ miles/11km ■ Time: 3½ hours ■ Grade: Moderate