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: 10¼ miles/16.5km ■ Time: 6 hours ■ Grade: Challenging

It’s been a long mile, trudging uphill in the rain, across uninspiring fields, past rickety ruins of long-abandoned farm buildings, mud slowly working its way up my waterproof trousers. Sometimes walk

Kerry Walker takes a road trip through Bannau Brycheiniog National Park

■ Distance: 8½ miles/13.7km ■ Time: 5 hours ■ Grade: Challenging

The Lake District National Park, in England’s north-west, has inspired countless poets, authors and artists, hillwalkers, nature lovers and day trippers. With its rugged peaks, green valleys, seemingl