■ Distance: 5½ miles/8.8km ■ Time: 3 hours ■ Grade: Moderate

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

We all know walking is good for us, but walking in good company is even better. So, with an unexpected weekend to myself, I am exploring the West Sussex countryside on a guided break with HF Holidays.

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

THE BIG RIDE

■ Distance: 6¾ miles/10.8km ■  Time: 3½ hours ■  Grade: Moderate