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

A good time to visit The Old Rectory in Doynton is as dusk falls on a frosty December evening. Driving in through the gate, you’ll be cheered by the sight of two illuminated Portuguese laurel cylinder

■ Distance: 3½ miles/5.6km ■ Time: 3 hours ■ Grade: Easy

■ Distance: 8¾ miles/13.9km ■ Time: 4 hours ■ Grade: Moderate

Vivienne Crow was staying at Newfield Hall as a guest of HF Holidays, which organises walking holidays in the Yorkshire Dales and other UK and European destinations. Self-guided, three-night breaks at

Now we’re in the midst of autumn, with winter a whisker away, it’s good to make plans and look forward to the return of sunny days in spring. We’re big fans of Eastbourne on the south coast, which is