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

■ Distance: 6½ miles/10.5km ■ Time: 2½ hours ■ Grade: Moderate

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

The nearest station is Manningtree, on the Great Eastern Main Line, which is around 1 hour 15 minutes from London Liverpool Street and is also reachable from Colchester and Ipswich. If coming by car,

Andrew Galloway walks a linear route that’s a microcosm of Wales’ best bits

■ Distance: 6½ miles/10.6km ■ Time: 2½ hours ■ Grade: Moderate