■ Distance: 6¼ miles/10km ■ Time: 3 hours ■ Grade: Easy

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: 9 miles/14.5km ■ Time: 3½ hours ■ Grade: Moderate

Distance: 9½ miles/15.2km Time: 5 hours Grade: Challenging

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

I found it quite disconcerting, drinking a pint with Queen Boudicca and her Iceni warriors lurking behind me. I was in the Odd One Out, a quirky pub in Colchester and was getting used to finding histo