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

Vivienne Crow gets to walk two National Trails for the price of one

THE area where the River Tees approaches the sea has been largely industrial in recent times, but the upper stretch of the river is very different in character. Here, while the villages, hamlets and r

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

■ Distance: 8¾ miles/14.2km ■ Time: 4 hours ■ Grade: Moderate

■ Distance: 5¼ miles/8.5km ■ Time: 2½ hours ■ Grade: Moderate