A grand tour of the central Mendips taking in the limestone gorges at Cheddar and Ebbor, and Beacon Batch – the highest point in the range.

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: 10¼ miles/16.5km ■ Time: 6 hours ■ Grade: Challenging

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

No need for blood, sweat or tears here, as the smiles break out on the easier edge of the Southern Uplands ’ Galloway Hills.

Kerry Walker takes a road trip through Bannau Brycheiniog National Park