■ Distance: 7¾ miles/12.5km ■ Time: 4 hours ■ ...

We keep the ‘van stocked and ready, the bed made and cupboards full should a break in the weather and granddaughter childminding duties allow us to spend a few days away. I like to keep an eye on the

Half a century after its inception, the Coast to Coast path becomes a National Trail this spring, opening up the wild landscapes and historic villages of Northern England to a new generation of hikers

■ Distance: 7½ miles/11.9km ■ Time: 4 hours ■ ...

We arrive at the top of High Cup Nick in the North Pennines. “It’s like the world starts just over there,” comments my friend Mark. He’s pointing down the U-shaped chasm of High Cup Gill, beyond whose

The North Country Rover ticket offers four days’ travel within an eight-day period and covers the north of England from Halifax up to Newcastle and Carlisle (excluding heritage railways). Available at