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: 7¾ miles/12.6km ■ Time: 4½-6 hours ■ Grade: Moderate

14.5km / 9 miles / 5-5.5 hours Ascent 777m/2550ft

It’s been a long mile, trudging uphill in the rain, across uninspiring fields, past rickety ruins of long-abandoned farm buildings, mud slowly working its way up my waterproof trousers. Sometimes walk

The traditional Lake District village of Threlkeld nestles at the foot of Blencathra – so you can make this a car-free weekend.

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