From croquet lawns to ancient forest and medieval castles: parks take on many forms, but they all have one thing in common – freedom for all.

Over a quarter of the Lake District is common land – steeped in history and crowned with views fit for a king.

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

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

Kerry Walker takes a road trip through Bannau Brycheiniog National Park

Free-range history