05 berkshire donnington castle

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: 6¾ miles/11km ■ Time: 3½ hours ■ Grade: Moderate

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

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

■ Distance: 10½ miles/17km ■ Time: 5 hours ■  Grade: Challenging

■ Distance: 6½ miles/10.5km ■ Time: 2½ hours ■ Grade: Moderate