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

Our holiday started with a rush of hot air, and I’m not talking about the often-promised Indian summer. To start our trip to the Mendips we had booked a flight in a hot air balloon; what better way to

Walk through three counties visiting Cheshire’s Matterhorn, Derbyshire’s ancient bridge and Staffordshire’s secret church all in one Peak District hike.

STIPERSTONES RIDGE CIRCULAR Level Moderate Elevation gain 164m Length 4.8km (1hr 25min) Description A rugged walk across a dramatic ridge with panoramic views over the Shropshire Hills, featuring uniq

Alex Roddie enjoys the best bit of the undulating South Downs Way

A WALK OF UPS & DOWNS