BUCKINGHAMSHIRE’S Hambleden Valley is one of England’s true hidden gems. Bypassed by through traffic, it is a lovely spot to explore on foot or bicycle if you keep to the path beside the Hamble Brook.

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

5 15.6 km / 9.7 miles / 6 hours Ascent 1080m/3543ft

6 20.6km / 12.8 miles / 7-7.5 hours Ascent 1122m/3680ft

7 11.3km / 7 miles / 4.5 hours Ascent 680m/2231ft

3 6.3km/3.9 miles/3-4 hours Ascent 760m/2493ft