5 not running to the border

The Victorians confused these Shropshire hills with the Alps. How? Why? Trail dons its lederhosen, downs a glühwein and reaches for the Stretton Skyline to find out.

Brilliant tarmac, great food and endless warmth, these are a great basis for a stunning biking holiday… and you can download the routes from www.ride.co.uk

It’s the busiest time of year for Britain’s beautiful places. Yet as these locations prove, you can find silence, sensational scenery and space to breathe.

Moments enjoyed, lessons learned, handy advice, weird stuff that happened: welcome to the little bits and pieces that don’t make big stories, but do make all the difference.

ULTIMATE WEEKEND ▲ 3 ROUTES

MOUNTAIN, RIVER & MOORLAND LOOP