Dreaming of escape on Ireland’s far-flung islands, David Bradford finds the reality of remoteness not quite as simple as it seems

MY old art teacher used to say there are no straight lines in nature. At the same time, one of the French teacher’s pet phrases was, “There are always the exceptions”. And when it comes to straight li

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.

Kerry Walker takes a road trip through Bannau Brycheiniog National Park

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

No need for blood, sweat or tears here, as the smiles break out on the easier edge of the Southern Uplands ’ Galloway Hills.