JB Smith goes searching for solitude in the forested folds of the Rhinogs – and finds himself falling under the spell of Eryri/Snowdonia’s quieter side

We arrive at the top of High Cup Nick in the North Pennines. “It’s like the world starts just over there,” comments my friend Mark. He’s pointing down the U-shaped chasm of High Cup Gill, beyond whose

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

Bikes love bends, so find out where the UK’s best combinations of corners are with RiDE’s guide to the ultimate stretches of twisty tarmac

2 10.8km / 6.7 miles / 8-9 hours Ascent 1224m/4016ft

The 2500m Col de Susanfe, on the Alpine ...