Beacon batch

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

■ Distance: 8 miles/12.8km ■ Time: 4½ hours ■ Grade: Challenging

Roger Butler peers over steep slopes on a roller coaster along Offa’s Dyke

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

A stone’s throw from the north-east of Manchester, this is a fabulous high-level circuit above beautiful Peak District reservoir valleys.

There’s nothing like a good walk to blow the cobwebs away. Lisa Kjellsson experiences the power of pilgrimage in majestic Yorkshire surroundings