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

4 38.9km / 24.2 miles / 12-14 hours Ascent 2927m/9603ft

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

Jim Perrin revisits an old haunt to reveal the real high point of the ‘White Barrier’ via Wales’ highest waterfall, a pair of ponies, pubs and ring ouzels thrown in for good measure

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

The North Country Rover ticket offers four days’ travel within an eight-day period and covers the north of England from Halifax up to Newcastle and Carlisle (excluding heritage railways). Available at