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

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

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

We love the Yorkshire Dales, but in summer it can get quite crowded, with walkers off on adventures up the peaks and the less energetic strolling around the picturesque market towns and villages. In a

5 15.6 km / 9.7 miles / 6 hours Ascent 1080m/3543ft

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