The Lake District National Park, in England’s north-west, has inspired countless poets, authors and artists, hillwalkers, nature lovers and day trippers. With its rugged peaks, green valleys, seemingl

The traditional Lake District village of Threlkeld nestles at the foot of Blencathra – so you can make this a car-free weekend.

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

■ Distance: 5¼ miles/8.5km ■ Time: 3-4hours ■ Grade: Moderate

Swaledale isn’t all barns and drystone walls... This Yorkshire Dales walk takes you over open moors to discover the local mining heritage.

It’s been a long mile, trudging uphill in the rain, across uninspiring fields, past rickety ruins of long-abandoned farm buildings, mud slowly working its way up my waterproof trousers. Sometimes walk