The next puddle is a big one. The competitor in front gives it a good go but decides to bail halfway through. His feet plunge into the muddy water as he hears me chaining up my gears behind him. He qu

No need for blood, sweat or tears here, as the smiles break out on the easier edge of the Southern Uplands ’ Galloway Hills.

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

Moments enjoyed, lessons learned, handy advice, weird stuff that happened: welcome to the little bits and pieces that don’t make big stories, but do make all the difference.

Tackle this meaty hike summiting three Munros in The Trossachs , including the mighty Ben Lui – arguably the region’s finest.

Dreaming of escape on Ireland’s far-flung islands, David Bradford finds the reality of remoteness not quite as simple as it seems