JB Smith goes searching for solitude in the forested folds of the Rhinogs – and finds himself falling under the spell of Eryri/Snowdonia’s quieter side

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

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

3 6.3km/3.9 miles/3-4 hours Ascent 760m/2493ft

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

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