Including nationally popular areas such as the broads of Norfolk and Suffolk, the ancient forests of Sussex and Kent, idyllic Cotswolds and the New Forest One of the largest expanses of heather moorland in England covers the North York Moors, running from the steep slopes of the Cleveland Hills in the north-west to the towering cliffs of the Yorkshire coast. This is a Jurassic coastline, formed 150 to 200 million years ago, and like the Dorset Jurassic coast it is fertile ground for fossil hunters, with ammonites, belemnites, bivalves and dinosaur footprints regularly discovered. Inland, an outcrop of chalk was carved by fast-running streams 18,000 years ago to form the unique deep valleys of the Yorkshire Wolds. The plain of Holderness stretches to the boulder-clay cliffs of the coast, the fastest eroding coastline in Europe, and the precarious spit of land that is Spurn Point. I certainly aim to do that and invite you to do the same by enjoying and respecting the routes in this book. They were chosen carefully and don’t include trips to particularly sensitive and fragile environments. I’ve also left plenty of blue spaces in the South West for the curious to discover for themselves, while also respecting the hidden places known only to local groups. You can always ask them: I’m sure they’ll share. Also excluded are places where local Wildlife Trusts and other conservation organisations feel paddling will be detrimental to wildlife. Some of the paddles can be accessed by public transport, especially if you have an iSUP, but many are by car owing to the transport of kit. Only official parking spots with recognised access to the water are included and lift shares are encouraged, where possible, to ease pollution and congestion. Wild Guide North East England (Wild Things Publishing) is billed as an 'inspiring travel compendium' that reveals the region's 'most exciting, hidden gems', courtesy of mesmerising photography, detailed maps - and even GPS co-ordinates. Dramatic waterfalls, mysterious ruins, lost villages, breathtaking beaches, enchanting churches and remote valleys.

The best cities in the world for culture in 2023 named by Time Out - with Edinburgh beating New York and Melbourne trumping Paris. But none of them make the top five...

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From the wild places of Northumberland to the North York Moors and coast, the Wolds and the North Pennines, this inspiring travel compendium reveals North East England’s most exciting, hidden gems. Featuring dazzling photography, detailed maps and engaging travel writing, this is the perfect guide for adventurers, families and explorers.

Wild swim in crystal-clear river pools and seek out mysterious caves in ancient woodlands. Explore sea cliffs and caverns and picnic on dune-fringed beaches. Feast on local produce then gather around the campfire under a star-filled sky or stay in a treehouse with views across the moors. On the C2C cycle route, The Pennine Journey & The Weardale Way, Barrington Bunkhouse is next to the village pub in the peaceful village of Rookhope. A luxury Bunk Barn and a simple Camping Barn on a working organic farm with a farmhouse B&B. Set in beautiful Glaisdale Dale, with stunning views of the North York Moors

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From a street that inspired Diagon Alley to waves engulfing a lighthouse: Stunning winning images in the 2023 Historic Photographer of the Year contest

It's otter carnage! Astonishing moment two rival otter families charge towards each other and battle in territorial clash The best 100 cities on the planet ranked - and 'despite Brexit' it's London that's No.1, followed by Paris and New York. So where does YOUR favourite city come on the list? Includes wild swimming rivers, secret beaches, canoeing, ancient woods, lost ruins, sunset hilltops, meadows, wildlife wonders, caves and sacred places Each of these dales has its own delights: the wild daffodils at Farndale; the abandoned ironstone railway at Rosedale, now a scenic trail for walkers and cyclists; Eskdale cut through by the lovely River Esk; and Fryup Dale, a picturesque patchwork of meadows dotted with rustic farmsteads and hamlets.

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An 18th-century cottage in the North Pennines, Ninebanks Youth Hostel offers high-quality comfort close to the iconic Hadrian’s Wall. Lisa Drewe is the award-winning author of Islandeering, Island Bagging and founder of www.Islandeering.com. Following a career that included the Foreign Office and National Trust, she is now a full-time writer and photographer. Dividing her time between Wiltshire and the Isle of Skye, Lisa is chair of the charity, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, and an Ordnance Survey Outdoor Champion. We intuitively know that we feel better in ‘blue spaces’, and the science behind the mental and physical benefits of being close to water is becoming clear. A new term, ‘blue health’, has been coined and Wallace J Nicholls, a Californian surfer and marine biologist, sums it up perfectly when he suggests that being on, under, or beside water results in a “mildly meditative state characterized by calm, peacefulness, unity, and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment”. It’s little wonder, then, that paddleboarding has become so popular and why more of us are discovering this activity every day.

We also seem to be at a tipping point in terms of the health of our blue spaces. Inland water quality is deteriorating rapidly under the onslaught of sewage, agricultural run-off, and plastic – so much so that not a single river in England has received a clean bill of health. Oceans are suffering the same fate but at least are firmly in the sights of many groups campaigning for clean seas. We now know just how many polluting incidents have occurred in English waters and, frankly, these should be unlawful. Access to high-quality blue spaces for the many, not just the few, is important and there is hope. The ever-growing community of paddlers, swimmers, and water lovers are also joining the call to action for better protection of our waterways and ensuring access for all. In the beautiful words of Wallace J Nicholl: Although every journey can be an adventure, the joy of paddling for many people is simply being on the water and engaging every one of our senses. Watch ring-like patterns form as heavy raindrops hit the water or the light dancing across a river’s surface; breathe in the ozone of the ocean, the sweet smell of river water, and enjoy the fresh taste of spring-fed lakes. The sound of a paddle dipping beneath the water’s surface, the emptying of tidal creeks heralded by the cries of wading birds looking for their next meal, the gentle song of rivers flowing on their eternal journey to the ocean. All these sensory experiences increase our ‘blue health’, and all are beloved by paddlers.Explore the best of South West England’s rivers, canals, lakes, estuaries and beaches by paddle board, canoe and kayak Wild swim at a secret river beach dappled by willows, seek out a lost castle hidden within an enchanted forest, then watch the sun set from an ancient hillfort with a picnic of local cheese, sourdough and cider. Set in the stunning North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, often described as England’s last wilderness, Haggs Bank Bunkhouse is the perfect place to stay while exploring Cumbria and Northumberland.