The ‘Old Crones’ tackle Northumberland’s 100-mile Saint Oswald’s Way

Three older women take on a gruelling 100-mile trek through the wilds of north-east England, getting lost in a forest, befriending farmers and helping fallen sheep along the way

Walking Pendle Hill’s new trail: the Two Toms

Honouring two giants of UK hiking, this 25-mile Lancashire route links to the Pennine Way – and finally frees the hill from its witchcraft associations

Alfred Wainwright’s coast-to-coast walk to be made National Trail

Spectacular country walk through Lake District and Yorkshire Dales will be made more accessible

‘Don’t take it out on our staff!’: How did Britain become so angry?

Shopworkers, GP surgeries and call centres have all reported an alarming rise in abusive behaviour directed toward them. How can we calm this national rage?

I’ve quit single-use travel minis in favour of refills

There is no justifiable reason to buy those tiny shampoo bottles when you could use a plastic-free solid bar

Three-quarters of UK adults can’t read a map – here’s how to get better

A study by Ordnance Survey to coincide with National Map Reading Week paints a sorry picture of our navigation skills. But there are ways to improve …

A riverside walk to a great pub: the John O’Gaunt Inn, Hampshire

The limpid waters of the River Test link a stroll over chalk hills to a pub serving fine rustic roasts

Notes from a tranquil island: slow walking in Orkney

With its mesmerising seascape, the long, low green isle of Shapinsay is perfect for mindful exploration

And breathe … a mindful walk on south Wales’ beautiful Gower peninsula

By combining walking with therapeutic exercises and socialising, one charity aims to restore mental wellbeing

Wild swimming with a backpack? Welcome to cross country swimming

With the help of some innovative kit, these adventurers can easily negotiate both land and waterways