Untouched natural landscapes, a strong sense of tradition and a fascinating local culture all make the North East one of the most magnificent - and yet least explored - corners of the UK. From the array of rare wildlife to the miles of rich history, there's no doubt that the North East is the perfect place to explore on foot.

It was (almost) 20 years ago to the week that I last ventured to the south-eastern fringes of Dartmoor. That trip had been the day before my degree results, and was an attempt to calm frayed nerves. Two decades later, exams are thankfully a distant memory, and my reason for visiting far more positive: a chance to try out the Haytor Hoppa.

The journey is part of the adventure, according to popular wisdom. That's just as well when you're starting out on a nine-hour trip from London to Corrour. And before that there's the misery of the Tube in rush hour to endure, my backpack attracting disapproving stares from almost every other passenger.