GREAT BRITISH ADVENTURES

The UK’s 15 national parks take in some of the most superlative landscapes our isles have to offer — from our highest peaks and deepest lochs to our most biodiverse countryside and treasured historical sites. But far from being just beautiful places to admire, they’re adventure playgrounds and living classrooms, green spaces that bring joy, health and wellness to people nationwide. With the first parks celebrating their 70th anniversary in 2021, these tranquil spaces and historical sites have grown and evolved over the decades to offer hands-on action and adventure amid spectacular backdrops. We explore the best places to get involved, give back and go wild

- BEN LERWILL

FOLLOW HADRIAN’S WALLIN

NORTHUMBERLAND

Hadrian’s wall celebrates its 1,900th birthday this year. There’s never been a better time to explore the rich seam of archaeological sites lining the wall’s length as snakes its way through Northumberland, Cumbria and Tyne & Wear

What, I wonder, did Hadrian think of this place, when he stood on its chilly hills 1,900 years ago? The ambitious Roman emperor was by most accounts born in southern Spain, and he was in his mid-40s when he found himself up here, at the very edge of his vast domain, contemplating a construction project for the ages. In second-century Britannia, the Mediterranean would’ve felt a lot further away than it does today. What did he make of the rolling green landscapes? Did he curse the fact he wasn’t wearing a thicker cloak?