Originally Posted by badger1

You have lots of options, in fact, for the kind of riding you describe. We in North America don't see the Whyte bikes, but they are very well thought of in the UK. Given what you say, probably the suspension version would suit best; search on website 'RoadCC' for reviews.
Others to look at: Giant Roam, Specialized Crosstrail. All of these would do exactly what you want.
Just a note: the Specialized Tricross is not a cyclocross bike (the power of marketing!); it's essentially a light touring bike, marketed as having the ability to be used to dabble in 'cross racing. Specialized's own "all road" description is rather more accurate. However, it too would most certainly be suitable to the kind of riding you describe, with appropriate tires, as would a hardtail mtb with appropriate tires -- lots of options out there!