Looking to get back into riding!

jimbo-norco

Hi guys, used to ride a lot a few years back, had a Norco shore 3, then wanted more of an AM bike and bought a Scott ransom 10 which snapped in half so I repaired it and sold it and have been bikeless for years now! I don't really want to spend more than £5-600 so I'm looking at 2nd hand full sussers, (cant stand riding hardtails) somewhere between the Norco and the Scott, but I've been out of riding for so long know I don't know what to look for! Any particular models you think I could look for around my budget? I've looked at Kona coilers etc but I think thier a bit too towards the Norco I want something that I can thrash around in the woods on and get my fitness up on cycle path gentle commuter style rides.
Cheers!

Edit: forgot to add I'm 6ft and around 12 1/2 stone