Eight iconic UK walks to add to your ramblings
Now’s the perfect time to get outside and tick off those walks you have been meaning to do. Ready to explore? Here are some stunning trails to consider.
Coast to Coast
The famed Coast to Coast walk was devised by celebrated fell walker, illustrator and guidebook author, Alfred Wainwright, whose guidebook to the walk was published in 1973. Since then, the path has been heralded as one of England’s classic long-distance treks, and was recently made into a National Trail. Luring keen walkers from across the globe, it spans 190 miles, from the coast of the Irish Sea at St Bees, to the North Sea coast at Robin Hood’s Bay. It also passes through three of England’s national parks: the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors.
Cornwall
This legendary trail offers the ultimate challenge for long-distance walkers, starting from Minehead in Somerset and ending in Poole Harbour. Boasting over 115,000 feet of ascent and decent – the equivalent of scaling Mount Everest four times! – it is probably wise not to walk it all at once! Instead, walkers often start with Cornwall, the county blessed by more miles of coastline than anywhere else in England. A haven for artists and walkers alike, you’ll be able to take in sweeping beaches, imposing cliff ranges and ancient tin mines, along with the artsy legend of St Ives, St Micheals Mount and The Land’s End Peninsula. It would be a sin not to add a pasty.
Southern Lake District
Another beautiful option is the Southern Lake District, which offers plenty of sightseeing greats within a doable distance. Including Ambleside, Windemere, Grasmere, and Coniston, there are routes to suit all skill levels, from the Tarn Hows Circular – an accessible 2.4 mile loop, which offers sweeping views of the fells – or Gummers How, a short but steep climb crowned with one of the best panoramic views of Lake Windermere.
Scottish Highlands
Craving a wee dram with breathtaking views? There is no better way to explore the Scottish Highlands than by foot. Offering memorable localised day walks and more ambitious rambles, key routes range from the strenuous 96-mile West Highland Way, which will take around a week to complete. Or there’s the more accessible – but still challenging – routes like the Ben Nevis Mountain Track, which is just over 10 miles and takes you to the highest point in the UK.
The Peak District
From peaks and expanses of moorland to spellbinding lakeside paths, the Peak District is the UK’s oldest National Park. Offering world-class historic attractions aplenty, such as Dovedale Stepping Stones and the Twelve Apostles, best viewed from the limestone promontory known as Lover’s Leap. And when you need to refuel, stately home, Chatsworth House makes a very stylish pitstop.
St Oswald’s Way, Northumberland
Yearning for another history-fix? St Oswalds Way in Northumberland is popular with those wishing to follow in the footsteps of the seventh century King of Northumbria, and walk all 97 miles of St Oswald’s Way. Explore fine landscapes and the history of the North East of England, from the UNESCO-listed Hadrian’s Wall to the tidal island of Lindisfarne (also known as Holy Island). Your feet may ache, but they will thank you for it.
Southern Snowdonia
Still not tired? For more awe-inspiring landscapes with spectacular mountain peaks, enchanting forests, and dramatic coastlines, Southern Snowdonia is a rambler’s must-tick. Explore Wales’ Eryri National Park, which spans a massive 823 square miles, and is famed for its rugged mountain ranges and glacial valleys. The area is also home to Yr Wyddfa, the highest peak in England and Wales at 1,085 meters. Your photos shouldn’t be too shabby.
The Cotswolds
And finally, when you get the itch to walk some more, the chocolate box prettiness of the Cotswolds is hard to beat. Showcasing hundreds of miles of public footpaths stretching out over honey-stone villages and rolling hills, top trails include family-friendly circular routes through exquisite villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Castle Combe, or long-distance trails such as Thames Path, where you will be able to lap up stunning views of the Cotswolds Lakes. www.hfholidays.co.uk
