Breathtaking views, fresh air and a connection to nature all contribute to a walker’s happy head. So why not enjoy all of that while exploring new places? We’ve rounded up some of the best walks in the UK that you should consider for your next adventure!
The Gower Peninsula, Swansea, Wales
The Gower Peninsula, Swansea, Wales
The Ramblers are a group that have long been known for connecting people who love walking. Ramblers Walking Holidays was set up to cater for those who want more than a day’s walk and those who are looking to experience the best walks in the UK. More than half of its customers are solo travellers. The Gower coastline is spectacular – azure blue seas and vast sandy beaches, dotted with ruins dating back hundreds of years and burial sites that are even older.
Make it a staycation…
The Ramblers typically offer a four-night break based at a beachside hotel. Each day takes you on a different route with like-minded lovers of walking and nature. From £429, including half board ensuite accommodation (breakfast & dinner) and transport to and from walks. See ramblersholidays.co.uk.
Castle Combe, The Cotswolds, UK
Best walks in The Cotswolds, UK
It would take more a page to explore all that The Cotswolds – the almost 800 square miles of rolling hills in central and south-west England – have to offer. The area boasts a variety of landscapes, from river valleys with old mills to tiny villages of honey-coloured stone – with plenty of cosy pubs and cafés to refuel at along the way.
Foot Trails is a company that makes an excellent reputation for providing routes that you’ll likely have almost to yourself. They’re self-guided so you really can seek out peace and solitude.
Make it a staycation…
Stay in a gorgeous 17th Century country pub for three or four nights, from £495pp B&B, based on two sharing. Includes transport and little extras such as a bottle of wine, sweets and nature cards for identifying local wildlife. See: foottrails.co.uk.
Tollymore Forest, Northern Ireland
St Patrick’s Way, N. Ireland
If you’d like a challenge packed into your short break, putting in some distance is a great way to do it. Macs Adventure offers a self-guided walking break (graded moderate) covering around 12 miles daily over three or four days, immersing you in the beauty of this pilgrimage trail.
Starting in Newry and ending in Newcastle, you will walk through rolling farmland with sea views, the stunning Tollymore Forest, the drama of the Mourne Mountains (a filming location for Game of Thrones) and admire the views over Carlingford Lough. These are the landscapes that inspired CS Lewis’s Narnia.
Make it a staycation…
Best of the St Patrick’s Way is from £375pp, including four nights B&B and luggage transfers. See: macsadventure.com.
Glendalough, County Wicklow, Ireland
Wicklow Way, Ireland
Explore Wicklow Mountains national park, taking in the forests and heathery hills, past ancient valleys, resplendent waterfalls and the ruins of the monastic city of Glendalough. If you’d prefer to take this walk on with a little guidance, call on Wilderness Ireland. Their walk begins in Dublin before you start meandering through forests carpeted with bright pink and purple heather.
Most days cover 8-12 miles. Day two ends at Lough Tay, affectionately known as Guinness Lake due to the darkness of the water. After a five-day hike, there could be no better prize for tired feet than a night in a fancy spa, where a pool, treatments and a thermal suite await. After scaling Great Sugar Loaf Mountain on the penultimate day, you can simply relax, or join a historical walking tour of Dublin.
Make it a staycation…
From £1530pp including accommodation, daily lunches, two dinners, luggage transfers and guides. For dates, see: wildernessireland.com
Lindisfarne Castle on the Northumberland coast, England
Holy Island and the coast of Northumberland
There’s something special about a pilgrimage steeped in religious roots. The stunning walks along the Northumberland coast to Holy Island once formed the centre of Celtic Christianity. Inntravel offer a self-guided route so you can enjoy hours of solitude or do it with a friend or partner.
Graded easy, you’ll take in mystical ruins, castles and sweeping coastal views via paths, bridleways, coastal dunes and farmland. You can also take a boat to the Farne Islands to see seals. You’ll be provided with a picnic lunch each day and your luggage is taken ahead.
Make it a staycation…
Priced £398pp based on two sharing for four nights, including B&B. See: inntravel.co.uk.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wrexham
Best walks in Wrexham, North Wales, UK
For the perfect blend of woodland and history, the Erddig Big Wood trail, Wrexham, is hard to beat. It’s only a mile-long, but packs in a secret meadow, archaeological sites, beech trees and wildlife including woodpeckers – plus it’s dog friendly. Entry costs £6.75 and also allows you to visit the house.
See: nationaltrust.org.uk/erddig.
Buachaille Etive Mor, Scotland
West Highland Way, Scotland
The entire route of The West Highland Way stretches 96 miles from Milngavie (just north of Glasgow) to Fort William. On average, it takes seven days with varying degrees of elevation and mileage. Advanced walkers might opt to carry all the gear they need for camping, but for those who prefer a comfy bed and hot shower, there are many B&Bs and glamping sites en route. It’s well worth spending a few days to see snow-capped peaks, waterfalls and maybe even the Aurora Borealis.
We recommend a self-guided 37-mile walk over three days from the Bridge of Orchy to Fort William along the most scenic section of the famous West Highland Way. This walk has a fair bit of ascent, gifting you with vast mountainous views that you’ll never forget.
Make it a staycation…
See: westhighlandway.org to find places to stay and book optional bag-carrying services in advance.
Strathfillan Wigwam Village, near Loch Lomond, has wooden cabins with all mod cons from £40 a night. See: wigwamholidays.com/strathfillan.
Loch Morlich, Scotland
Loch Morlich, Scotland
For a shorter strolls around a Scottish loch, try the route around Loch Morlich, which is particularly charming thanks to its forest and beach surroundings. The one-hour loop will show you snow-capped peaks and sculptures.
Edale Valley, Peak District
Freshwalks Vale of Edale
If you fancy a real challenge, consider giving the Freshwalks Vale of Edale route a try. This 12-mile adventure covers 633m of elevation and will give even the most seasoned walker a challenge – with incredible views. There are of course plenty of other walks to suit different abilities – see: freshwalks.co.uk.
RHS Hyde Hall Gardens
Hyde Hall, Chelmsford
RHS Hyde Hall is featured on the Pacer App’s Exercise Loop. The 4.2 mile – or 9,500-step – route located near Rettendon, Chelmsford has an elevation gain of about 278.8ft and is rated as easy.
The Gardens themselves feature plenty to see if you just fancy a casual meander. The clever garden design makes the most of colour, scent and form, whatever the season. Plus, the centre’s café is open from 9.30am if you fancy a pre-walk breakfast. Entry is £12.98pp or free for RHS members. See: rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall.
Tennyson Monument, Isle of Wight
Best walks in Isle of Wight, UK
For fans of a walk back through time, the Isle of Wight Literary Heroes Trail follows the footsteps of the greats, including Lewis Carroll, Enid Blyton, Lord Tennyson and Rudyard Kipling, who found the island to be an inspirational place to take sanctuary and write. From quaint villages to busy seaside towns, the trail explores and celebrates the island’s history. To reach the isle, cross the Solent with Wightlink Ferries from £14 per person as a foot passenger.
Make it a staycation…
There are some fantastically quirky places to stay, such as Into the Woods on the north east coast, which offers luxury treehouses with fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms. Prices start at £300 for two nights.
The Isle of Wight Walking Festival takes place in May. With 100 walks scheduled, there’s no better way to explore the island.
Wheal Owles mine on the cliffs near Botallack, Cornwall
Best walks in Botallack, Cornwall, UK
Calling all Poldark fans! Blow away the cobwebs with a blustery coastal walk at Botallack, Cornwall. This one-mile circular route is part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, and home to choughs and wild flowers. For more details, see: nationaltrust.org.uk/botallack.
Falmouth, Cornwall
Best walks in Falmouth, Cornwall, UK
For a walking holiday to remember, time your trip to Cornwall with Falmouth’s famous sea shanty festival You’ll have ready-made entertainment on the Saturday night with groups coming from all over the UK and abroad to sing.
Two days of Nordic walking led by experienced guide Kelly Barnett cover 9.5 miles on the first day and 10 miles on the second. You’ll go by boat to the starting point before setting off along the rugged coast to take in both vast horizons by the sea and the peaceful inland beauty of this part of Cornwall. If you’re a beginner, you can go on the Friday night and Kelly will give you a brief workshop.
Make it a staycation…
Falmouth Festival takes place in June. Sign up to Kelly’s tour for £130, which includes guided Nordic walks and boat crossings. For more info plus accommodation in Falmouth, see: walkkernow.co.uk.
Words: Lisa Buckingham, Katherine Watt and Kim Willis | Photographs: Getty Images
