The Best Places for Walking Holidays in Britain
Are you thinking about taking a walking holiday this year? Here are a few of our favourite places for walking holidays in the UK, along with some suggestions for hiking routes and footpaths.
A walk up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
If you’re walking in North Wales, hiking up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon in English) is a must. There are several different routes up the highest peak in Wales and England, the most straightforward being the 9-mile Llanberis Path. Park in Llanberis and follow the signs: it really is as simple as that! However, if you want something a little more challenging and a bit less busy, you can pick up the Pyg Track and the Miners’ Track at Pen-y-Pass.
The Cotswold Way:
The Cotswold Way is a 102-mile route that takes you through picturesque little villages, rolling hills and ancient woodlands. Winchcome makes a great base for hiking holidays, because there are several excellent circular routes and shorter walks from this lovely market town, many of which make the most of the well-maintained Cotswold Way.
The Lake District:
Walkers flock to the Lake District in the North West of England, drawn by its stunning scenery and astonishing choice of walking routes. However, you don’t have to hike up Helvellyn to enjoy the beauty of the Lakes, and the fairly gentle 5.5-mile walk around Grasmere and Rydal Water is one of our favourite routes. Park in Grasmere and simply follow the path around the lakes, walking in Wordworth’s footsteps.
The South West Coast Path:
The South West Coast Path is a 630-mile trail that runs from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset. There are many wonderful stretches to walk; however, for the sheer beauty of the scenery, the path between St Ives and Zennor in West Cornwall is one of the best. You can turn this into a circular walk by heading towards Zennor from St Ives, then leaving the path when you get to the village. You can then return to St Ives via the waymarked inland pathway. Some sections of the coast path are a bit challenging, so if you want smoother terrain, head east from St Ives instead of west.
The West Highland Way:
The West Highland Way is another of those long, well-managed trails that we do so well in the UK. This Way runs for 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William and if you fancy a challenging hike, walk the last 15 miles from Kinlochlevem to Fort William. The initial climb from Kinlochleven is hard going, but you’re eventually rewarded with glorious views, including of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles. If you’re staying in Fort William, you can catch the bus to Kinlochlevern or vice versa.
The Gate Lodge is close to Fort William at the northernmost point of the way. It’s dog-friendly, so energetic pets can join you on your Highland hikes.
Norfolk Coast Path:
Norfolk is proof that a walk doesn’t have to involve miles of ascent and we love a hike along the beautiful East Anglian coast. The path between Cromer and Sheringham is a nice, relaxed walk on a sunny day, taking you along the cliffs between the two traditional seaside towns. You’ll be well-served for refreshments at both ends of the walk. You can catch the regular train back to Cromer, or simply retrace your 4.3-mile journey.
We realise that there are many other wonderful walking routes in Britain, such as Offa’s Dyke, the Pennine Way and the ancient Ridgeway. As well as the places we’ve mentioned, the Peak District, Pembrokeshire and the Cairngorms also make great bases for walking holidays. Wherever you stay in Britain, you’re bound to be close to a great walking route!
Book accommodation for your walking holiday in the UK
Take off your boots, stand under a hot shower, then sit back on a comfy sofa. Relaxing after a walk can be one of the most enjoyable parts, as you go back over your route on a map or take a look at the photos you took along the way. Here at Handpicked Cottages, we have a selection of luxury holiday cottages in some of the loveliest parts of the country, many with walking trails right from the door. Where will you explore this year?
