A simple walking tour can make a difference and provide us with the fresh air and a sense of relief that is so necessary. If you are planning a holiday alone or with your loved ones and family you can look out for a walking holiday that can make a difference. The best part about walking holidays is that you don’t have to go extreme and push your physical limitations. There are different terrains and distances that you can choose to ensure that you enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing luxury and elegance. With plenty of walking trails in the UK, you can choose ones that allow you to enjoy scenic views of the English countryside while staying at some of the elegant lodgings.
Mickledore walking tours can make things easier for you to help you enjoy tailored tours designed as per your needs, preferences and budget. However, you must have clarity on what walking trails you should choose to help you and your family make the most of the walking holidays in the UK.
The Cotswold Way
If you are planning to discover Britain by foot you would want to start your journey in southwest England. This is one of the best walking trails for nature lovers and history buffs. The trail follows the western edge of the Cotswold Hills, starts from the medieval market town of Chipping Campden and finishes in the historic city of Bath. This would be your gentle introduction to long-distance walking holidays. This 163 km (102 miles) long trail is relatively flat and therefore it is an easy to moderate walking trail that you can do even when you are doing it for the first time.
The trail meanders through honey-coloured limestone villages, ancient woodlands, and rolling hills offering you some breathtaking views that make this walking trail memorable. While you are here you can find ample luxury accommodations like The Lygon Arms in Broadway, Ellenborough Park, Cheltenham and Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa (I stayed there last year!). You can dine at Le Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham which is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant. You can also look out for tour companies that offer hot air balloon rides to enjoy a bird’s eye view of Cotswold’s fields and villages.
The Hadrian’s Wall Path
If you are in Northern England, you would not want to miss walking one of the popular walking trails that can offer you a lot more than stunning scenic views. Hadrian’s Wall Path has become a sensation ever since it opened in 2003. The trail follows and stays parallel to northern Europe’s largest surviving Roman monument, the Hadrian Wall. The journey begins from Wallsend in Newcastle and heads to Bowness-on-Solway located on the west coast. As you walk this high-end walking trail you come across various natural and man-made features like Roman forts, turrets, mile castles and abbeys.
The trail is marked and therefore it is easier even for first-timers who want to enjoy the path for themselves. This 138 km (86 miles) long trail can also provide you with some luxurious stays where you can take periodic breaks. You can stay at Farlam Hall in Brampton, and Walwick Hall in Humshaugh where you can also enjoy some fine dining. If you are into stargazing you can find yourself at Kielder Observatory in the Northumberland Dark Sky Park for an amazing stargazing session.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path
If you are exploring the Welsh coastline you can choose to explore the Pembrokeshire Coast Path in South Wales. This is a seriously long walking trail but you can always keep them short and slow your pace to enjoy the path accordingly. This 299 km (186 miles) long path can provide you with various challenges so make sure you know how to stay hydrated throughout the journey.
The path can provide you with dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches and charming fishing villages that provide you with some timely rewards. Also, when you are exploring this path you can find plenty of local plants and birds that would keep you busy and interested. While the path is challenging and long you can find an array of luxury accommodations that can provide you with the much-needed relief. St Brides Spa Hotel at Saundersfoot, Twr y Felin Hotel at St Davids and The Grove at Narberth can provide you with excellent stay options. You can also look out for sea kayaking and wildlife boat trip tours here.
The West Highland Way
One of the popular walking trails that you can try in the UK is The West Highland Way. This trail in Scotland remains one of the famous long-distance walking trails. It offers spectacular natural views that you can enjoy in Scotland. However, this 152 km (95 miles) long trail can also test your stamina and physical strength as it ascends and descends at various points. Hence, you must know how to get the most out of your long-distance walking tour.
The path begins in Milngavie near Glasgow and ends in Fort William in the Highlands. If you are looking for a scenic walking trail with dramatic glens, lochs and mountains, this is it. The path defines the wild beauty that Scotland is known for. However, you can still find yourself some amazing luxurious accommodations that can make things easier for you. Cameron House in Loch Lomond, Monachyle Mhor Hotel in Balquhidder and Inverlochy Castle House in Fort William are some fine choices you can choose from. As you explore these accommodations you can also find some fine dining options for a Scottish culinary experience. While you are exploring the path you can also take some whisky distillery tours that provide you some behind-the-scenes information on whisky production and provide exclusive tastings.
The Ridgeway
Considered one of the oldest roads in Britain, the Ridgeway stretches for 147 km (91 miles) from Overton Hill near Avebury to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. As you explore this old path you can find yourself passing through some of the greenest counties in England. Hence, if you are a nature lover you can enjoy this path as you can see butterflies, wildflowers and ample bird life.
As you walk through this path, you will also find some historic sites like the Uffington White Horse and Avebury Stone Circle. This would be an interesting spot to explore before you continue with your walking holiday ahead. While this might be one of the oldest roads in Britain you can still find excellent luxury accommodations that can help you take a break. The Rectory Hotel in Cudwell, The Old Bell in Hurley and Whatley Manor in Malmesbury are some choices you can choose from. You can always look for a private archaeology tour while you are on this trail to help you know more about the region’s heritage.
