A walking holiday is appealing for all kinds of reasons. It’ll give you a chance to see the great outdoors in a way that other people don’t. What’s more, if you’re a committed walker, you’ll enjoy physical and mental health benefits that are difficult to overstate. On top of that, walking holidays are very affordable – you needn’t even leave the country to enjoy them!
So, what are some of the best walking holidays available in the UK? Let’s take a look at a few of the options.
Hebden Bridge
This little town sits in the Calder Valley, in Yorkshire. It’s picturesque and distinct, with the local shops being mostly independently run. Most importantly, there are trails splaying in every direction: through deep woods, over hilltops, and through gorgeous country estates.
Mount Snowdon
A popular destination for hikers in the UK, the highest peak in Wales is also the busiest, with half a million walkers arriving every year. There are six main paths leading to the summit, some of which involve a little bit of scrambling. Pick the route that matches your level of experience. If you find that you don’t much fancy walking back down after conquering the summit, then you can always take the train – though bear in mind that it only runs at certain times of the year.
The Isle of Skye
The Scottish Highlands offer such a treasure-trove of natural riches for hikers that it would be easy to recommend the entire country. The Isle of Skye, however, is distinct thanks to a combination of forests, rocky outcroppings, and seaside cliff walks. Best of all, it’s accessible via a bridge from the mainland. Make sure that you make time for Storr, and the iconic Old Man.
The Lake District
Another popular destination among hikers is the Lake District National Park, which is home to the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike, and the deepest lake, Wastwater. There are several brilliant walks in the vicinity, catering to hikers of all abilities. Once you’ve spent the day traipsing through the countryside, you can recline at the side of a gorgeous lake.
This part of the country tends to be heavily thronged with tourists during summer, especially if you intend to stay at one of the major lakeside towns, like Bowness. If you’re able, it’s a good idea to plan your trip during the off-season.