A Walker’s Paradise

Walking holidays in the UK are good for quiet moments in the English countryside, leisurely strolls along the shores of beautiful lakes, and seeing the country’s indigenous wildlife. And what better a place than the Lake District to enjoy all the country has to offer.

Situated in the north western region of England, the district consists of lakes and mountains spanning a wide area about 855 square miles. The terrain is varied enough that is good for UK hiking holidays as well as leisurely country strolls. Mountains with peaks reaching 978m make for excellent climbing, and lower peaks consisting of open moorland are great for more relaxed walks.

The area is interesting to geologists too, with Skiddaw Slate and Barrowdale Volcanic rocks dating back about 500 million years. The area’s features came about during a period of glaciation, where the ice carved U-shaped valleys in the earth. This geographically interesting area is great for walking holidays in the UK, where you can explore this ancient area.

The Lake District is situated in the dampest part of the UK, and temperatures in mid summer are around 15˚ during the day. This is an ideal temperature for a UK hiking holiday, as you won’t need to bring along extra jackets, but nor will you suffer from exercising in the heat.

A Wildlife Wonderland

The Lake District National Park is home to an abundant wildlife, hosting a number of protected animals, and many species indigenous to the United Kingdom. A walking holiday in this region will allow you to view the unique wildlife rarely found anywhere else.

Meander along the lakeside pathways and stop to enjoy the red squirrels scampering by. England’s only nesting pair of golden eagles can be found here, and you could be lucky enough to spot one.

For botanists, two fascinating flowers can be found here. The sundew and butterwort flowers and carnivorous plants native to England. The plants lure and trap their prey (unsuspecting insects), which provide most of their nutrition. There is certainly no shortage of interesting plant life to discover while on a UK hiking holiday in this region.

The life below the lake waters is of interest too, with three species of endangered fish found in the lakes. The endangered Vendace is found in the waters of Bassenthwaite and Derwent; the Schnelly in Brothes Water, Haweswater, Red Tarn and Ullswater; and the Arctic charr can be found in many of the lakes, including Buttermere, Coniston Water and Ennerdale Water.

Worth a Word or Two

The Lake District is associated with the English literature of the 18^th and 19^th centuries, with many great poets and novelists finding inspiration in this region’s beauty. Thomas Gray was first to write about the region, in the 1769 book, Grand Tour. It is no wonder then, that the Lake District is a popular UK walking holiday destination, if the region’s beauty is so marked that it is a source of inspiration to many great artists.

The poem Daffodils, one of the most famous poems of William Wordsworth, was inspired by the daffodils on the shores of Ullswater, and this famous poet lived in the Lake District for sixty years. Wordsworth, Coleridge and Southey, all three notable poets, became known as the Lake Poets, because their time spent in the region was inspirational to their work.

Beatrix Potter, the famous children’s author, was resident for some time at Hill Top Farm, where she gained inspirations for many of her stories from the region. Look out for Peter Rabbit when on a UK hiking holiday, where you might just spot him hopping along the lake shores.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. They are dedicated to providing the very finest UK hiking holidays at the best value prices.

The area of Sussex Heritage Coast, Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters Cliffs are particularly beautiful coastal sections of the walk, and can be combined with other pretty walks in the area such as Wartling, Herstmonceux and Hastings for great English walking breaks.

Here are a number of beautiful sites to see whilst walking in England in these areas.

The Seven Sisters Cliffs

These magnificent cliffs are situated in the Seven Sisters Country Park in Sussex. The area is simply perfect for English walking breaks, with 280 hectares of varied terrain and beautiful scenery waiting to be explored. The cliffs are particularly scenic, consisting of white chalk faces and grass tops.

You can enjoy pleasant coastal walks over easy terrain, as well as walks over areas of more moderate terrain, in the undulating surrounding hills and open plains. And with the fresh sea air refreshing you and invigorating you along the way, you’ll want to continue walking here forever!

Wartling and Herstmonceux

The quaint village of Wartling is lovely to visit whilst on a UK hiking holiday. Located in a beautiful countryside setting, this village typifies old English rural villages, and is great to explore. A church dating back to the 13^th century can be found here, and it is thought that this church is built on the same ground that the chapel mentioned in the Domesday Book was built on. If you’re interested in history, then this village is well worth stopping at whilst walking in England.

An English walking break stopping in Herstmonceux will give you the opportunity to see the Herstmonceux Castle, a magnificent attraction. Beautiful Elizabethan gardens are perfect for afternoon strolls, and the castle is surrounded by a traditional moat. The castle was built in the 15^th century, and was originally designed as a Medieval country home. The gardens are ideal for an afternoon on an English walking break, with beautiful woodland trails, and rhododendron, rose and herb gardens to enjoy.

Hastings – 1066 Country

The Battle of Hastings is one of the most notable events in the history of the UK. Hiking holidays passing through the Hastings region are popular as they afford walkers with the opportunity not only to walk through beautiful countryside, but also the opportunity to walk on the earth that the great battle of 1066 was fought.

With rolling hills, open grasslands, dramatic ? and the fresh English country air, it’s no wonder this region of Southern England is so popular for English walking breaks. With the well known and well trodden South Down’s Way situated here too, it is the perfect base for an UK hiking holiday.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Part of Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, who have been operating since 1946, they are dedicated to providing the very finest English walking breaks at the best value prices.

The coastal walk from Penzance round to St Ives is one of the best UK walking holidays for enjoying the clean sea air. The prevailing south-westerly winds freshen the Cornwall air as it blows in off the sea before heading inland to the rest of England. Walking in Cornwall’s rolling fields and along its undulating cliff top paths, you will enjoy views of the blue sea, as well as the green countryside and woodland.

Coastal Route

If you visit the area on an organised UK walking holiday, you can enjoy up to four days of guided walking in England’s south coast, taking pleasure in the walk without having to worry about losing your way. The route makes use of the well-regarded South West Coast Path for 5 nights/6 days of UK hiking holidays, moving in a clockwise direction around the Cornwall headland.

Walking in England’s most southern county will take you through several areas of protected National Trust land. You’ll also get the chance to see the towns of Penzance and St Ives, the village of Porthcurno and the tourist viewpoints of Land’s End, Cape Cornwall, and Gurnard’s head.

Landscape

Along the way, this most southern of UK hiking holidays will take you past intricate cliffs, picturesque bays and the occasional lonely lighthouse. From time to time, you will come across small hidden coves, seemingly undiscovered, with a little sandy beach enclosed by rocky outcrops. You might see hawks and rabbits and other wildlife, too.

This popular UK hiking holiday route via Land’s End allows you to stand at the southernmost tip of England. Walking here is a pleasure and the trails are mostly of moderate difficulty, so should be suitable for most walkers. The terrain does get more taxing at times, so consult your UK walking holidays organiser when you book.

St Ives

After six days of walking in England’s freshest air, you will arrive at St Ives. St Ives is a holiday town popular with artists because of the coastal light, the sunsets over the sea and the pretty landscape. The local appetite for art is evident in the Tate Gallery in St Ives, where you can see all sorts of visual arts, with pieces inspired by the local environment. As well as hosting hikers on their UK walking holidays, St Ives is also a prominent site for surfers, partly because on average the sea here is the warmest in the country.

Walks throughout the Year

Cornwall enjoys a relatively mild climate, so this route can be good for walking in England‘s southwest throughout the year. Bear in mind though that the county is unprotected from weather fronts moving in from the Atlantic, so there could be a sudden rain shower to two. But it’s this proximity to the sea that makes the local temperature so pleasant; because of the milder climate you can see the Spring flowers emerge here earlier than if you were walking in England’s more central regions.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Part of Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, who have been operating since 1946, they are dedicated to providing the very finest holidays walking in England at the best value prices.

In the UK, walking holidays have become hugely popular, and there are a number of walks emanating from Lands End covering various degrees of difficulty. If you don’t have the time or the inclination to cover the entire twenty four mile walk to St Ives, the four miles to the cape can be covered in a short time and is not too hard going – it will give you a bite sized taste of the picturesque coastal scenery Cornwall is famous for.

Leaving Land’s End

Within minutes of leaving the carnival style atmosphere of Land’s End, you will follow a well trodden path heading around the peninsula. Walking in England is a wonderful way to delve into the history of the country, and as you stand on 200 ft cliffs and gaze out to sea, it is not hard to imagine the ancient medieval castles and amphitheatres this area was once home to.

As you follow the path around, you catch your first glimpse of Sennen Cove. Whitesands Beach within the cove is one of Cornwall’s prettiest stretches of sand, and is a popular swimming and surfing spot. Walking in England can take you through some incredible ancient monuments, and on your way down to the cove you will pass the ruins of the 4^th century Maen Castle, crumbling on the cliffs.

The village of Sennen itself has a traditional Cornish feel, and you may want to stop off for a cream tea or some light refreshment! After rejoining the coastal path, you will follow the cliffs along on your way to Cape Cornwall. A slight deviation will take you to Ballowall Barrow, an ancient chamber tomb dating back around 5500 years. At nearly 3m high and over 20m in diameter it is an astounding sight.

Cape Cornwall

Cape Cornwall holds the distinction of being the only cape in the UK. Walking holidays are a fantastic way of exploring our geography up close and this location where the two seas of the English Channel and St George’s Channel meet is truly unique. Until fairly recent times, Cape Cornwall was thought to have been the most westerly point of England, however it was discovered that Land’s End just beat it by a whisker.

As you near the Cape, you will sight the unmistakable landmark of its disused chimney stack atop the summit. The stack is a relic from the old tin mining days when the mine shafts extended hundreds of metres out to sea. The entire area shows evidence of the abandoned mining industry, and as often happens on English walking breaks you may stumble across some unexpected reminders of times gone by.

You can reach the summit by two paths, and when you’ve made the short trek the views out to sea and across to St Helens Oratory are stunning. Priest’s Cove hugging the coast below, is a typically Cornish picture postcard scene. It is dotted with fisherman’s huts and brightly coloured boats decorating the slipway.  Even though the beach is quite rocky, it has a small bathing pool which is popular in the summer months.

If you want to make the most of your English walking breaks to Cornwall, (and you have enough energy!) you can make the return journey back to Land’s End on foot. But if you’ve had enough for one day, then you can wander over to St Just and jump on a bus – and daydream your way back to your hotel, planning your next UK walking holidays!

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Part of Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, who have been operating since 1946, they are dedicated to providing the very finest English walking breaks at the best value prices.

The Lake District is a region championed by Alfred Wainwright, a famous writer and fell walker from Lancashire. His legendary “Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells” guide book has been used as a yardstick for English walking breaks for decades has had a spike in popularity with the recently televised “Wainwright’s Walks” and “Coast to Coast” on the BBC. In the programs, the presenter, Julia Bradbury, embarks upon an extended United Kingdom hiking holiday, tracing the routes and descriptions laid down by Wainwright. The programs narrate some scenic and interesting routes for walking in England and provide an opportunity to show film footage of the remarkable landscapes along the way.

On a guided UK hiking holiday in the Western Lake District you will have the chance to explore Wainwright’s favourite part of the world, visiting some of the two hundred or so fells that he wrote so passionately about and in such detail.

Hassness House, located about thirty miles to the north west of Kendal, is an ideal base in the Western Lake district for a number of United Kingdom hiking holiday routes. It shares a woodland clearing with the Dalegarth Guesthouse, but is otherwise isolated in a quiet landscape with superb views of the western fells. From here you can truly embark upon a variety of walking in England’s Lake District trails to mountain peaks, undulating hills, dramatic valleys and around wide lakes.

From Hassness House, a UK hiking holiday itinerary may lead you to see places like Fleetwith Pike or Crummock Water with some walks having easy stretches and other parts with terrain that is moderate to hard. The difficulty varies depending on the guided itineraries you may decide to choose. There are departure dates throughout the ideal months of September and October, with some guided English walking breaks in the Lake District also planned around Christmas time.

Buttermere is a lake not far from Hassness House, set in the centre of some of the most picturesque peaks. It is a mile and a quarter at it’s widest with a path round its edge, and walking here you can look up upon Haystacks and High Stile. Haystacks is a hill fell that from Buttermere appears to be crimped, like a Cornish pasty. There are tarns among the knuckles of rock at the top. Four miles away is the very different High Stile, which is over eight hundred metres high, and you can see for long distances from the summit.

This is a beautifully remote area of the United Kingdom for hiking without the everyday hassles and stresses of modern life. Hassness House itself, is a home away from home and as there is almost no mobile reception in the Lakes, you can rely on a UK hiking holiday here to be a retreat from the constant distractions of modern technology and working life.

In the spirit of environmentalism, the majority of the meals during your holiday walking in England at Hassness will be prepared from local produce. You can enjoy hearty home-cooked food that will ensure you have the energy needed at the trailhead the next day.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Part of Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, who have been operating since 1946, they are dedicated to providing the very finest walking in England at the best value prices.

On a UK walking holiday around Wiltshire you will encounter a number of white horses cut into the landscape. This practice is known as ‘leucippotomy’ and has been practised in England since prehistoric times. Although the white horse has long been considered mythical, it is debated what the significance of this equine mammal placed upon a hilltop is. Some believe that the horses were simply carved to commemorate historical occasions whilst mystics believe that they hold much stronger significance, however after viewing these carvings whilst walking in England you will be able to decide for yourself.

The White Horse Trail, which opened in 1999 as part of a Millennium Project, is home to eight very different chalk horses. The oldest of these is the Westbury White Horse, and although the original date of its carving has been lost with history, we do know that it was restored in 1778. Many historians associate the symbol of the white horse with the house of Hannover, believing that the horse was carved in the 18^th century as a symbol of loyalty to the reigning monarch.

Whatever the reason for its existence, walking in England’s ‘Trail of the White Horses’ is definitely a unique way in which to spend a UK hiking holiday. Most of the 92 mile trails take place in designated areas of natural beauty, incorporating older trails, such as The Ridgeway, which is believed to be the oldest road in Europe. The White Horse Trail also takes in the pretty Kennett and Avon towpath, including the famous flight of 29 locks at Caen Hill in Devizes.

You will come across many quintessential British towns during your UK walking holiday a number of which contain a white horse of their very own. An example of this is the Preshute Horse, located near to the town of Marlborough. The horse was designed by a student at a local school in 1802, a number of years before Marlborough College first opened in 1843. However, the private school, whose alumni include John Betjeman, Kate Middleton and Chris De Burgh, is now responsible for the upkeep of the smallest of the Wiltshire white horses.

The Marlborough horse may be considered modern, when compared with the Bronze Age carving of the Uffington White Horse in Berkshire, but it has nothing on the Devizes White Horse which was only carved recently in 1999, to commemorate the opening of the Millennium Trail. However, whilst walking in England you will discover little evidence of the true age of the Devizes Horse, as there is very little which sets it apart from its older counterparts. Devizes latest addition was suggested by a newcomer to the village in 1998, who had no prior knowledge that a chalk horse originally stood in a spot less than half a mile away. Some 200 local volunteers took part in cutting the outline of the figurine, failing to be halted by the torrential rain and gales which threatened to put a damper on the joyous community event.

With more than half a dozen historic horses to spot on the White Horse Trail you’re sure to have an excellent time on your UK walking holiday.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Part of Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, who have been operating since 1946, they are dedicated to providing the very finest holidays walking in England at the best value prices.

A UK hiking holiday could encompass climbing the highest peaks of all four countries in the United Kingdom, giving you an overall view of the area, and a knowledge of the geography and environment in each region. All four countries are popular destinations for holiday-makers interested in hiking and the outdoors, and reaching their peaks is well worth the effort.

Reaching the UK’s Highest Peak in Scotland

Ben Nevis is the highest peak both in Scotland and in the UK, with its highest point being 1344m. Of the eight UK peaks over 1200m,  this mountain range is home to three, with Ben Nevis’ neighbours, Aonach Mor and Aonach Beag both falling into this group. This makes the whole region great for a UK hiking holiday, with beautiful mountain ranges covering the area.

Home to the longest and steepest hill in the whole of the UK, Ben Nevis’ western and southern flanks rise about 1200m in 2km. This makes for challenging United Kingdom hiking, if you attempt to ascend the mountain from this angle. The northern side of Ben Nevis sees cliffs dropping 600m, to a corrie containing the Charles Inglis Memorial Hut, a private hut often used as a base for many of the climbing routes.

This igneous mountain range is probably the best place in Scotland if it’s a walking holiday in the UK you’re after, with beautiful scenery as well as challenging peaks for those looking for a more active holiday.

Welsh Walking

Wales is an enchanting area for a UK walking holiday, with many interesting birds and plants populating the country.  Wales’ highest peak, Snowdon, is 1085m high, and is known for being one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Shaped like a starfish, Snowdon has six ridges, each with their own characteristics and geological build.

The mountain boasts some of the most spectacular views you will see on your United Kingdom hiking experience, with a number of different scenery types. If you’re willing to engage in some complicated scrambling, you have the opportunity to see glaciated valleys high up near Snowdon’s peak. When standing on the actual summit, you will see ancient fossils, and interesting volcanic rock formations can be found all over the mountain.

Your UK hiking holiday will be even better, with a number of rare species of flowers and insects being found in this region. One of the most fascinating plants is the insectivorous Sundew, which traps its prey on sticky droplets before devouring them. The beautiful and rare yellow four-petalled Tormentil can also be found here, and ravens and white-bottomed wheatears soar through the skies.

Scaling Scafell Pike

England’s highest peak is Scafell Pike, being 978m tall. It is situated in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, an area known for being one of the best UK walking holiday destinations. Being in such a beautiful destination, this mountain can only be great for United Kingdom hiking.

It is a very popular hiking destination on weekends, with a relatively easy route available from Wasdale Head. For a more taxing hike with exceptional scenery, the route from Seathwaite Farm is know for its beauty, and is one of the best trails for United Kingdom hiking.

Northern Ireland’s Mourne Mountains

The Mourne Mountain range is home to Northern Ireland’s highest peak, Slieve Donard (849m). Situated in the southeastern region of Northern Ireland, this is among the most famous mountains in the country, and an ideal place for a UK hiking holiday.

The Mournes consist of 35km of dry-stone wall, crossing a total of fifteen summits. The area is scenically very beautiful, and heather, bog cotton, harebell, heath spotted orchids and Marsh St John’s wort are all found in the area. Sheep graze high in the mountain tops, and ravens, buzzards and peregrine falcons patrol the skies. With so much wildlife in the area, it is the perfect place for United Kingdom hiking.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. They are dedicated to providing the very finest United Kingdom hiking holidays at the best value prices.

#1 The White Horses of Wiltshire

Allow this historical UK walking holiday to take you along the ancient paths of the Marlborough Downs. This fascinating part of English countryside is home to the eight white horses of Wiltshire, etched into the hillside and visible from the footpaths. This unique UK hiking holiday will take you through archaeological sites, making for some historical sightseeing in a beautiful location.

#2 Land’s End and Cape Cornwall

This coastal walk in England provides some exceptional scenery, with dramatic cliffs, remote lighthouses and pretty little fishing villages lining your way on this 44 mile hike. The walk will lead you from Penzance to St Ives, a beautiful route perfect for UK hiking holidays.

#3 St Cuthbert’s Way or Northumberland’s Heritage

This peaceful 44 mile walk follows in the footsteps of St Cuthbert, a saint known for his inspired appreciation of nature. You can use the beautiful scenery from Melrose on the Scottish Borders to Lindisfarne, Holy Island, to contemplate and reflect whilst on your UK walking holiday.

#4 Northumberland: England’s Last Wilderness

Take a walk on the wild side on your UK walking holiday, in the beautiful, unspoilt area of North Tyndale. Wander through the moor lands of Pennine Way and though the tranquil north Tyne Valley, as you take in the beautiful English countryside.

#5 South Downs Coast

From gentle to more challenging walking, England’s South Downs area is ideal for UK hiking holidays. This beautiful route will guide through the battlefields of times gone by, along the coast and Pevensey Levels, and through the green hills of the Weald and South Downs.

#6 Discover Dartmoor

This striking region promises great UK walking holidays, where the open moors and the granite tors constitute superb scenery. Based in Mortonhampstead, you can explore this region, along with its legends and history, on your UK walking holiday.

#7 Skipton – The Gateway to the Dales

Discover the Yorkshire Dales on a wild, green and ultimately very beautiful UK hiking holiday. Bronté’s favourite moor land walks await you, alongside the walk through Lady Anne’s Way to Grassington.

#8 Matlock Bath – The Best of the Peak District

Based in the spa town of Matlock, walking in England will be relaxing in this region. Admire the beauty of the Peak District National Park, the rolling hills and dramatic rock formations. Stroll through the quaint English towns of Bakewell and Ashford-in-Water, and tackle the ascent to the top of the rock precipice, High Tor.

#9 Hassness: The Lake District

Walking in England may well reach its peak in the Lake District, with its beauty and scenery being uncontested. Loved by the great Alfred Wainwright, you can experience the region that so inspired him on your UK hiking holiday.

#10 Hadrian’s Wall National Trail: A Roman Frontier

Walk along the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail and enjoy easy walking along this World Heritage Site. Starting near Heddon on the Wall, you will begin your 66 mile UK hiking holiday finishing at Bowness on Solway Firth.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Ramblers Countrywide have been operating since 1946 are dedicated to providing the very finest UK walking holidays at the best value prices.

Cornwall: A Breeding Ground for Celtic Saints

For some reason or other, a large proportion of saints appear to come from Cornwall. This may have something to do with the region’s history of Celtic missionaries in the area, although not many of these men were actually canonised. Perhaps the area just has a propensity for converting sinners into saints, and you will return from an English walking break in the area holier than ever.

In the 5^th and 6^th centuries Celtic missionaries began arriving from Ireland and Wales, and started to convert the local people to Christianity. The story of their arrival is enveloped in myth and legend, with stories of these men sailing across the sea on flimsy leaves, having been passed down through the generations.

On arrival, they were challenged by the great giants of Cornwall, where they fought their foes and, with a little divine intervention, were victorious over their towering opponents. When on a walking holiday in the UK, this region is particularly interesting to visit, as you can discover these stories as you stroll the paths once trodden by the saints themselves.

Celtic Saints Sail to Cornwall

The stories of how the saints sailed to Cornwall are intriguing in themselves. St Budoc braved the stormy seas bobbing across in a barrel, while St Piran made the swim using a millstone as a floating device. It is not recommended that you attempt this feat should you go to the region on an English walking break.

St Ia (the founder of St Ives) and St Fingar were perhaps the most impressive of all, as they sailed across the waters on leaves. A UK walking holiday will see you traversing their paths, and could perhaps turn out to be a spiritually enlightening experience.

A Saint for Tin-Miners

St Piran is the patron saint of tin-miners. He sailed to Penhale Sands with a millstone hung around his neck. It is said that he was thrown off an Irish cliff with the stone, and as he hit the water’s surface, the waves ceased and he floated on the stone to Penhale.

He is known as the tin-miner’s patron saint because he stumbled across the method for making white tin while sitting at the fireside one evening. The heat from the fire cracked open a hearthstone, revealing the shining white tin inside. Retread the path of this patron saint on your English walking break, as you wander through Penhale Sands, where St Piran is reputed to have lived.

St Piran died when he was 300 years old, one night when he was suffering the effects of inebriation and fell down a well!

Cornwall’s Official Saint

St Petroc is the official patron saint of Cornwall, arriving from Wales in AD 540. As legend has it, he rid Cornwall of its last dragon, saving the region from its fiery wrath, and making it safe for your UK walking holidays. He also is said to have turned water into nectar, and converted Constantine to Christianity.

In Bodmin and Padstow, where St Petroc first landed, he established two monasteries. A wander through the region on your English walking break would be well worthwhile, as you follow in the footsteps of this spiritual man.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. They are dedicated to providing the very finest English walking breaks at the best value prices.

To Innominate Tarn

Labelled by some as the most challenging walk in Britain, this Wainwright walk affords views over lakes, valleys, mountains, moorlands, tarns and waterfalls, with average daily ascents of 4,000ft. This walk was conceived by Alfred Wainwright, who mapped out the 102 miles into 11 stages. Some may wish to tackle the whole of this lengthy but exciting walk; but for those who do not have the time, a week’s walking in England can give you the opportunity to enjoy many of its highlights.

Beginning in Buttermere, you can climb to Innominate Tarn, the site where Alfred Wainwright was finally laid to rest. With his spirit in the air, you will be inspired by this beautiful area, where you can follow in his footsteps and climb every peak. UK walking holidays frequently follow the paths that so inspired this brilliant writer, and whilst you may not wish to complete his full walk, sections of it will be magnificent too.

Lands End and Cape Cornwall: Coastal Hiking

England’s south coast is one of the best areas for more challenging UK walking holidays. This 44 mile walk from Penzance to St Ives will give you the opportunity to view these magnificent seascapes from the coastal paths. Winding paths will lead you along dramatic cliffs and past intriguing rock formations that will delight keen geographers.

You can walk to remote lighthouses, old mine workings and traditional fishing villages, adding a touch of history to your English walking break through Cape Cornwall and Lands End. The walk is split into 4 stages. The first is from Penzance to Porthcurno, a gentler introduction to the area. The second day of the walk is the most strenuous, beginning in Porthcurno and ending in Cape Cornwall, a beautiful stretch of English countryside. Day three will see you walking from Cape Cornwall to Curnard’s Head, and from here you will walk the final stretch on day four, from Gurnard’s Head to St Ives, a relaxed and scenic way to end off your UK walking holiday.

Hasness Hiking

The Lake District is one of the most popular destinations for walking in England. Its rolling hills and challenging peaks make for excellent and scenic walks, and it is considered to be one of the most inspirational regions in the UK. Walking holidays in the area allow for quiet contemplation, and more difficult mountain paths can be quite meditative as you focus on where you place your feet.

Staying in Hassness, a number of peaks will be at your disposal to climb. You can challenge yourself to climb all the peaks in the area, such as Haystacks, High Stile, Fleetwith and Pillar. Whichever peak you decide to climb, you can expect breathtaking views from the top and beautiful scenery along the way.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Part of Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, who have been operating since 1946, they are dedicated to providing the very finest English walking breaks at the best value prices.

With worldwide trekking growing ever more popular, it’s easy to forget that some of the world’s finest walking country and most beautiful peaks are located just on your doorstep. The mountains of the UK may not be able to match the Alps or the Himalaya for size and sheer spectacle, but they provide breathtaking vistas and enjoyable routes for walkers of all levels of experience.

Profiled below are four of the best regions to take a UK walking holiday. Whether you are looking for gentle day walks or tough peak-to-peak challenges, each of these regions provides some of the finest hiking in the United Kingdom.

Scottish Highlands

Harsh and rugged, the Scottish Highlands are also home to the biggest peaks and toughest challenges for a UK walking holiday. Adventurous walkers and climbers are often drawn to the Munroes, a series of almost 300 mountains in the Highlands that are over 3000 feet in height, but walkers of all levels can enjoy excellent walking in the highlands. Fort William and Aviemore are centres of hiking and climbing in Scotland, with most of the major peaks and routes accessible from one or the other.

Highest Peak: Ben Nevis (1,344 metres)

Best Route: The West Highland Way is the classic walking route in Scotland, running from Milngavie to Fort William and taking in innumerable Highland highlights along the way.

Lake District

The Lake District is perhaps the most beautiful destination for UK walking holidays. Located in the North West of England, the mixture of mountains, valleys and deep lakes has been beloved by hikers and poets alike for centuries, most notably providing inspiration for William Wordsworth and the Lake Poets. It also contains the highest peak in England, Scafell Pike.

Highest Peak: Scafell Pike (978 metres)

Best Route: The Wainwright Memorial Walk. Designed by Arthur Wainwright, this spectacular, 102 mile walk hits every highlight in the Lakes; a classic UK walking holiday.

Peak District

Despite the name, the Peak District is a landscape of gentle hills rather than dramatic peaks, and is perfect for light hiking in the United Kingdom. Located in the heart of England, the Peak District is also notable for its accessibility from Manchester and Sheffield.

Highest Peak: Kinder Scout (636 metres)

Best Route: The High Peak Trail. Following the line of an old railway, this 17 mile trail offers enjoyable walking and outstanding views out across the Peak District.

Snowdonia

The adventure playground of Wales, Snowdonia is a truly stunning place to visit on a UK walking holiday. Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, stands at the centre of this region, but it is a treasure trove of outstanding peaks that includes Tryfan, Cader Idris and Cnicht amongst the highlights. For a balance of high peaks and dramatic scenery, it is hard to beat Snowdonia.

Highest Peak: Snowdon (1085 metres)

Best Route: The 15 Peaks. Not one for the faint hearted, this challenging walk takes in every Welsh peak over 3000 metres high. It can be completed in a single day, though you’d be better advised to tackle it in a couple of stages to enjoy the scenery along the way.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. They are dedicated to providing the very finest UK walking holidays at the best value prices.

The modern Scottish-English border is about forty miles to the North of Hadrian’s Wall, running along the upper edge of the Northumberland National Park. In the times of the Romans though, the line that runs roughly East to West between Newcastle and Carlisle marked the boundary between the civilised world and that of the barbarians to the north.

The section of Roman wall that can be explored on a walking holiday in England is just part of the former empire’s giant frontier, known as “the limes,” which extended across northern Europe. There are sections of Roman wall in Germany and there’s an equivalent blockade in North Africa. The fact that the surviving walls in Africa, hundreds of miles away, closely resembles the brick formations of the bastion in Britain is evidence of the military efficiency of the Roman legions that oversaw the construction of these walls.

By walking along England’s Hadrian’s Wall Path walkers can see a UNESCO World Heritage protected site, preserved as a monument of the Roman occupation of Britain and testament to the ingenuity that created the walls, ditches, forts and watchtowers across a seventy-mile stretch of land.

Guided English walking breaks along Hadrian’s Wall usually begin in the small Northumberland village of Heddon-on-the-Wall, ten miles from Newcastle. The village has long uninterrupted sections of wall and marks the beginning of an easy-going and enjoyable affair walking in England’s northernmost county.

The terrain of the route along Hadrian’s Wall is of moderate difficulty, with undulations more than steep slopes. Covering about ten miles per day on a guided English walking break, you can take in views of the graceful surrounding landscape, with evidence of fortresses and outposts along the way while passing through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Britain. The middle sections of Hadrian’s Wall, in particular, have not altered much since Roman times, and there are parts where you can imagine what it must have been like to guard the border in those times.  It is this combination of historical significance and marvellous scenery that rightly makes Hadrian’s Wall the most popular tourist attraction in Northern England.

The guided walks offer accommodation along the way, such as at the Battlesteads Hotel in Wark, which is about halfway along the wall. It is a cosy countryside inn and restaurant with a selection of organic drinks and cask ales. Pieces of Hadrian’s Wall were used in building the hotel.

The walk closes on the west coast of England at Bowness-on-Solway, which is a pretty village on the Solway Firth. The Firth separates the two modern countries of Britain at Bowness, so walking in England here puts you within a few yards of Scotland, just as a legionnaire would have been when patrolling the border almost two thousand years ago.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Part of Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, who have been operating since 1946, they are dedicated to providing the very finest guided walking in England at the best value prices.

The Tan Hill Inn

Officially known as the highest pub in the England, the hike up to Tan Hill Inn is definitely worth the trek. The pub is situated high in the Yorkshire Dales and once you walk through the doors you’ll feel that you’ve stepped right into the set of Emmerdale Farm. The pub’s regulars include Tam and Izzy, a pair of rams that are regularly seen propping up the bar. Tam the Ram is something of a local celebrity and he has even had the pleasure of meeting James May and Oz Clarke, when the bar appeared on television in 2009. There are always cats at Tan Hill as well as chickens, ducks, dogs and even horses. The pub is the perfect place to stop for a breather on an English walking break and probably the best place to buy a tray of duck eggs too.

The Old Spot Inn

Named after a breed of Gloucestershire pig, the Old Spot Inn was recently voted the best pub in England. Hiking tours fanatics will be pleased to note that the pub is situated on the scenic Cotswold Way and makes for a pleasant watering hole after a brisk walk around the local area. The 100-year old pub may be able to put its popularity down to the fact that drinkers always come first. They don’t serve food past 8pm, they don’t have a pool table and they definitely don’t have a theme. Instead the pub has a wide selection of real ales, a CAMRA accolade and a real community spirit. If you’re on an English walking break in the Cotswolds then be sure to stop by a visit.

The Cottage Inn

The Cottage Inn in Bristol was recently voted the winner of the nation’s favourite pub walk and with a trail that takes in the Clifton Suspension Bridge, a visit to the Cabot Tower and a National Trust trail it’s of no wonder that the waterside pub is popular with people on English walking breaks. The local ales stocked are extremely popular and include Bristol Beer Factory Sunrise and Bristol Beer Factory Exhibition.

The Crooked House Pub

Whilst on a walk in Dudley, you should make sure to visit the famous Crooked House. The pub is a huge optical illusion where bottles roll uphill and drinks slide up the tables. It is four foot lower on one side due to subsidence from the effects of coal mining in the 1500s. The pub is also reportedly haunted by a serving wench named Polly and the ghost of a young child. It is within walking distance of many Black County sites including the famous Baggeridge coal mines and scenic Himley House.

The Cat and the Fiddle

It may have just lost out to The Tan Hill Inn in claiming to be England’s highest altitude pub, but this Cheshire based boozer situated in the Peak District National Park is still worth the trek. The pub has an open-fire which is popular with walkers wishing to warm their cockles after an English walking break and is famous for its delicious home-made food, where everything including the hamburgers is made to order. Guests can even choose from an alehouse or restaurant menu and dogs and dirty boots are more than welcome.   

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. They are dedicated to providing the very finest English walking breaks at the best value prices.

The Hairy Hands

When travelling to and from your UK hiking holiday you may want to avoid the B3212 heading out through Postbridge. This road has seen an unusual level of instances since 1910, with many drivers or cyclists reporting that their vehicle had swerved or jolted violently and steered off the side of the road. Many drivers, who were unlucky enough to suffer this trauma, reported to the police how it felt as if an invisible pair of hands had grabbed hold of their car steering wheel. But these reports aren’t the most unusual.  A number of people, including an army captain, reported how a pair of disembodied hairy hands suddenly appeared and grabbed hold of their steering wheel. If you’re not driving the B3212, then you may be tempted to think that you’ll be perfectly safe on your English walking break, but be warned. A woman camping out on the moor with her husband awoke to see the same mutilated hairy hands attempting to gain access to her caravan at night; these hands reportedly disappeared once she made a religious sign at them.

Vixiana, The Witch

Vixen Tor is one of the most well known sites associated with Dartmoor and the towering granite mass is thought to have held significance since the Bronze Age, when ancient tombs were built in the shadow of its towering mass. If you want to explore Vixen Tor, whilst on your UK hiking holiday, then you will find it between the towns of Princeton and Tavistock. The granite tor may look like a spectacular place to explore on an English walking break, but yet it hides a dark and sinister past. Many people believe that a witch named Vixiana once lived at the foot of the cave. Vixiana was a scary sight, at six foot tall, she is reported as being as thin as a Devon shovel, with two rotten front teeth and a distinguishable smell of sheep’s urine about her. She may sound terrifying but Vixiana had a special talent.  When she spotted walkers going about their UK hiking holidays on the moor she would summon up a thick fog, that would disorientate them so much so, that they would fall into a deep peat bog on the other side of the tor and instantly drown. However, good always defeats evil and Vixiana came to an untimely death after a hapless moorman, taking an English walking break in Dartmoor, decided to play Vixiana at her own game and pushed her off Vixen Tor into the thick peat bog below.

If you want to explore the area surrounding Vixen Tor, whilst on your UK hiking holiday, then we recommend starting from the small village of Merrivale. On an English walking break from this quaint Devonshire village you will encounter a standing stone and ancient stone circle. Vixen Tor is a short walk to the south of the circle and, although there are over 160 tors in Dartmoor, this is easily the most spectacular of them all. Although Vixiana may be long gone, it’s always best to avoid the area of Vixen Tor during times of thick fog when some believe it is still possible to fall under her spell.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Part of Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, who have been operating since 1946, they are dedicated to providing the very finest English walking breaks at the best value prices.