Take look at our blog to discover more about our destinations and hidden gems across the British Isles & Ireland.
As autumn tumbles upon us the weather begins to take a turn for the worse and the thought of getting out for a walk is less appealing. Getting totally soggy and cold doesn’t sound like a lot of fun and we can become tempted to shut ourselves away indoors.
The best thing we can do though is to keep up our walking through the autumn and winter months, stick with our outdoor adventures but just be a little more prepared for the elements.
You may be an experienced walker who has been rambling for years and has many a good campsite story to tell, or perhaps you are new to the walking club, whatever your circumstance it’s always good to chat to others and get their hints, advice and walking tips.
Even if you think there isn’t anything you don’t know about walking you’ll be surprised to hear different peoples experiences and you might even learn a nice little snippet of information that will help you on yours.
You’ve partied through your 20’s and scoffed at visiting a boring National Trust, but once you’ve settled down a bit, perhaps even started a family, your priorities change, you seem to enjoy the peace and quiet that being surrounded by nature and beauty brings, and all of a sudden you’ll find yourself asking ‘Is it worth buying a season ticket for the National Trust?
Some of us go walking in big groups or clubs with other fellow walkers, but some of us start out on our own. Perhaps walking is a new hobby that you’ve just embarked upon but you don’t know anybody else who shares your passion for going hiking, or maybe you’ve decided to start walking to get out and be a bit more sociable and meet new people. So how easy is it to makes friends as a walker?
Some of us choose to go walking with our families, others with groups of friends, some like to walk with their partner and then there are those of us that just like to go it alone.
There is something very special about being out in the wild, surrounded by only nature and your own thoughts, but as a solo walker there are some considerations to make before setting out that differ from walking with others and we look at them in this blog.
The idea of gorgeous family walks, soaking up the sunshine and immersing the whole family in nature and wildlife is definitely one thats flitted through the minds of most of us parents, but in reality a badly planned hike with the kids in tow can result in a lot of tears (yours and the kids!) and far more hassle then its worth.
Have a look over our top tips for managing an enjoyable hike with the whole family.
We walkers spend a lot of our spare time in the great outdoors discovering our beautiful planet on foot. Its a great way to exercise and really take in the world around us, but have you ever thought about stepping your game up a notch and getting involved in race walking?
Race walking is a a recognised discipline of athletics, is included in the Olympic Games and is essentially just a faster version of regular walking. It is regulated by the IAAF and judged so that you maintain a good walking technique. Points are then awarded based on how fast you complete a fixed distance and rankings are produced so that you can begin to compete with other who do race walking.
Ireland is a breathtakingly beautiful country that has been blessed by mother nature in so many ways. From the dramatic cliffs to the sandy beaches, the rugged mountain ranges to the pretty towns and cities, there are sights for all to see and Ireland's scenery is so interesting and varied it will keep young to old happy. We’ve selected our favourites, most scenic parts of Ireland below and hope you enjoy visiting them as much as we do.
1.Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare
If visiting the ocean is your thing then the Cliffs of Moher in Country Clare will definitely float your boat. Of all of Ireland’s scenery along its coast this is the most dramatic and most beautiful.
Stretching for five miles along the Atlantic coast, these 400 foot cliffs offer spectacular views out to sea and its here that you’ll experience nature at its finest. Think salty sea air, the crashing ocean waves below, bird cry all around you and the wind whistling past you.
Its a gorgeous spot to come and gather your thoguhts, but do remember that in the summer months it can get quite busy so plan wisely. During the winter you may get lucky and have some alone time up on the cliffs.
2.Cobh, Co. Cork
Cobh is a gorgeous little town in County Cork and it a lovely spot to see some of Ireland’s scenery. The town is full of candy-coloured houses that line the beautiful sea-front. Many cruise ships stop off here too so you’ll often catch huge ships heading for the port.
Pay a visit to the cathedral, visit the Titanic Museum which is significant because Cobh was its last port of call in 1912 and wander the chcoclate box streets.
3.Connemara National Park
Nowhere showcases Irelands scenery better than its National Parks and Connemar is no exception.
Featuring 2957 hectares of bogs, mountains, grasslands, heaths and forest it is an explorers paradise.
There are many walking trails in this area of varying levels of difficulty so don’t forget to bring your hiking boots.
The park is also home to lots of wildlife and if you’re lucky you may spot Connemara ponies, red deer and an abundance of birds including skylarks, stonechats, and peregrine falcons.
There is a visitors centre too that you can have a look around and discover the history of the park.
4.Skellig Michael, Kerry
The magnificent Skellig Islands lie eight miles off the coast of Portmagee in South West Kerry. Rising majestically to 714ft out of the water they are really beautiful to see.
On the summit of Skellig Michael stands a very well preserved sixth century monastic settlement. Take a tour to this beautiful island and see Irelands scenery from a different viewpoint. There are regular boat tours that will take you out and although it can be a choppy ride depending on weather conditions, it is most definitely worth it.
5.Galway, Co. Galway
Galway is a stunning harbour city on Ireland's west cost that sits where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. This gorgeous city has loads to offer with shops, pubs, bars and live Irish music.
There is a really rustic charm about Galway, visit the Cathedral, the food markets, the museums and take a walk along the harbour side. Definitely don’t forget to visit the main shopping street which is easily one of Ireland's most scenic shopping areas with brightly coloured shop fronts, buskers and street performers everywhere with Lynch’s Castle towering over the whole street.
6.Killarney National Park
Ireland's scenery doesn’t get much better than in Killarney National Park. South and West of the town of Killarney you’ll find this beautiful spot which contains the highest mountain range in Ireland, the McGillycuddys Reeks and at its foot the beautiful lakes of Killarney.
If you are looking for some photo opportunitues then look no fruther,.
There are many walks and trails around the lakes, up the mountains, through the forest and the park is just so peaceful you could get lost for hours with just yourselves and nature all around you.
A visit to Ross Castle is also nice, sitting on the lower edge of Killareny’s lake the castle was built in the 15th century and remains today for all to see.
You started off just taking nice walks in the great outdoors and realised what a great past time it was, slowly over time your walks became harder, longer, camping over night, then you brought hiking ‘gear’ and all of a sudden you think about hiking a lot!
Are any of the below signs familiar to you? If so we’d say that your love for hiking has definitely stepped a gear and you are truly a seasoned walker!
1.You keep a backpack, tent and walking shoes in the boot of your car...just incase.
It makes sense right? You never know when you might stumble across a new trail or get a call from a friend who wants a trip, so keeping a loaded backpack ready and waiting just cuts time and means you can say yes more often!
2.Most of your internet browsing involves shopping for walking gear or looking for new destinations to go hiking
Internet shopping now means searching the web for new hiking gear, finding the clothes that are going to make your trip more enjoyable and finding new gadgets and tools that are total essentials, obviously.
Social media visits are now to look at travelling pages and plan out the places in the world that you want to hike. Your love for hiking takes priority.
3.You are an expert at packing a backpack to fit the maximum number of items possible in, at top speed
Whether you roll or fold, you’ve become excellent at fitting everything you could posibly need into your backpack at record speed since you’ve done it so many times before.
4.Your wardrobe consists of walking gear, waterproofs, fleeces and merino wool socks
Gone are the days of having a million different going out outfits, 25 pairs of jeans and so on, your wardrobe is now far more practical than that housing all of your precious hiking gear that make your trips so enjoyable.
5.You’d rather spend £200 on a tent than £100 on a hotel room
Why would you spend all of that cash on one night in a pokey hotel room when you could spend just a little bit more and upgrade your beloved tent that you could use time and time again?
6.When you move to a new place, you have no clue where the post office is, but know where the nearest trails are
You’ve likely either already done some of the trails or have extensively researched them before you’ve arrived. Heading somewhere new means new and exciting ground to discover, who cares about the Post Office we can google its where abouts right?!
7.You realise that you think the people who don’t backpack are just a little bit odd
Why on earth wouldn’t you want to head out doors and go on an adventure during EVERY possible bit of spare time you have? To be fair most people probably think your exreme love for hiking is a bit odd too, but who cares.
8.You use your backpack to carry your food shop home
Its totally normal for you to take your backpack with you to the supermarket rather than a million reusable bags, you are so familiar with it and carrying stuff home in a backpack is far easier than negotiating shopping bags.
9.You wonder if the meal you are eating can be dehydrated effectively
You can’t just enjoy your dinner anymore because your mind is always wondering whether it could be dehydrated and paked for your next trip! A meal that can be reused in this way is far more enjoyable in your eyes.
10.You pack a rain jacket on a sunny day JUST IN CASE
Every walker knows that even if the sun is shining when you leave the house you always pack a rain coat just in case, if the weather turns there isn’t much worse than being soggy all day whilst hiking. Your love for hiking is so strong that you just can’t leave the house without that rain coat, even for a quick trip to the shop up the road, it just wouldn’t feel right.
If you love to walk then you’re going adore Northern Ireland’s unspoilt, natural and rugged offerings. The country is known for its magnificent castles, glacial valleys and mountains and is a walkers paradise with so many options.
The coast line is beautiful with beaches, rocky cliffs and stunning views and you’ll often find yourself alone away from the maddening crowds.
If climbing is your thing then head for the hills and mountains to find your slice of Northern Ireland tranquillity.
A trip to Northern Ireland will emerse you in nature and really pull you away from the daily hustle and bustle of life.
Check out our favourites walks with a view below.
1.Rathlin Island
This is the most Northerly inhabited island in Northern Ireland and is a wonderful place to get away from the daily grind of life. The island has six walking trails that you can follow and there are beautiful coastal views all around the island.
2.The Mourne Mountains
The Mourne Mountains are the highest and most dramatic range in Northern Island. The mountains are criss-crossed by a network of paths and tracks which make them a great place for a hike, and the views are pretty incredible.
3.Mussenden Temple, Co. Derry, Londonderry
Sat on the edge of a 120 ft high cliff, the Mussenden Temple is an amazing sight. Located in the downhill demesne the open clifftop walk to the temple offers the most delightful views over Downhill Beach towards Magilligan Point and County Donegal, Portstewart and Fair Head.
4.North Antrim Coast
The beautiful North Antrim coast offers cove after cove of sheer cliffs that are ringed and striped by causeway stone, an abundance of lichens and bright coastal flowers during the warmer months.
Take in the view as the Atlantic waves crash against the rocks.
5.Pollnagollum Cave, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh
In the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopoark you’ll find Pollnagollum Cave, which is Irish for ‘hole of the doves’
The cave entrance is fed by a beautifully cascading waterfall that falls down a 12 metre limestone cliff to disappear into the depths of the cave.
It even appeared in the searies Game of Thrones.
6.Cave Hill Country Park, Belfast, Co. Antrim
On the outskirts of Belfast you’ll find the sleeping giant, distingusihed by its famouns ‘Napoleons nose’ it resembles the profile of the famous emperor Napoleon.
A 4.5 mile circular route passes several caves and offers wonderful views out across the city.
7.Whitepark Bay, Ballintoy, Co. Antrim
Back on the North Antrim Coast, this beautiful sandy bay is a must see for beach lovers and deserves a mention. Looking out over the Atlantic Ocean it forms a white arc between the two headlines on this beautiful coastline.
If you are looking for some new walking ideas and fancy something a little bit different we’ve found some quirky and interesting ideas spread out over Britain, that we hope might be of interest.
Walking doesn’t always have to be about climbing the highest hill or rambling through forests, sometimes we all fancy a change to keep things fresh and fun and there is absolutely no harm in that.
1.Glasgow School of Art walking tour
The Glasgow Miracle Tour takes you from the 1970’s to modern day looking at how artists, designers and architects have helped to shaped Glasgow and have contributed to its cultural regeneration.
The tour takes you through some of the city’s most amazing buildings, including the Charles Rennie Mackintosh building that was rebuilt after a fire four years ago. Definitely an unusual walk but also really very interesting and really quite educational.
2.Manchester’s Wonder Women 2018 Guided Tour
This year sees 100 years since women first gained the right to vote, and to celebrate this there a whole host of interesting things going on in Manchester, the birthplace of the suffragette movement back in 1903.
The Wonder Women Guided Tour will educate you in the lives of the many women who campaigned for equality over the last two centuries, with a special guided tour of the People’s History Museum.
3.Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter tours, Oxford
These book related tours in Oxford are just perfect for all of the family, so if you’ve little ones in tow you won’t be disappointed.
Oxford was the birthplace of Alice in Wonderland and on this unusual walk (there wasn’t much normal about Wonderland let’s face it!) you’ll tour the same hallways and gardens that Alice once walked. See the door in the Cathedral that is said to be the very one Alice went in to Wonderland through, and after the tour head for Alice’s shop where you’ll find all manner of Alice related products.
Along the way you’ll also get to see all of the Oxford film locations for the Harry Potter movies and can imagine yourself being right there in the action.
Piel Island is a tiny little place quite like no other. Home to a castle, a couple of houses and of course a pub, this island lies half a mile off the southern tip of the Furness Peninsula in the administrative county of Cumbria, and can be reached by ferry.
The ‘king’ of Piel Island is the pub landlord due to old traditions that are still very much alive today.
Many people come to Piel Island and camp over for super cheap rates and a fabulous experience, quite like no other.
The island is very chilled, children can roam about freely, it’s lovely to walk around and see the old castle and of course end the day in the pub, perfect!
5.A History of Terror, Belfast
This award winning non-partisan, non-political walking tour in Belfast was set up by a resident to highlight the lost human stories of the troubles the city has seen.
The tour lasts for about two hours and you’ll see several of the attack sites that took place between 1971 and 1976. Because of the nature of this unusual walk it’s really more for adults and older children.
If you’ve a group who would like to go along they will certainly taylor tours to your requirements, often doing the same for schools and universities.
6.The End of The World, Foula
It is easy to see how Virgil, an ancient Roman poet, once called Foula the end of the world.
Foula Island is one of Britain’s most remote inhabited islands and lies within the Shetland islands in Scotland.
There are about 30 people living here who are mostly sheep and pony farmers, and as you can imagine there are some simply beautiful walks in this location.
Many people come specifically to see the amazing variety of birdlife including puffin, skuas, razorbills and gannets, but whilst walking the beautiful, rugged coastline do watch out for seals.
This wild, rugged and stunning island will fill you will calmness and peace and is certainly an unusual walk and one that you won’t ever forget.
7.Britain’s deadliest path
If you fancy an unusual walk that will also mean you taking your life into your own hands then be brave and head for Britain’s deadliest path in….Essex of all places!
There is a churchyard nearby where 66 people lie buried, all victims of the same killer, the footpath from Wakering Stairs, seemingly out to sea before making landfall again on the Foulness Island.
This route makes it way over the Maplin Sands mudflats on the northern banks of the Thames Estuary, once marked by twigs that have since washed away. If you make it it’s a beautiful experience that at times feels a little like walking on water, but the big problem is getting the tide timings wrong. Get caught short and the tide sweeps in far faster than you can run and has claimed many lives.
The risk of encountering ‘unexploded ordnance’ from Ministry of Defence activities on Foulness Island if you stray too far from the Broomway route, adds an extra excitment to this walk.
If you do decide to give this route a go then please always use a local guide who knows the area well and will guide you safely there and back.
Sometimes Ireland can get a little over looked. If you are planning a trip away you might lean towards sunnier climes and far off destinations and all but forget about lovely Ireland. I for one am more than guilty of this, with family over there and with it always being on my ‘must go back soon’ list, I definitely haven’t made it to Ireland nearly often enough. If ever I’ve had the time and money for a break away I’ve chosen hot and sunny countries that are a million miles away from the motherland, the rainy UK.
However once you delve into Ireland’s stunning and varied landscapes, buzzing cities, amazing history and culture, you’ll wonder why you never visited before. 1.The Great Outdoors
If you love being outside in the elements, feeling the sun on your skin or the wind in your hair then Ireland may be perfect for you. With rugged countryside to explore, hiking and walking spots in abundance, opportunities to go surfing, sea kayaking, rock climbing, caving and mountain biking, you’ll be totally spoilt for choice.
If you want to be outside everyday then there will be something new waiting for you each morning when you visit Ireland.
2.The Cities
Dublin is the most obvious city to mention here, it is vibrant and buzzing, friendly and welcoming, you’ll struggle not to fall in love with Dublin and if you visit Ireland you must make a point of stopping here.
Ireland’s other cities are full of personality, from the colourful, arty, harbour city of Galway to the medieval Waterford city, the oldest in Ireland.
Whichever of the eleven cities you pick to visit you’ll have a very warm welcome from the locals who will happily share their stories with you over a pint of Guinness.
3.The Food
Irish food might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you are choosing to visit Ireland, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Traditional Irish dishes like irish stew, soda bread and colcannon can still very much be found, but there is definitely a new era of eating now. Think fresh, locally grown produce and catch of the day in the coastal locations including wild atlantic salmon, poached lobster and Dublin bay prawns. Seafood heaven!
4.The Castles
If history is your thing then you absolutely must visit Ireland to see the castles; gothic, stately or haunted, there are dozens to view.
Blarney Castle in southern Ireland is a favourite for many and gives you an opportunity to climb the ten storeys and kiss the Blarney stone at the top to get the ‘gift of the gab’ as the legend goes.
Doe Castle in County Donegal is a must see also simply because of its beautiful architecture and positioning right on a peninsula that has been completely surrounded by water via a moat cleaved into the rockside.
5.The Festivals
If anyone knows how to have a knees up and good time, its the Irish, and their festivals prove that. If you visit Ireland when a festival is taking place then grab tickets and go along, we assure you it will be fun.
From the famous St Patrick’s day celebrations to Galway Arts Festival and Cork Sailing Festival, there is something for everyone spread across all genres; music, food, film, comedy and literature.
6.The pubs
The pub are the coroner stone of Irish community, you’ll find bustling city pubs, upmarket gastro-pubs and cute and cosy village pubs, all as welcoming as each other and all with a fantastic range of stouts and lagers.
There really is nothing quite like an old-fashioned pub, sink into a big armchair in front of an open fire and forget the time, just enjoy the moment.
7.The beaches
You may now be thinking we’ve gone a little mad, Ireland, beautiful beaches? Yes, yes and yes. Ok we can’t guarantee you the sunshine but you will love them all the same.
Banna Strand beach in County Kerry is probably our favourite, think beautiful sand dunes for its entire 7 mile length, the Atlantic Ocean and amazing views out to the mountainous Dingle Peninsula.
Strandhill beach in county Sligo is another fine example of Irish beaches. This is a great beach for surfing but not as good for swimming. The area is really beautiful and has panoramic views of Knocknarea and Benbulben. There are some great walks around here too.
What better day out for a family then going for a walk. You’ll immerse yourself in nature, get the away from the TV and get some fresh air into your lungs whilst getting some exercise. Children love exploring nature and as long as you don’t pick a very difficult or long route then you’ll keep them interested and entertained throughout family walks.
There are just so many family walks to choose from in Ireland which boasts some breathtaking scenery that you may not know where to start. Don’t worry, we’ve handpicked six of our favourite walks that we think hold something for all of the family.
1.Lough Key Forest Park, County Roscommon
On the Southern Shore of Lough Key you’ll find a beautiful 800 hectare forest park.
There is a self-guided walk around the park so your children can take the lead and go discovering amongst the vast woodland. There are many types of trees, flowers and wildlife such as deer, fox, hare, rabbit and squirrel.
There are also underground tunnels which the children will love playing in and a nine meter high canopy walk, electric bikes, segways to bomb around the forest on and a brilliant adventure park.
2.Glengarriff, West Cork
Glengarriff is located right at the heart of West Cork and is a great spot for family walks. The area is stunning and is set right where the mountains meet the sea at Bantry Bay.
You’ll find a beautiful nature reserve that is great for all of the family to walk around, forming one of the best examples of oceanic sessile oak woodland in Ireland. The woods are nestled in the sheltered glen opening out into Glengarriff harbour.
Also in the area is the Ewe Sculpture Garden which is only a short walk but is always a favourite for the children with amazing sculptures, waterfalls and little bridges.
3.Bray to Greystones
The Bray to Greystones trail is simply gorgeous for family walks. The walk itself is relatively easy but does involve some scrambling which children will find a real adventure. The coast line is stunning and if you’re lucky you may even see barking seals hidden within the coves.
4.Causeway Coast, Antrim
The Causeway Coast is a beautiful route that can be seen in full via a roadt rip, but if you’re on foot then a great spot to head to is the Giant’s Causeway. The walk down to the causeway is quite long for little ones, but hang in there because its’ well worth the effort. Once you’re down there you’ll have fun jumping, steping and hopping on the interlocking basalt columns that total around 40,000 and make for a giant playground.
There are also some lovely National Trust walks along the causeway which would be suited to family walks.
5.The Great Western Greenway
If you’ve a young train enthusiast in the family then this walk is sure to please because it follows the disused railway line from Westport to Achill and for this reason is fairly flat all the way, which is great for little walkers.
During the summer months the route can get quite busy with other people and is a popular spot for family walks.
Along the way you’ll pass by some of the West of Ireland’s most dramatic mountains and magnificent views of Clew Bay and its islands.
6.The Connemara Way
The Connemara Way might not strike you straight away as a place for family walks as the difficulty levels vary greatly, but certain parts of this route are simply perfect for little feet.
The best spots to choose are the parts of the walks that go alongside the beach, these sections are flatter and mean the kids can play on the beach along the way, plus who doesn’t love walking alongside the beach?
This section of the Wild Atlantic Way is home to so many beaches we won’t list them all but three of our favourite spots include Omey Strand at the access point to the island of Omey. The beach here is huge which means plenty of space to let the kids run free. Coral Strand, Ballyconneely is another great beach for exploring since it is covered in coral rather than soft sand - no good for sandcastles but great for exploring and collecting pieces of coral in a bucket. Finally we love Glassilaun, Renvyle, one of the most famous beaches in the area because of its gorgeous soft sand and beautiful blue waters. This beach really shows the West of Ireland’s coastline at its most beautiful and provides family walks that you will adore.
Maybe your New Year Resolutions are going strong and you’re starting to reap the benefits or perhaps you gave them up after a week, you could be doing well but starting to wonder how you’re going to maintain them for the whole year?
Whatever your feelings are, a little bit of motivational help always goes a long way, that’s why we’ve come up with 7 ways to get you inspired to be active and find your walking motivation.
Most of our resolutions are based around eating healthier and being more active and walking is such a fantastic way to burn calories, give your a body a less pounding workout whilst still enjoying the benefits of exercising and being out in the fresh air.
1.Get an App
Fitness App’s are a great tool, there are many to choose from and each has a slightly different function, but essentially they are there to help keep you on track with your eating and exercise and can provide excellent walking motivation.
Many app’s will use the step count from your phone (if you have enabled this function) which is great to see how many steps you’re taking each day and can inspire you to try and beat your personal best. You’ll be surprised how many steps you clock up if you go for a nice walk or just make the effort to walk to the shops/school/work rather than driving.
2.Register for a Walking Event
Registering for a charity event can give you some great walking motivation. First of all you are walking for something other than yourself which will encourage you because you won’t want to let down your chosen charity. Secondly it will also be really good for your walking motivation because it means you have a date and a goal to work towards.
3.Get some walking friends
Sometimes when its raining, grey and cold outside it is near impossible to find walking motivation, even though we know that getting out there will end up making us feel happier and more energised. This is where walking friends are great. If you can encourage friends to get their walk on with you and plan regular sessions, then you can motivate each other.
It’s likely that somebody in the friends group will be feeling really unmotivated on one day and another member will be feeling pretty up for it and it’s such a help when this person spurs on the rest of the group.
4.Join a walking club
Joining a walking club works on a similar premise to walking with friends except this way you will meet new like minded people and perhaps even make new friends.
The advantage of walking in a specific walking group is gaining access to great route ideas from other members, heaps of walking advice and loads of moral support and motivation.
5.Treat yourself to new walking gear
If your drive is lagging then perhaps it is time to treat yourself to some new walking gear. Get to the shops and buy some new, specific walking clothes and shoes if your budget will allow. Walking gear is absolutely not essential to walking, a good pair of walking shoes is about the only necessity. If though you do feel like spending a little hard earned cash then we can promise you that new gear will get you excited about walking again and will make you feel good as you walk, always great for walking motivation.
6.Combine your walk with another activity
If it is possible then combine your walk with something else that you are doing. If you need to pop out to the shops and would normally drive then think about walking instead, don’t drive to places that are within walking distance.
Maybe you are meeting friends at the pub for lunch? Walk there. You’ll have earned your food/drinks and can eat with less guilt, and what could be better for walking motivation than the end result being the pub!
Perhaps you could hop off your bus/the tube a stop or two earlier and walk into work, or if you drive then find a place that’s a little distance away to park, you’ll be surprised how much difference these short walks make to your step count, diet plan and general health.
7.Set goals and tell people about them
Decide what your walking goals are and talk to people about them. Once you’ve put it out there you’ll feel less likely to chicken out since you’ll have friends and colleagues asking how your walking is going and giving you a hard time if you’ve ducked out!
Be realistic with your goals, start small and work up. You could choose by walk length or time yourself and see if you’re getting quicker. Perhaps hills are starting to seem less like hell to climb, so set yourself hill walk goals. Sometimes all we need is something to aim towards to help us with our walking motivation.
Hopefully some of these tips will help you with your walking motivation, but do keep in mind that walking is meant to be fun, so just enjoy yourself whilst walking, take in the views, smells, sounds and wildlife and enjoy breathing in that fresh air in the knowledge that you are improving your health. You are doing a great job, keep up the good work!
If you haven’t been to, or even heard of Holmfirth before then you’re really missing out. Holmfirth is a small town that sits in the Holm Valley in West Yorkshire. With beautifully hilly streets, boutique stores, pubs and restaurants galore and a really creative, arty vibe, it’s definitely worth a visit. Most famous for being the setting for the TV series Last of the Summer Wine, Holmfirth also plays host to a music festival, folk festival, film festival and art markets. But look beyond the lovely town itself and you’ll find rolling countryside just waiting to be discovered on foot, and so we are going to list our favourite places to go walking in and around Holmfirth.
Three Reservoirs
If you don’t have a whole lot of time, or you’re walking in Holmfirth with children or those less able then this is a great track as its nice and short at 1.5 miles.
If takes you around Ramsden Reservoir with gorgeous views of the Holme Moss moorland in the background. From here you’ll also walk past Riding Wood and Brown Hill Reservoir, all abundant with local wildlife if you keep your eyes peeled. There are a couple of steep sections along the way but nothing too difficult to negotiate.
There is a car park which also has a lovely picnic area if you’re walking in Holmfirth in the warmer months.
Digley Reservoir, Blackpool Bridge and Goodbent
This walk is just over 5 miles and starts in Digley, leading onto Blackpool Bridge and Goodbent and is a circular walk so you won’t need to worry about transport for the other end.
Walking in Holmfirth on this route takes you along stone walled lanes and moorland paths.
Starting at the beautiful Digley Reservoir you’ll head towards the Blackpool Bridge located above the Reservoir with brilliant views. The peace and quiet in this area will draw you in as you walk down into the valley.
You’ll find a carpark and small picnic area in Digley and the walk itself is of moderate difficulty.
Hepworth Bluebell Walk
If you’re walking in Holmfirth then this beautiful route can be taken on at any time of the year but is particularly lovely in May when the bluebells are out in force. The Morton Woods come alive with these stunning flowers and its a real feast for the eyes.
This walks is just over 3 miles so not too taxing and there is a great pub, The Butchers Arms in Hepworth to end up in if you fancy a treat after all of your hard work!
The Morton Woods have a length of 3.32 km and are very quiet and tranquil, you may even find yourselves the only people walking in Holmfirth in this particular area if you’re lucky.
Last of the Summer Wine Walk
If you have time to do some walking in Holmfirth then it wouldn’t be quite right not to do the Last of the Summer Wine, 5 mile walk.
This circular walk takes you past some of the landmarks that you’ll recognise from the TV series (if you’re old enough to remember it!). You’ll start out in Holmfirth and head out into the valleys and countryside surrounding this gorgeous town.
The walk is of medium difficulty and follows good paths and a few stiles along the way.
The River Ribble Ramble
On this stunning, near 7 mile walk around the valley you will explore old lanes, woods, ruined villages and cobbled town paths. It’s a really varied walk that will keep you interested the whole way along.
The River Ribble, a tributary for the River Holme, bounces down from the moors until it reaches the Nook in Holmfirth.
Expect uphill climbs and wonderful views.
Walking in Holmfirth is a lovely experience, people you meet along the way are generally super friendly and will help you if you need route advice (or knowledge on where the nearest pub is!). The peace and quiet will astound you and the views out across the vast valleys and moors provide some fabulous head space and great spots to sit for a while and just be.
Perhaps you’ve never really thought about going on a walk in the night rather than the day, or maybe the idea makes you nervous or you feel that wouldn’t really see anything anyway, so what’s the point right? Well think again. Taking a night walk can allow you to see familiar areas in a totally new light. City streets are quiet, country walks can feel like you’re totally alone, and on a clear night looking up to the sky can be reason enough for a night walk.
We’ve selected some fabulous night walks below that might wet your whistle and change your mind about walking in the dark of the night.
1.Exmoor National Park
This area was the first ever park in Europe to be designated an International Dark Sky Reserve which means its a brilliant place to watch the stars.
If you walk around the Dunkery Beacon in the Holnicote Estate you’ll reach the 1700 foot summit and will have uninterrupted views of the whole sky. It’s really quite a humbling experience to be able to see out so clearly.
2.Keswick, Cumbria
A gorgeous night walk starts in lovely Keswick and takes you down to Friar’s Crag. This trail is fairly easy but do remember to take torches.
The end of the trail winds up at a viewpoint that overlooks the length of Derwentwater right into the Borrowdale Valley. This is a beautiful spot to sea the night sky and is about as peaceful as it gets.
Along the way you may be lucky enough to hear tawny owls if you are very quiet.
3.Stackpole, Pembrokeshire
Stackpole is home to a designated Dark Sky Discovery site and provides access to the beautiful stretch of coastline in this area.
A night walk here would offer immense tranquility, beautiful views to watch the sun go down if you fancy walking into the night and a spectacular chance to star gaze.
You’ll definitely need to take a torch with you and do watch out when crossing the lake on the narrow bridges; these will be harder to negotiate in the dark with only a torch and the moon to guide your way.
4.Hampstead Heath, London
You might think London an odd choice for a night walk, perhaps you’d see it as too dangerous or just too light polluted for it to make any sense, but if you take yourself on a walk through Hampstead Heath at night you’ll see London in a whole new light.
Hampstead Heath is the highest point in London and the best spot to stargaze in the capital. But not only that, it provides wonderful views out across London at night.
If you fancy taking your star gazing to the next level yo/#’u could head to Lower Terrace to the Hampstead Observatory where you can use the telescopes for free some evenings during the winter months.
5.Hook Peninsula, Wexford
There are many places to enjoy a night walk in Ireland of course, and a vast amount of the country lies in complete darkness in the night which makes for absolutely amazing stargazing.
A great spot to start is the Hook Peninsula in Wexford.
This beautiful area of coast line juts out into the Irish sea with perfect beaches to show by day. At night though the sky comes alive here because it is such a remote location. The star gazing is second to none and is set against the relaxing sound of the waves rolling onto the beaches.
If you still have some reservations about taking a night walk we do get it. Night walking is kind of the opposite to what we are conditioned to do. We like to get cosy and batten down the hatches once the sun has gone down, but there is still a whole world out there and night brings many differences; nocturnal animals come out to play, the sky lights up with stars and generally you’ll have night walks completely to yourself whilst everyone else locks themselves indoors.
Play it safe and walk with someone else or even start a night walking group and always be prepared with torches and warm clothes. Plan your routes before setting out so you can avoid any notoriously unsafe areas, you really don’t want to put yourself at risk and spend the whole walk worrying about who’s around the next corner, but do get out there at night and see what it’s all about - we think you’ll love it.
Scotland is a land made to have adventures in, with natural beauty all around including rugged coastline, magnificent mountains, glistening lochs and deep glens, its a country that beckons you outside to explore.
We’ve picked some of our favourites Scottish adventure walks and activities that are sure to get the heart pounding and the blood pumping.
1.Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail
You might be familiar with the Glenfinnan Viaduct from its feature in a certain Harry Potter movie! So a visit here will tick the Scottish adventure box if you have children with you too.
Many people just come along to have a look and take a snap of the famous and very beautiful viaduct, but if you hang around for a while there is a lovely short walk that offers amazing views of Loch Shiel. Some of the trail is pretty steep so young children probably wouldn’t be advised.
2.Arthur’s Seat
This extinct volcano lies within Holyrood Park and the view from the top is quite wonderful offering brilliant views of the city of Edinburgh from the top. You don’t have to be a mountaineer to enjoy this Scottish adventure either, this 3 mile walk is pretty pleasant with a bit of a rocky climb to the summit but nothing too taxing and definitely worth the effort.
There are also six other hills around Edinburgh that can be climbed within two hours, all offering fantastic views over the city where you’ll get a peaceful moment away from the hustle and bustle.
3.Coire Gabhail
The Coire Gabhail is also known as the Lost Valley, and when you arrive you’ll see why. With its atmospheric peaks and vast mountainous scenery it is really striking and quite the Scottish adventure.
The hike through the Coire Gabhail is a two to three hour trek that is really rough and rugged with very dramatic scenery.
The paths can be steep and rocky in places with some mild scrambling needed along the way. If you are a seasoned pro then you could tackle this route in the winter when there is snow lying on the ground when you’d need an ice-axe, crampons and a lot of prior preparation on the area. For those who would be a little nervous at this prospect the warmer months are for you when there is no snow on the ground.
4.Munro Bagging
‘Munro Bagging’ as the locals call it is certainly a Scottish adventure, definitely a challenge and is not for the faint hearted.
To complete this you’ll need to climb Scotlands Munro’s, a list of mountains that have been named after Sir Hugh T Munro.
The highest Munro is Ben Nevis at 1345m tall, and although lower than some of the other peaks they present their own challenges. The Black Cuillin offers a truly Alpine walking and climbing environment with rocky peaks rising out of the sea and so many wonderful trails of all difficulty levels. Some peaks can be reached by a tough walk whilst others will involve ropes and climbing.
There are 282 peaks in total so this is more of a project to work on and you won’t be alone, many people strive to complete this list and over 6000 ‘Munroists’ or ‘compleatists’ have done it so far.
5.West Island Way
The West Island Way walk is a real Scottish adventure that covers 96 miles starting from Milngavie and finishing up in Fort William.
The beauty of this trail is the iconic attractions you’ll see along the way; Mugdock Country Park, Loch Lomond, Ben Lomond, Glen Falloch, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, Devil’s staircase, Lairigmor, Glen Nevis and more.
You won’t be alone in your walk here though, some 30,000 walkers each year take on the West Island Way because of its stunning scenery of dramatic mountains, lochs and panoramic views.
The trail can be walked in a week and there are campsites along the route. If your preference is more on the wild side and you are planning on wild camping then just be aware of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code that will have rules and information that you’ll need to be respectful of.
6.Highland Perthshire Bungee Jumping
As well as amazing walks in the Highland Perthshire area there is also an opportunity to bungee jump if you’re feeling brave. This was the UK’s first static bungee jump and takes place on a specially constructed platform suspended below the Garry Bridge over the beautiful River Garry near Pitlochry.
If you a brave enough for this Scottish adventure, the bungee workers will tell of finding a connection with the dramatic and inspiring landscape through the exhilaration of the jump. If you manage to keep your eyes open you might well experience this!
If you’ve always wanted to try a bungee then this is a really special place to do it.
7.Glentress Forest Mountain Biking
If you fancy something a little different than walking for a change then why not hire out a mountain bike and head off into the Glentree Forest. This is perfect place for a Scottish adventure and you’ll ride with obstacles, dips and jumps all set into the beautiful landscape. At the Glentree Forest site there are trails for all levels so the whole family will be happy. Ride the family friendly, easy green trail while you soak up the views, or hit the severe black trail that includes huge climbs and even bigger descents - you won’t have much time to notice the view on this ride.
8.Isle of Tiree Kite Surfing
Finally, we head to the coast. Scotland has a divine coastline ranging from rugged rocky coves to beautiful pristine sandy beaches, it would be wrong not to pay them a visit.
But rather than a nice chilled stroll why not up the pace and try your hand at kite surfing.
Kite surfing takes a little bit of wakeboarding, paragliding and surfing, and combines them into one, really fun adrenaline sport.
The Isle of Tiree itself is home to Gott Bay, a beautiful horseshoe in shape with flat, shallow water, perfect for kite surfing.
Definitely use the school there for this Scottish adventure. You’ll learn more, pick up the sport more quickly and can start enjoying it faster.
Once you’re suitably exhausted then head for the Tiree Lodge Hotel for some chill time.
Generally people seem to swing one of two ways when it comes to a walking app, they either find them super useful and would use them on most walks, or they like an old-fashioned route map and wouldn’t touch a walking app with a barge pole. Whatever your stance on them, it can’t be denied that they are a useful tool when it comes to walking and have encouraged many people to get into hiking who may not have headed out otherwise.
Below we’ve picked our top six.
1.RouteBuddy
RouteBuddy is for iPhone and iPad and supplies topographical, aerial, road and Ordnance Survey mapping.
This mapping system works really well, the downside is you do have to pay for each map that you want to use.
If you like to print out your maps you can do this from RouteBuddy and take the hard copy with you.
Maps are stored offline so you don’t have to worry if you are in the middle of the countryside and have zero internet connection.
2.OutDoors GreatBritain
This walking app offers the full range of ordnance survey maps and although downloading them can be quite pricey you do get to keep them for life.
You can choose maps according to your favourite walking locations and they will work wherever you are with or without reception. This app is used by walkers, runners and cyclists alike and is dedicated to outdoors enthusiasts.
3.GD Nat Parks
This is a great app for the iPhone costing £7.99 and allowing access to maps of all of Britain’s national parks for no extra costs once the app has been purchased.
You’ll have complete access wherever you are which saves loads of planning time. The only thing to watch out for is the detail on the maps perhaps not being as fine as some of the other apps.
4.MapMyWalk
A great walking app for encouraging you to get out and about encouraging healthy habits with an intuitive design, this app is function loaded and easy to use.
If you pop in your height and weight details it’ll count your steps and calories burned as you walk, always a nice treat to see how many cals have been burned after all of your hard work.
With this app you can plan a walk or you can simply walk and let it track your distance, elevation, time, speed and so on. This is a great benefit if you’re new to walking and want to try and improve certain areas with each walk.
There are also routes, worksout and nutrition advice among other things. You can also share your journey on Facebook if you fancy a little brag!
5.Viewranger
This walking app will inspire you with thousands of great route guide ideas and detailed ordnance survey maps that you can download. These will work even if you’re offline in the middle of your walk so no need to worry about being lost in the wilderness with no phone access. ViewRanger see themselves as an all-in-one trail guidebook, navigator and adventure hub in your pocket.
6.Abvio
Last and by no means least is Abvio, a stunning walking app for iPhone and Android. This is a powerful walking accomplice which maps, graphs, intervals, laps, announcements, zones, training plans and even more, in fact there isn’t much this app can’t do.
It’ll monitor your time, altitude and speed whilst you walk and break your walk down for you.
The functionality is extensive and the app comes highly recommended.
The Lake District is an area in the North West of England that is famous for its lakes, mountains and forests. Many people visit the Lake District for peace and tranquillity, countryside, nature and walking.
15 million people head there annually and it’s not hard to see why, if you’ve not been we’ve some top tips below on where to stay and what to do.
The Lake District covers 885 square miles so first of all you need to decide what you want from your break. Do you want to be near a town so you can go out for dinners and drinks or do you want to be as remote as it gets and hide away in a log cabin somewhere in the depths of the countryside?
The biggest towns are Windermere and Ambleside and have all of the amenities you would want whilst being close to the main sights of the central lakes. To the north of the Lake District lies Keswick which makes a great base for exploring the Northern Lakes and some of the beautiful valleys in the area including Borrowdale, Newlands and Buttermere.
To the west of the Lakes you’ll find Wasdale; this area is home to the highest fell in the Lakes, Scafell Pike.
Finally to the east of the Lakes lies Kendall (where Kendall Mint Cake originates!) from where you can explore Ullswater and the Eden Valley.
It’s a hard choice when picking where to stay as you can’t really go wrong, the whole of the Lake District is outstandingly beautiful with plenty of walks for all abilities.
For beginner walkers Ambleside is a great place to start. It is easily accessible by bus, train or car and has many accomodation types, pubs, restaurants and shops. Wansfell Pike is a fabulous walk and if you get a clear day the views of Lake Windermere from the top are incredible.
If you want to push yourself a little more than why not head for the west and climb Scafell or Scafell Pike. These are the two highest mountains in England and are not to be attempted without prior preparation. The two mountains are separated by the pass of Mickledore and although the second highest of the two, Scafell has arguably the best views in all directions.
Scafell Pike has rocky and rugged paths that are very steep and seem almost never ending as you reach the top. The Pike is often misty and can quickly disorientate even the most experienced of walker.
Lower paths are much more well defined and gentle but still need to be approached sensibly.
The weather in the Lake District is extremely unpredictable and can turn very quickly, if you are walking you need to keep in mind the forecast for the day and keep a watch out. Its much better to turn back and save that walk for another day than press on and become lost in the mist and dropping temperatures. No walk is worth putting your own life at risk and those who may come out to search for you.
Generally though walking in the Lake District is a wonderful, awe-inspiring experience. The fresh air will fill you entirely and you’ll find some head space to clear your mind and gather your thoughts. Yes, in peak times you will come in contact with other walkers, but from our experience you’ll find them to be very friendly, like minded people.
