If you are taking the time to read this blog then the chance’s are you are a keen walker like us, looking for new and interesting walking ideas for the year ahead, sound about right?
With such a variety of landscapes in the UK we are incredibly lucky with the walking opportunities that have, and being a small island it doesn’t take too long to get to most parts of the country. With all of the choice it can make choosing your next walking destination quite difficult.
We’ve put our heads together and selected our very favourite walks in the UK which we think you’ll also love.
Enjoy!
Hadrians Wall
The Hadrian’s Wall Path is an 84 mile long National Trail stretching coast to coast across northern England, from Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway on the west coast.
It follows the line of Hadrian’s Wall, along the way passing through some of the most beautiful parts of England. Think rolling fields and rugged moorland and the vibrant cities of Newcastle and Carlisle.
You don’t have to do the Trail in one go to enjoy the best it has to offer. There are lots of circular walks based on the Trail for all abilities to enjoy, so whether you’re after a real challenge or just a days walking, you’ll find it in this beautiful part of the world.
Hadrian’s Wall is a World Heritage Site with history every step of the way; you’ll walk past Roman settlements and forts, and bustling market towns with cosy pubs that welcome walkers in.
If you would like to walk the entire length of the trail and are an experienced walker then we would recommend allowing 6 or 7 days and if you’d like to check out the Roman sites along the way then definitely add longer.
The Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall
The spectacular coastal path around Cornwall’s Lizard peninsula attracts thousands of walkers every year and it is not difficult to see why. With sweeping crescent views west to St Michael’s Mount, Newlyn and Mousehole, dark cliffs and beautiful beaches lining the shores, it is one of the most beautiful parts of the country.
The rare geology of the area creates a haven for exceptional plants and flowers so if you are a plant expert you’ll be in your element here.
Around the coastline you’ll find little fishing ports with huge granite sea walls to protect from the Atlantic gales, restaurants specialising in freshly caught seafood, and gorgeous sandy bays with jagged black rocks jutting out into the sea.
The villages around The Lizard are just gorgeous; think tiny thatched cottages at the ends of the valley in coves where a handful of fishermen catch fresh crab and lobster. There are inviting pubs by the shore to drink and eat and while away an afternoon.
Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
The Causeway Coast Way is a beautiful route along the most celebrated stretch of coastline in Northern Ireland. At its heart is the geological wonder of the Giant’s Causeway and the iconic Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.
Along this walk expect to see gorgeous sandy beaches, cliff-top paths, a castle and natural rock arches.
The walk itself is a relatively easy low-lying walk that will take an average walker around 2-3 days to complete. The trail links the popular tourist towns of Ballycastle and Portstewart.
Coniston Round, Lake District
The Coniston Fells are fronted by the rugged face of Coniston Old Man and the towering cliffs of Dow Crag. These two stunning mountains are a big enough draw to this area, but add the array of peaks stacked up behind them and it's easy to understand why a walk around this collection of fells is one of our UK favourites.
There are a total of seven summits in the Coniston Fells, all of which can be reached from Coniston. There are several options to shorten the day, however, walking the entire group will be sure to grant a huge feeling of satisfaction. Save this one for a long summers day so that you have maximum time to enjoy the walk and can soak up the balmy summer views.
Kintyre Way, Scotland
The Kintyre Way was established in 2006 and runs along the length of the Kintyre peninsula, starting at the picturesque village of Tarbert in the north to Machrihanish in the south.
The route passes through a variety of landscapes including tiny fishing villages, beautiful conifer forests, beaches, open hills and moors.
The narrow peninsula means that the sea is never far away, and the superb views take in many islands including the mountains of Jura and Arran, fertile Islay and Gigha.