Beautiful Walks in Holmfirth, Yorkshire

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.

5 Amazing Night Walks

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.

8 Adventure Walks and Activities in Scotland

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.

6 of the Best Walking Apps

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.

Walking in the Lake District

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.

5 Winter Walking Tips

There is absolutely no need to let the cold weather stop you from taking those walks that you love, winter walking just means being a little bit more prepared. Some of the most beautiful days can be found in the winter when the sun is glowing low in the bright blue sky, there is a crisp frost and everything looks bright and colourful. Granted days like these are often really, really chilly, but make the right preparations and you’ll enjoy your winter walking just as much as any sun soaked summer stroll.

1.Wear breathable layers

Breathable layers are just about the best clothing to wear during any hike, including chilly winter ones. Although it’s freezing cold, as you walk your body will get warm and produce sweat. If this sweat isn’t drawn away from your body it’s going to sit on your skin and get really, really cold.

Breathable fabrics wick sweat away from your skin, and if you layer up the heat will get trapped between the layers and keep you really toasty.

2.Stay warm when you stop for a break

When you take your much needed water/food/taking in the view stop, make sure to stay warm. Your body will have generated some nice heat for itself whilst you’ve been on the move and you don’t want to lose that precious heat.

An insulated jacket within your backpack is a great addition and you can pop it on for your pit stops to really help retain your body heat.

3.Wear mittens

Mittens aren’t just for looking cute, these fluffy accessories will also keep your hands super snug. With all of your fingers together they can benefit from the heat produced by all four and keep nice and toasty on even the coldest of days spent winter walking.

4.Wear the right footwear

If you’re out for some winter walking be sure to wear the right shoes. You will absolutely need waterproof boots and they need to feel really snug and warm. Its also a good idea to have boots with good grips as the conditions may be snowy or icy. You can also get traction devices to go over your boots which are brilliant if you do anticipate walking in these slippery conditions.

5.Allow 10 mins to warm up

Warming up when you’re going out in the cold to walk is vital since a cold body takes a lot longer to warm up and a few lungs and stretches just won’t be enough.

We’d recommend a ten minute warm up to make sure your heart and other muscles are ready for your winter walking ahead. The aim is to get your core temperature slightly up, which is of course harder on a colder day. Aerobic exercise is key to getting this temperature rise and will guarantee a good warm up ready for your chilly winter walking.

7 Christmas Traditions that you'll only know about if you're from Ireland

Although many christmas traditions are celebrated across the board; christmas trees, father christmas, stockings and so on, each and every family have their own little traditions that make christmas unique to them.

The Irish celebrate christmas in much the same way as the UK, USA and so on, but in typical Irish style there are certain little quirks and chritsmas traditions that the Irish do differently.

1.December 8th   

December 8th is the official start of christmas as per Irish christmas traditions. Once this date arrives you can expect decorations to go up, christmas markets and shopping to commence, parties to be had and plenty of christmas cheer to experience.

2.Christmas day swim

For the brave (or slightly crazy) one of the big Irish christmas traditions is the christmas day swim where all over Ireland’s coastline people take the plunge into the chilly, chilly waters, usually for charity. Head for Forty Foot, Sandycove, County Dublin or Portstewart in County Londonderry on christmas morning and you’ll be sure to catch these brave swimmers.

3.Mistletoe

One of today’s christmas traditions is having a cheeky kiss under the mistletoe, however the ancient Celts believed that mistletoe had healing powers. Soon after mistletoe was banned from being hung in houses as it was felt a sign of paganism.

Today mistletoe is once again hung, as a sign of goodwill and peace, and of course the occasional kiss is still welcomed.

4.Midnight Mass

Midnight mass is one of the strongest of Irish christmas traditions and for even the lesser church goers it’s a time to visit church and attend a beautiful christmas eve midnight mass service.

Often family and friends congregate at midnight mass services, catching up and welcoming in christmas together so they often have a fabulous, festive atmosphere with much merriment and cheer.

5.Guiness for santa

So we all know that it’s only right to leave out mince pies and perhaps a glass of something for santa and some carrots for the reindeers, but one of the Irish christmas traditions requires a Guinness to be left out for santa. Yep that’s right, a  big red can of Guinness waiting for santa to consume in each and every house!

6.The Wexford carol

One of the oldest known christmas carols was thought to originate from Enniscorthy, County Wexford. This carol dates back to the 12th century and tells the nativity story though song. Christmas traditions the world over include carols, what would christmas be without carol singers and traditional christmas music.

7.January 6th

In Irish christmas traditions the 6th of January marks the end of christmas and is also known as women’s rest day where traditionally women don’t participate in any kind of house work and the men take down all of the decorations, sort the house out after the christmas period and cook all of the meals. Woe betide any men who don’t abide by this tradition, its very bad luck apparently!

Whether you celebrate a very modern christmas or are a stickler for tradition, we all have our own christmas traditions that make christmas what it is to us and special in its own way.  Enjoy your christmas traditions whatever they may be.

5 Peaceful London Walks

When you think of London you think of a huge, bustling, vibrant city with noise, traffic, people everywhere and anything but peace and quiet. But if you delve deeper into London you will find little pockets of beauty, peace and quiet which are just perfect for getting away from the craziness and taking a London walk. 1.Morden Hall Park

Morden Hall was built in the 1770’s and is now owned by the National Trust. The 125 acre park is home to beautiful, peaceful gardens with many types of birds and over 2000 roses. The river Wandle meanders through the gardens and makes for a stunning London walk. If you have done your London walk and fancy getting crafty then they are running workshops throughout the festive period and if you’ve got little ones they can meet father christmas or browse the christmas goodies in the shop.

2.Little Venice to Camden

This London walk takes you along the canalside from Little Venice to Camden and is surely the prettiest canal walk in London. It’s a two mile route that passes through Regent’s Park and Little Venice before reaching Camden. This is a surprisingly quiet route and you could be fooled into thinking you were in the countryside at times, not central parts of London. On arrival into Camden you’ll notice things get busier (particularly if its a weekend!) and we’d advise a visit to the markets for a refresh, some food and a drink after your a stroll.

3.Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Site with the largest and most diverse collection of living plants in the world. For this reason it is absolutely beautiful and a world away from the bustle of London. There is so much to do at Kew aside from  the walks; visit the Hive, an incredible multi-sensory experience designed to highlight the life of bees or the treetop walkway 18 meters above the ground with breathtaking views across the gardens. Christmas also brings delights when the trails are lit with over a million twinkling lights, turning the gardens into a magical wonderland. This is a London walk not to be missed.

4.Inner Temple Garden

The Inner Temple Garden lies within one of the four Inns of Court. This three acre garden is home to wide lawns sweeping towards the river and hosts many rare and unusual trees. This place will astound you, right in the middle of London you will be overwhelmed by the peace and quiet to be found here. It is also home to a variety of wildlife including robins, thrushes, coal-tits and blue-tits. You may even catch a glimpse of a heron by the pond side. This is the perfect place to just come and stroll or even just sit and chill, eat your lunch and gather your thoughts, especially on a lovely summer’s day, but you might have to wait a little while for that!

5.Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath nature reserve is wild and untamed and offers a walking experience within London like no other. There are 30 pond’s on the heath which attract a variety of wildlife. The hidden gem of Hampstead Heath is the open space on the northwest side called the Heath Extension and was originally farmland. Head here and you’ll feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of London. The beautiful thing about the Heath though is that you can sneak glimpses of the whole of London as you look down from your peaceful spot, and that’s really quite special.

London is a magical city for its vibrant feel and buzz that you can’t quite explain, but just occasionally, especially if you live here, you feel the need for some quiet time and these little places of peace are just fabulous locations to go for a London walk.

How to avoid Blisters when Walking

 

Getting blisters when walking has to be the number one annoyance that is sure to completely ruin your walk. Having a blister will put a quick halt to your walk pretty quickly and you out of action until the blister has healed. The best advice when it comes to blisters when walking is prevention, prevention, prevention. Sometimes though these things happen, so how do we go about avoiding blisters when walking?

The first way to keep your feet happy is to choose the right pair of shoes. Go into a variety of walking stores and try on all shapes and sizes until you are perfectly sure that you’ve found the most comfortable pair for your feet. What works for one person won’t necessarily work for another so don’t go on recommendation, just go and find out for yourself. Don’t be lured into thinking the old ‘they’ll be great once I’ve broken them in’ - this almost never works. In order for them to be comfortable whilst walking they need to feel comfortable in store right from the get go. Chose a pair with a good sized toe box because toes rubbing into each other and toenails in the picture too can make for the perfect recipe for blister when walking. Also if shoes are too big and sloppy then your feet will move around inside them and make for lots of rubbing and potential blisters.

Now, having said not to rely on ‘breaking them in’ the next piece of advice is actually to break them in. Although they should feel super comfortable in the shop and around the house, when they’ve been on your feet for hours on end during a hike they may tell a different story. So do wear them around the house or out for short walks at any given opportunity to get your feet used to them and them to your feet before you embark on your first big hike. This should set up a good foundation to avoid blisters when walking.

If you look after your feet you can actually toughen them up whilst taking care of them. If you start getting calluses don’t be tempted to file them away, they may not look great but they are a walkers friend since they toughen up the skin making them far less blister prone. You don’t have to ignore them though, moisturising them will help avoid painful cracks which will hinder your walking nearly as much as blisters themselves. Some professional long distance walkers and runners actually toughen up their feet by soaking them in tannic acid or tea soak which toughens up the skin and helps avoid blisters when walking. Lubricating your feet with vaseline is a good idea too, this reduces the friction that results in blisters. Rub it on your feet under your socks and you’ll feel the difference. It’s worth noting though that Vaseline doesn’t easily come out of socks.

During your walk make sure to keep your feet dry. Sweaty or wet feet are far more prone to blisters so if your shoes get very wet then make sure to take them off, and your socks, and air your feet. Keep spare pairs of dry socks in your bag to replace wet ones. Some people swear by using antiperspirant on the feet before walking to keep sweat at bay. If you know you are prone to blisters then you can cover them before you walk. There are all sorts of option of plasters and tape to pop over the spot and make sure you avoid blisters when walking.

Whatever measure you go to to stop blisters there will always be times when you just can’t avoid it, but if you are prepared and do the best you can to stop the little blighters showing up then you will notice a marked difference and will really have much more enjoyable walking experiences.

3 City Walks in Ireland

When you think of going walking in Ireland you immediately think of beautiful uninterrupted countryside, mountains, rivers and lakes, but did you know that there are some really fantastic city walks in Ireland too? These can often be overshadowed by countryside walks which is understandable, the Irish countryside is simply beautiful, but we think you’ll love these three city walks too. 1.Dublin Dublin is a bustling city on Ireland’s east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey. Primarily people visit Dublin to check out its array of shops, pubs, restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions, but hidden amongst the hustle and bustle you’ll find some fabulous city walks that even the most avid hiker will love. Being a relatively small city you can do some self-guided city walks that will allow you to see some of the major attractions without having to walk for miles and miles. O’Connell Bridge is a great central starting point and did you know it is reported as being the only bridge in the world that is as wide as it is long? From here you are bang in the middle to walk to all parts of the city, with the affluent southside on one side and the once slumsy northside on the other. Check out the O’Connell memorial and the angel crushing a serpent, plus the Irish wolfhound that is complete with bullet holes from the fighting in 1916. The Garden of Rememberance and Moore Street Market are great to visit plus the Ha'penny Bridge, Temple Bar and the Bank of Ireland. Trinity College is a beautiful, impressive building which can then follow along to Grafton Street, St Stephen's Green and Merrion Row. There is a lot to see in the city centre and it depends how much time you’ve allowed as to how far you can go and what you can see, so pick your wishlist and crack on with your city walk.

If you’d like to get away from the hustle and bustle a bit then head down to the docklands where you’ll find stunning modern architecture, historic buildings, art galleries and river trips. If you fancy a little peace and quiet you could head up to the Hellfire Club / Montpelier Loop trail which starts near Montpelier Hill, north of Dublin’s Marlay Park and Edmonston and loops around. At the top are the ruins of Mount Perlier, now known as the Hellfire Club.

2.Galway Galway is a harbour city on Ireland’s west coast sitting where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean and is the second largest city in Ireland. Think festivals, beautiful coastline, independent book stores, pubs, aquariums and museums. Since you’re on foot you could do what many have done before you and take a pub walking tour, you’ll get to see the city whilst enjoying a beer or two in traditional Irish pubs where the log fires are lit and the locals are welcoming. If pub city walks aren’t your thing though we are sure the Salthill walk will be. With one of the most beautiful panoramas in Galway, Irish countryside stretched for miles and sandy beaches at your fingertips you are sure to enjoy this walk. You could also have a horse ride on the beach, play golf or even go diving.

3.Cork Cork is just inland from Ireland’s southwest coast and is centred around the river Lee. This is a university city so is busy and vibrant whilst having Irish countryside on its doorstep. You could easily do a whistle stop tour of the city in 60 to 90 minutes and if you’ve got longer then pick your must-see areas and wander around soaking up the atmosphere. Many people who live here will tell you that Cork holds the real essence of Ireland so take in the culture, chat to locals and enjoy your city walks. Places of interest to visit might include Cork City Goal, the English Markets, Farmgate Cafe perched on a balcony overlooking the markets is a great place to grab a coffee, Cork Opera House, Market Lane and Triskel Arts Centre are to name but a few.

If you fancy exploring the areas that surround Cork then you could try the Tracton Wood Walk. Tracton Wood is a long narrow V shaped wood in a river valley. Walks here are really beautiful but the wood is quite steep in parts so best to bear that in mind. In the lower parts of the wood the pine trees are dense which means this area is often quite dark which can feel like a real adventure, especially for little ones. There are some lovely, relatively flat trails by the river.

Ireland is a country with many faces, from luscious countryside, to beaches and mountains, there is so much to explore but certainly don’t overlook their fabulous cities and the city walks that these offer.

5 of the Most Luxurious Hotels in Ireland

We all want to get the most for our money and read about bargain hotels and how to travel on a budget, but sometimes you might just want to splash out on a bit of luxury - perhaps you’re celebrating an anniversary or have been saving hard for an exciting trip. Ireland has many a magnificent luxury hotel to offer if you are looking for that really special experience and we’ve listed our five favourites below.

1. Dromoland Castle, Hotel and County Estate, Clare

Dromoland Castle Hotel is a stunning, majestic castle which was previously home to the O’Briens of Dromoland who were the Kings of Thomond. This luxury hotel is everything you would want from a stay in a castle; think antique chandeliers, sweeping staircases, huge welcoming log fires and luxurious plush sofas. The castle boasts a 400 acre estate that you can spend time exploring, with a lake to wander around and activities on offer like archery or a falconry experience. The luxury hotel has its own Golf and Country Club and beautiful Spa for some proper rest and relaxation. Located Conveniently close to Shannon International Airport if you are flying in and don’t want to waste precious time travelling then this is ideal.

2. The Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney

This is one of the most popular 5 star luxury hotels in Ireland. Located in Killarney overlooking the beautiful lakes with the McGillycuddy Reeks mountain range as the backdrop, it is really breathtaking. The Europe Hotel has a real elegance, with modern meeting warm and welcoming. There are a range of activities on offer here including golf, horse riding, boating and fishing, walking and hiking, tennis, swimming, gym activities and spa treatments. You will certainly have enough to fill your time, that’s if you don’t just want to spend it sipping wine in the panorama restaurant with views that are out of this world.

3. The Marker Hotel, Dublin

The Marker Hotel is a modern, luxury hotel in the lively and wonderful city of Dublin with views out across the city. With a stunning rooftop bar and terrace serving locally sourced ingredients with innovative ideas and excellent service. If your looking for a luxury hotel in the city you can’t go far wrong with The Marker. The rooms are light and fun with fantastic views. Bespoke armchairs and sofas create the perfect space for chilling out while long console desks provide loads of space for catching up on some work if you feel inclined.

4. Hayfield Manor, Cork

If traditional, beautiful elegance is your thing then you’re going to love this  family owned, boutique luxury hotel in Cork. This is  an oasis of calm in the vibrant city of Cork nestled in private walled gardens so you really feel away from the hustle and bustle. With a number of places to dine on delicious food you can be sure you’ll eat well. They also cater for vegan and vegetarian diets. The Spa has treatment rooms for total pampering, plus an indoor heated pool with a relaxation room overlooking it. Thi hotel has luxury and relaxation at the heart of it and you can really feel that during your stay.

5. The Savoy, Limerick

This is a boutique, luxury hotel in the heart of Limerick. Situated at the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way there are some great places to visit nearby including the Cliffs of Moher and King John’s Castle. The hotel itself is elegant and luxurious with varying room types, if you fancy splashing out a little more you could book an Executive King Room which has access to the superior executive lounge on the 7th floor. Here you can enjoy complimentary light snacks, tea and coffee. Ayurvedic spa treatments are on offer if you’re looking for some pampering and they also offer an extensive list of laser light treatments.

Ireland is abound with many a luxury hotel, please get in touch if you’d like any further information. Whatever your taste we’re pretty sure we’ll find a luxury hotel for you. From castle’s in the middle of the countryside to luxury city break hotels, Ireland is a fabulous place to visit in the winter months. Log fires are lit, hearty meals are on offer and the locals are so welcoming and friendly you’ll probably not want to go back to the daily grind.

Spooky Travel Destinations you will Love this Halloween

The end of October brings darker evenings, autumn in full flow, orange and brown leaves littering parks and streets, warm winter woolies pulled from cupboards, and of course it brings Halloween.This is an excellent time to wrap yourself up and get outside walking, the autumnal scenes are breathtaking and you could find yourself a spooky travel destination to spice things up a little. Here are our recommendations:

Whitby, England

Whitby is a beautiful town on the coast of Yorkshire, in the summer Whitby comes alive as a seaside town but in the darker, colder months Whitby has a secret; Bram Stocker spent a month staying here in July / August 1890 and it was during this time that he wrote pivotal parts of his famous book, Dracula.

During the last week of October, Whitby Abbey is illuminated and is incredible to see. This eerie light show illuminates the whole skeletal abbey and is a must see for a spooky travel destination.

There are so many wonderful walks to do in and around Whitby you will be spoilt for choice, with the Yorkshire and Cleveland Heritage Coast to the North and Robin Hood’s Bay and Ravenscar to the South, plus the North York Moors National Park inland.

The Lake District, England

Moving on from Whitby, but not by too far, lies the Lake District, a stunning region of lakes and mountains that are so serene you can really revitalise and re-energise here. Aside from the area’s natural outstanding beauty though, there lies a darker side to The Lake District that would make it a definite spooky travel destination contender.

Cumbria has its own type of ghostly ghoul labelled a boggle which are known to be more prevalent than just normal ghosts. They can come in all shapes and sizes; Whitehaven's New Town Boggle is a howling dog that if heard outside your house predicts tragedy and disaster, whilst another boggle they have in New Town is a the tall lady who stands as tall as the church steeple who wanders the towns streets and mysteriously has a stunningly beautiful face yet no head….She was supposedly murdered by her lover and if young girls see this boggle they are doomed to live their lives as spinsters.

Derry, Northern Ireland

Halloween was first celebrated in Ireland around a thousand years ago and is believed to have its roots in the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain, with around 80,000 people celebrating the festival last year in Derry.

As far as spooky travel destinations go, this one is up there.  Samhain was the division of the year between the lighter half (summer) and the darker half (winter). At Samhain the division between this world and the otherworld was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to pass through, and hence where the festival came from. Nowadays you can expect to find a hug Halloween parade, fireworks, music and much, much more.

Northern Ireland

Stretching on from Derry, Northern Ireland holds a whole host of reason's to make it our spooky travel destination list. Because it is steeped in a long history of conflict and bloodshed, Northern Ireland is the perfect location for some of most serious ghosts with negative energy making itself known frequently according to locals.

The Crumlin Road in Gaol, for example, has an exceptionally large amount of reported paranormal activity with the most recent being a ghostly girl walking a former jail of IRA terrorists. Newcastle Harbour is another hot-spot for ghostly sightings, the area is said to be haunted by a banshee, locals claim that this manifestation of a small woman shrieks and wails with a high-pitched voice. York Road Railway Station would also be worth a visit. There have been a number of reported sightings including that of a ghostly figure reportedly sat in the station’s canteen at night, which is locked by staff at closing time, and also reports of a figure spotted in the station’s running sheds.

If you haven’t been scared off already than we hope our spooky travel destinations have provided some inspiration and you manage to get a break this Halloween season. We’d love to hear about your spooky tales….that is if you make it back alive.

Happy Halloween!

England's beautiful South Coast

We might live on a relatively small island but England’s countryside is definitely varied which is fantastic news for us walkers, as provides us with many different opportunities to find walks that suit our mood. The South Coast of England is a beautiful part of the world ranging from sandy beaches to rocky cliff edges and all in between, which means there are too many stunning walks to cover, so I’ll hand pick some personal favourites.

Ramsgate Let’s start over in the East of the south coast of England in Ramsgate. Walking the Ramsgate, Kent coast is a beautiful experience steeped in over 300 years of history and offering some wonderful natural wildlife and manmade architecture along the way. There are many ways to see this area of the south coast of England, be it along the beaches from Ramsgate to Margate, the cliff top walk from Ramsgate to Broadstairs or the Contra Trail from Ramsgate to Pegwell Bay; all really different walks offering quite different scenery and showcasing different aspects of the area. You’d be best to decide what sort of walk you’re after, sand between your toes, café lined cliff tops or nature reserve walking from the hustle and bustle of Ramsgate through to the natural peace and tranquillity of Pegwell Bay.

Sussex Moving a little West along the south coast of England brings you to beautiful Sussex, and we think you’ll love the Eastbourne to Seaford walk. This is a dramatic cliff walk starting at Eastbourne’s promenade and passing through Beachy Head as the South Downs meets the sea, Cuckemere Haven and Seven Sisters. In the summer months there are opportunities to have a dip in the ocean along the way and during the colder months the coastal views will be more than enough to keep you happy The area is on a well serviced bus route so there is no need to worry about the linear nature of this walk, you will easily find your way back if you’re happy to hop on a bus once your walk is complete. The beauty of this south coast of England walk is the undulating and magnificent cliffs that you will meet along the way. You can’t fail to be in awe, these cliffs are thought to have been formed by glacier meltwater at the end of the last Ice Age which carved steep sided valleys that became eroded by the sea and formed the beautiful cliffs we see today.

Dorset Following the south coast of England to the west we reach Dorset and the breath taking Lulworth Cove area. This is England's first natural world heritage site, and it is said that in 95 miles you can walk through 185 million years of history in just one week. If you don’t have a week, don’t worry! There are plenty of shorter walks that will equally take your breath away. The obvious highlight of this area is the Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch on the Jurassic coastline that can be reached by a walk down to a sand and shingle beach. A short but reasonably steep walk will bring you to Lulworth Cove, a beautiful little village set in a remarkable, almost full circle cove with quaint tea rooms, pubs and a scattering of shops to enjoy. The water is blue and calm here and at low tide there are some wonderful rock pools to explore. The Studland Heath nature reserve is also important to mention and well worth a visit. These dunes and heathland support threatened species such as the nightjar, sand lizard and ladybird spider. Some of the best views of the heath sweeping down to the shores of Poole Harbour are from the Agglestone – a 400 tonne rock sitting up on a hill alone, it’s very dramatic. There is wide range of habit here including sand dunes, bogs and fresh water lagoons. This is a beautiful part of the south coast of England that is not to be missed.

Cornwall Moving west again we reach the undeniably picturesque Cornwall, which offers rugged windswept landscape through to stunning sandy beaches. We love the Porthcurno to St Ives walks in West Cornwall on the landsend peninsula and about as far West as you can get on the South Coast of England. This whole route will take you a few days but can certainly be broken down into small walks, depending what you are after. Porthcurno offers a beautiful, sweeping bay with some of the clearest waters you’ll find in Cornwall and during summer months if you’re lucky you may find seals and basking sharks, a real treat. Along the route you’ll pass through Sennen Cove and on a summers night the open air Minack Theatre is a magical experience. St Ives is treat in itself too, being Cornwall’s most famous town this seaside is seemingly a subtropical oasis where the beaches are golden and beautiful vegetation surrounds.

These walks are just scratching the surface of the striking south coast of England and I could continue to waffle, but the best thing to do is to go along and find out for yourself, you really won’t be disappointed.

Is Walking a Good Form of Exercise?

We all know that if we want to burn calories and look amazing and trim we need to run a million miles a day or jump on an evil spin bike or something equally painful and horrible, but what about walking; is walking a good form of exercise?

Well according to The Stroke Association a brisk 30 minute walk every day will help to prevent and control high blood pressure that can cause strokes, in turn reducing the risk of having one by up to 27%, certainly not to be sniffed at.

Walking is also great for strengthening your heart and reducing the risk of heart disease. Findings from a large health study told that our bodies use the same amount of energy for moderate intensity walking as you do during vigorous intensity running, resulting in similar reduction in risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

So let’s say you want to lose some weight, is walking as good as hitting the gym? Well supposedly all we need to do is walk faster and longer than we currently do to shed some pounds.  A two minute walk to your local shop isn’t going to shred body fat, but a brisk 30-60 minute walk a few times a week will definitely burn calories and get your metabolism going. Walking is a low-impact cardiovascular exercise, metabolism is the process of substances (i.e. food) being broken down and used for energy. So when walking, how much you burn and how fast your metabolism works is down to how fast you walk, for how long, whether you walk up hill and so on. You could certainly use walking as a form of exercise to lose weight though without any doubt, you just need to increase your personal effort so that your metabolism burns those calories.

If you are young and fit and want to push yourself when walking then uphill is a great way to do this. Uphill walking has been proved to increase fat metabolism to keep blood glucose levels high. Less able people may want to be cautious with the hill walks though, heading upwards brings with it worse weather and more chances of accidents happening. If you selected a hill walk setting on a treadmill you’d still achieve the desired results, but let’s face it who really wants to do that when you could be walking outdoors?

An interesting piece of research found that women who walked for nine hours per week experienced an overall lower body fat percentage and an increase metabolic rate. This compares to those who walked for just one hour a week and did not enjoy these benefits. However, one longer five hour brisk walk seemed to achieve the same results and in less time.

We are sold on the fact that walking is a good form of exercise, alongside the health benefits and the weight loss help if that’s your aim, it is also worth noting that walking has been found time and time again to positively boost mental health and help clear your mind.

Time to dig out those walking boots and breathe in some fresh air!

UK Family Friendly Walks

We think of walking as a family friendly activity and of course it really is, but certain walks can be more suited to different age groups. Just like you wouldn’t send somebody with walking difficulties up and down steep and rocky terrains, you might also want to take some factors into consideration when walking as a family of varying ages and abilities. Getting children into walking at a young age can influence their habits in later life, hopefully leading to a healthier and more active lifestyle, which is exactly what we all want for our children. So which are the best family friendly walks nationally and how can we spark our children’s interest in these? Let’s discuss.

It’s always good to choose an interesting walking spot when accompanied by children. They don’t want to be walking long and flat paths, they would much rather be exploring, climbing over logs, running through forests and splashing through puddles. Don’t be in a hurry to reach your destination, stop at look at all of the plants and bugs on route, discuss the surrounding countryside and it can even be fun to make up games to play along the way. This will hold your children’s interest and make your walk really fun for everybody.

We love the Kerry Ridgeway on the Welsh Borders. This family friendly walk would certainly keep the littlies entertained with views of 70 miles or more, from Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons in Wales across to the Shropshire hills, it’s really quite breath taking. This is also a red-kite breeding area so animal lovers will enjoy spotting these beautiful birds.

Next up is Walberswick nature reserve in Suffolk. The variety on offer here is enough to keep all ages happy and so makes for a really family friendly walk. Here you’ll find sand dunes, estuary marshes, saline lagoons and shingle beaches, plus a lovely circular walk. You can even hop on the ferry on the return route if little legs are becoming tired.

Brownsea Island Nature Reserve in Dorset must definitely make the list. After jumping on a ferry from Sandbanks, Poole, you’re transported to an island with diverse habitat, flooded woodland, lakes, reed beds and pine woods. This is a really beautiful spot that feels like a little break away from the real world. As autumn approaches it’s a great time to go and spot the red squirrels on the island. On route back you should definitely have a stroll on beautiful sand banks beach to round off your day.

Speke Hall in Liverpool is another wonderfully family friendly walk. With hidden paths through ancient woodland it’s a playground for children. There are many butterflies, beetles and birds to be spotted in this area which will go down well with those little bug enthusiasts!

Our final fave family friendly walk is Brockhampton Estate wildlife walk in Herefordshire. This area is brimming with wildlife from ravens and woodpeckers to insects and all kind of flowers and trees. There is a 30 minute route which is nice and short and is also dog friendly. The magical thing about this trail is the oak carved sculptures you’ll find along the way as you walk through large areas of ancient oak woodland. There are also lovely waterside paths around a small lake and along a little stream.

We hope there are some useful tips here and you manage to get out on a family friendly walk.  It can be really special as a family, the children can be free and spontaneous and it’s a great way to spend quality time together. The fresh air and nature is great for everyone’s mind set and will help the kiddies sleep well… you can thank us later!

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Woodland Walking on the Emerald Isle

Irish forest parks generally have a great emphasis on recreational facilities and most have marked walking trails, cafes, campsites and car parks, so if you feel like a woodland walk then this is a great way to do it. In total, there are twenty forest parks in Ireland so plenty to choose from. We’ve selected a couple of our favourites: Portuma Forest Park, Galway

Portuma Forest Park covers almost 450 hectares. There are four woodland walk trails of varying distances and two mountain bike trails; both are easy rides suitable for all ages that take you along beautiful lake shores and through the woodland. A notable feature of the park is the yew and juniper trees in open woodland along the lake shore. The park has a large population of fallow deer along with pine marten, fox, badger and red squirrel. There is also a big inland colony of cormorants nesting in one of the islands.

Avondale Forest Park, Wicklow

Avondale Forest Park is the birthplace of Irish Forestry. There are three main woodland walks at Avondale; The River Walk is definitely the longest and hardest with steep descents and climbs. Walking alongside the river you pass under two railway bridges and there are stunning river views not to mention the view of Lovers Leap further up the hill. Certainly worth the effort you’ll put in. The Second woodland walk is the Tree Trail where you will meet trees from many corners of the world. Thirdly The Railway Walk which is a linear walk from Rathdrum railway station through the forest to Avondale House. There are also some great leisure cycling routes, orienteering, a children’s playground and a picnic site.

Ards Forest Park, Donegal

Ard’s Forest is certainly one of the most beautiful places you could choose to do a woodland walk. It is 480 hectares and contains a large diversity of plants and wildlife. Ard’s Forest boasts sandy beaches and rivers for those who like to dip their toes and be by the water, plus nature walks, picnic areas and children’s play parks. There are also historical and archaeological interests with in the park including the remains of four ring forts and a number of megalithic tombs. You must also reach the numerous viewing points to see the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside – there is certainly something for all members of the family here. It has a really serene and relaxing feel so if you’re in need of some time out or just fancy a woodland walk in exquisite surroundings then it will be perfect for you.  

Woodland Walks in the UK

As the summer begins to fade away and thoughts turn to chillier autumn days there is no reason to pack your walking boots away. The coming months bring some of the most beautiful days to be out in the open. Leaves start changing colour, the air becomes cool and crisp and we guarantee there is absolutely nothing better than going for a woodland walk.

We’ve selected four woodland walks we think you might find rather wonderful.

A great place to begin is the one and only Westonbirt Arboretum. Every visit to this place still leaves me with a sense of calm and awe at nature’s finest efforts on show here. Not far from the market town of Tetbury, Westonbirt is home to a world class tree collection, wonderfully inspiring landscape and seasonal rhythms that the young and the old will adore.  There is also a café, play area, shop and toilets. The best advice is to wander off the beaten track to find the very greatest of beauty spots nestled amongst the trees.

Next on our list of woodland walks is Sydenham Hill Wood which forms part of the largest remnants of the old Great North Wood, surprisingly located in the London Borough of Southwark.  London is perhaps not the first place that springs to mind when daydreaming of peaceful, fresh, woodland walks, but honestly trust us on this one. A haven away from the super-speed pace of London living, you can expect to find over 200 species of trees and flowering plants, a vast array of fungi, rare insects, birds and woodland mammals.  A railway once passed through the wood and you can follow the tracks along to a disused tunnel which is now a bat roost. As one of the closest ancient woods to central London, Sydenham Hill Wood is definitely worth a visit if you are feeling drawn to a woodland walk.

Closer to our home you’ll find Dumbleton Hill which we believe is one of the Cotswold’s best kept secrets! Expect dense woodland, deciduous trees and insane panoramic views of the Cotswold's once you’ve reached the top. It’s also worth mentioning that deer are often sighted grazing around the forest, so keep your eyes peeled.

To finish off we have to discuss the New Forest, with too many woodland walks to even think about listing, it’s best just to go and find out for yourselves. This forest is alive with freely grazing ponies and donkeys, wild deer, and an abundance of birds due to the variety of nature reserves, heathland and woodland. If you’re heading there any time soon you might be lucky enough to spot the pigs that are let out in September for Pannage. You’ll also find some beautiful pubs scattered around the forest which make for an ideal place to refuel and enjoy the peace of the forest over a well-earned pint. There is something rather magical about The New Forest; you’ll find a sense of serenity and a real connection with nature amongst those trees.

Hope you manage to get your woodland walk on soon - enjoy!

Why make the extra effort to head to Ireland for a Walking Holiday?

With such beautiful scenery in England and so many walks to do here on our British soil, why would you choose an Irish Walking Holiday? Are there many differences I hear you ask?

Well if you are a National Geographic fan then you’ll certainly be interested to learn that they put Ireland in the top five walking and hiking destinations in the world! Ireland is rich with beautiful scenery of course, but is also steeped in history, mythology and ancient paths to follow and discover. Although a small island the variety of landscape is huge, there’s beach & coastal walks, lush green valleys, bogs, forests, rivers, historic towns and even trails up mountain ranges. The first thing you’ll need to do is decide what sort of Irish Walking Holiday it is that you’re after.

The Irish are such a nation of walkers so you’ll find the trails are always fresh and really well marked but rarely busy, meaning quite often you’ll enjoy breath taking views all by yourselves on your Irish Walking Holiday.

The fact that Ireland is a small island gives it a distinctively different ecology to Britain, there are far fewer species than on the mainland because it is more difficult for animals and plants to colonise. This may not sound like a selling point, but the flipside is that islands in general do tend to have more species that are endemic to them, Ireland included. The Irish whitebeam tree is an example of this, plus four different bird species; the jay, the dipper, the coal tit and the red grouse. There is something so special about seeing endemic species in the wild and knowing that this can’t be done anywhere else on the earth.

At 4000km in length, the coastline of Ireland is actually longer than that of France, which brings with it a great wealth of seagulls and many marine animals including seals, whales and dolphins. Also, because Ireland is the most northerly country in the world it has fresh water that doesn’t freeze over for long in winter time, which is very significant for birds that breed in the Arctic as it offers survival for these birds through the freezing winter months.

You will find the landscape in Ireland very unpolluted, although the population is of course growing it still largely remains within the urban areas meaning the countryside is unspoilt, often uninhabited and beautifully peaceful with its biodiversity still intact.

And if you still need persuading on the benefits of hopping over to Ireland to hike, then look no further than their pubs! With open fires, thatched roofs, home brews and very friendly and welcoming people, the pub lunches will certainly only add pleasure to your Irish Walking Holiday.

Walking Gear - Necessary or Not at All?

Whether you’re a walking seasoned professional or you simply fancy a WALKING HOLIDAY, you’ve probably noticed the amount of walking gear you can buy. The question is do we really need all of this or can we make do with what we already have? Do we need to spend a lot of money or are less expensive products as reliable? First off a waterproof jacket would come highly recommended, and for obvious reasons, in the UK we have a lot of rain even in the summer months and so a waterproof jacket is a no brainer. However prices range vastly with many different features. The key things to look out for are whether it is actually waterproof; what fabric is it made from? How the jacket is constructed, is it a good fit, will hoods stay up and not let rain in? What about zips for pockets and adjustment toggles to keep you really dry? Generally the more you spend the better the fabric and the more the design has been thought through. However some of the less expensive jackets will certainly keep you dry if you aren’t worried about added extras such as a waterproof pocket for maps or a vent to keep you cool.

Definitely next to mention is footwear, your feet are doing a lot of work through all kinds of terrains so footwear is key to comfort and therefore your enjoyment of the walk. There is a huge range in most shops from shoes and boots for different seasons, leather boots, fabric boots and many different soles. Certainly confusing! To begin with its best to match your walking shoes to the season you’ll be walking in and the terrain you’ll be walking on, most will have labels to guide and inform you and make things a little bit easier. It’s good to keep in mind that if you’re on a COTSWOLD WALK or somewhere that it’s likely to be wet then Gore-Tex lining or full leather are great. Wet feet get very uncomfortable and are prone to blister which will really throw a spanner in the works for you. These days there should be no need to wear in walking boots, so make sure you really feel the fit is comfortable when you are purchasing them. You may have a favourite pair of trainers that you’d like to walk in that are super comfortable but it’s actually not advisable. They won’t offer any ankle support which is helpful if you’re negotiating lots of steps or steep trails. They also may not have the appropriate grip which can increase risks of slips and falls and will generally make walking more difficult.

As well as these items there are also walking accessories, these can be helpful but are certainly not essentials. Walking poles can help prevent sore legs and muscle strains but you will find most people walk without these without any problems. Waterproof trousers will keep you more dry and comfortable if it does rain but unless it’s going to be torrential downpours you could certainly walk without.

In conclusion it would seem that having some walking gear is sensible and quite necessary, however you’ll pay more for the details and extras which aren’t always needed but can be seen as more of a luxury. As long as you make sure the key aspects are covered then you needn’t spend a fortune on walking gear. If however you decide you’d like to splash out there will certainly be some great added benefits.

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Self-Guided Walking Holidays in the UK

Our self-guided walking holidays allow you to be able to dictate your own pace, difficulty, and to really immerse yourself in nature without having to worry about other people or a schedule.  It is a more flexible and unconstrained way to enjoy your holiday whilst still having detailed route notes, accommodations planned and the world's best routes to guide you along the best routes in the UK.

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