More and more people are choosing activity holidays over lounging by the pool, and often some of the best walking, sporting, and boating holidays can be found in the UK. Our shores are beautiful, from mountain top to sweeping rugged coastline we really do live in a picturesque nation and activity holidays are a great way to see some of it.
Today it’s walking we’re concentrating on and if you’re thinking about taking a rambling holiday this summer then there are some great areas to aim for, and some fantastic walks around the UK. The right location can make all the difference, so here are our top picks for walks around the UK.
Central Exmoor – Somerset
Exmoor is one of the finest open landscapes the UK has to offer and it’s the perfect place to lose yourself. The miles and miles of terrain mean you can choose your own difficulty level and length for the walk, but we particularly like the 9 mile stretch between Wheddon Cross and Porlock, waymarked by the National Trust. The walk slices through the heart of Exmoor affording stunning views across mid-Devon and South Wales.
The 9 mile route has steady climbs and descents but you’ll need steady feet. We rate this walk as a difficulty level of 5/10.
Bosherston Lily Ponds – Pembrokeshire
One of the jewels of Pembrokeshire and just a stones throw from St Govan’s Head and BroadHaven Beach is Bosherston Lily Ponds containing walks varying from 3 to 6 miles. The ponds are part of the Stackpole Estate and really have to be seen to be believed. The best time to visit to see the lilies is early summer, but key an eye out for otters, water birds and dragonflies.
The recommended walk from BroadHaven Beach to Bosherston Church is around 4 miles with steady gradients. We rate this walk as a difficulty level of 4/10.
Dunnotar Castle – Stonehaven
For sweeping coastal views, rugged scenery, dramatic clifftops and a castle view head for Market Square, Stonehaven and follow the route to the rocky headland, looking out onto the North Sea. The castle itself is surrounded by water on three sides affording amazing views, and making the 4 mile walk worthwhile indeed.
This 4 mile walk offers uneven terrain, steep inclines and ascents and will require a steady foot. We rate this walk as a difficulty level of 8/10.
Mousehole to Lamorna – Cornwall
If you’re heading to Cornwall on your summer holiday, the scenic 6 miles from Mousehole to Lamorna is one of the most stunning coastal walks in the UK. Starting at the picturesque harbour town of Mousehole take in the scenery as you walk allow the narrow cliff paths on this small part of the 630 miles of the West Country coastal path.
This 6 mile walk is challenging and will require steady feet and strong legs. We rate this walk as a difficulty level of 8/10.
Conwy and Gwynedd – Snowdonia
The most challenging of our recommended walks is in the Snowdonia National Park and isn’t for the faint hearted. A two day walk it’s 21 miles long, starting at Abergwyngregyn car park and ending at the Idwal Cottage youth Hostel. This walk will require proper outdoor gear, and a compass and is best planned before you leave. From the start you’ll follow the Afon Anafon River, take many ascents and descents over Foel-Fras, Foel-Crach, Carnedd Llewelyn and finally head to Pen yr Ole and the huge tumbling descent sure to thrill the avid rambler.
This 21 mile walk is only recommended for the seasoned rambler, rated at a difficulty level of 10/10.
By: Kath Cross
