Top Ten UK Walking Destinations
Walking Destinations are wellness vacations the entire family can partake in. Girlfriend Getaways are another great segment befitting of a walking destination vacay. Read on as Charlie shares with us the Top 10 UK Walking Destinations.
Rambling, hiking or just an amble, the UK is full of fantastic walking destinations. There are miles of accessible public walkways and footpaths. Trails can range from coastal to hilly, woodland to mountainous, lakeside to urban. It offers ideal opportunities to explore up close, the country’s natural beauty and wildlife, and many remark on the quality of the shared experience of their family walking holidays. It’s certainly been a tough task to hone down the list to just ten, but hone it I have, and here’s my list of favourites. Get the families’ walking boots out from the back of the cupboard and be inspired!
1. Cornwall
The Cornish Coast is arguably one of the UK’s most stunning coastlines with rugged paths, pirate coves, sandy beaches and wild landscapes. The kids get variety with some excellent surfing and watersports. Re-fuelling on the local seafood and pasties is always a winner too!
2. The Lake District
The Lake District is a great choice to cater for those who like more challenging walks on arduous peaks and hilly terrain. If adventure holidays are what you’re after, this area is ideal for just that. Canoeing, kayaking, gorge walking and trail-cycling are all available in a stunning Lake District setting.
3. Scotland
The West Coast of Scotland has a landscape that’s perfect for trekking. With whisky distillery tours dotted along the coast, Dad can get some essential whisky education underway. And the kids? Well, with eerie Scottish castles for a backdrop, they can enjoy acting out battles and exploring as only kids can! Walking destinations befitting a king and his offspring.
4. Sussex
Sussex has seven miles of truly stunning coastal walks in the form of the South Downs Way providing the family with a rewarding challenge. With Brighton and Hove on hand for some great entertainment, laid back shopping and dining, there are also plenty of seaside diversions for kids.
5. Peak District
Derbyshire is home to the Peak District, an area made for walking destinations challenging those of all levels. With plenty of camping options, whether you’re packing a tent or towing a caravan, the walks are gorgeous. Bank on stumbling across many a waterfall and don’t leave without sampling some delicious local bakewell tart to re-fuel.
6. Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales, with its caves, gorges, dales and moorland earns its place on the list. Your kids can enjoy some wildlife spotting with otters, owls, badgers and hares providing a great source of entertainment to keen-eyed animal lovers. Plus, there are plenty of kid-friendly inns and countryside real ale pubs to refresh and reward the whole family after a hard day’s hike.
7. The Cotswolds
Described, quite rightly, as picture perfect and home to bucolic riverside walks, valley views, pretty teashops and charming inns, the Cotswolds is a beautiful walking destination. Whilst ambling, brush up the family’s history knowledge, by discovering the county’s roman roads crisscrossing their way across the landscape and iron-age hillforts such as Cleeve Common.
8. Norfolk
Norfolk provides a great location for some relatively easier walks; think nice flat fenland. But don’t discount it from the adventure holidays list as it’s also a great place to intersperse some sailing and boating in with your walks, with the Broads being one of the best areas in the UK to do just that. Namely the reason why Norfolk makes the list for both walking destinations and adventure holidays.
9. Worcestershire
Whether its canalside or woodland, Worcestershire’s varied walks are worth a punt. Just the names alone are tempting enough with the Lickey Incline promising some grand views of the landscape and some good towpath walking. The family can also enjoy a detour to Stratford upon Avon with its Shakespearian must-see sights.
10. Northumberland
Northumberland’s countryside and coastal walks wind their way through picturesque towns and quaint fishing villages. Whether your walks are circular, long distance or gentle you’re guaranteed to find something that suits the whole family. Plus, a traditional Geordie fish supper at the end of the day is sure to be a welcome family treat and the perfect way to re-fuel for another day of discovery.
Charlie is an exiled Brit living in the US, she fondly remembers her childhood walking in the Peak District and plans to return for next year’s summer hols.
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2 comments on “Top Ten UK Walking Destinations”
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It;s so funny, the UK’s really strong walking culture. It’s something I think a lot of people don’t even realize, but it is SO DIFFERENT from the US. Not because the Brits don’t also love their cars, but the idea of going for a walk just because, as opposed to a HIKE to get IN SHAPE – there’s something just really different about the mentalities.
Very interesting Julia. Yes, here in the States, hiking and running are very popular for the younger generations. However, you have a very large segment of our 50+ women population who enjoy walking. A walking vacation can be great for the whole family to learn and connect. Thanks for stopping by.