If you enjoy a more energetic lifestyle or would like something different for you next holiday then one of the best ways to explore the sights is on a Walking Holiday where you can see the natural landscapes, enjoy local culture and heritage along the way and take a challenging climb through mountain passes or an easy countryside stroll depending on your ability.
One of the more diverse countries to visit is the United Kingdom with enough choice for everyone –
England
Throughout England you’ll find a myriad of landscapes and scenery from the challenging walks of the Peak District and the 16 day long-distance route of the Pennine Way, to the stunningly picturesque Lake District, the idyllic countryside of Dartmoor and The Cotswolds Way with hundreds of miles of woodland paths, rolling uplands and farmlands to explore. If you prefer the sea air then the coastal walks around Cornwall will take you to Land’s End and the Lizard with unique rock formations and incredible views, sand dunes and Oak woodlands to traverse. Whichever destination you pick you won’t be disappointed.
Ireland
You can take a challenge with the Craoghanmoira Mountain Walk that gives you a tough long distance walk that starts in the beautiful Ow River Valley Forest and ends at the Craoghanmoira peak, or if you’re an expert the deceptively short 7 mile route from Lough Acoose to Skregmore and back will see you traverse tough slopes and nearly unmarked paths. One of the main walking routes is the Ulster Way which provides 625 miles of walks for you to explore taking you close to must-see areas like the Giant’s Causeway and the Mourne Mountains.
Scotland
The Scottish Highlands offer a multitude of landscapes from expedition-level mountain excursions, long-distance paths, coastal and woodland walks and even host a number of walking festivals. One key area for walkers is the Cairngorms National Park with an abundance of activities as well as the 174 miles of footpath cutting through everything from moor, woodland, nearby rivers and lochs and even picturesque farmland, you can even try walking and navigating the 43 Munros if you’re up to the challenge.
Wales
Snowdonia National Park is home to the highest peak in Wales; Mount Snowdon and is probably the busiest mountain in Britain, but there are a number of peaks to test your skills and less challenging walks around the summit like the Llanberis Path or the old Miner’s tracks and many walks around the park itself. Wales is the first country to offer a dedicated footpath along the entire coastline totalling 870 miles from Chepstow to Queensferry and takes you through 11 different national nature reserves, including local Wildlife Trust and RSPB reserves so you can enjoy the beautiful coastline and local wildlife along the way.
Non-Mainland UK
The many islands around the coasts of the United Kingdom have much to offer like the Isle of Man which despite only being 33 miles across has every type of landscape found across the UK from mountains to glens so you can enjoy a wider variety of walks more easily if the length of your trip is short. The Channel Islands like Guernsey also have a great number of walks in varied locales from cliff coastal walks to beach paths and around the country lanes through the landscape.
Wherever you may choose to go on a Walking Trip or just a few days away in the wilderness there are plenty of options to choose from no matter your tastes, abilities or the time of year.
Adam enjoys Blogging about Surfing, Snowboarding, Skating, Travelling and Music. You can check out his main blog at Blackleaf.com
