Cottages for Countryside Walks

Our Property Portfolio Manager for Yorkshire, Jill, loves to walk from Barden Bridge near Skipton to Simon’s Seat which is a quiet, lesser-known route. She recommends getting there early as parking is limited. This incredibly scenic walk is moderately difficult and is 6 miles to Simon’s Seat and 6 miles back again.

She says, from the car park, walk past Barden Bridge (do not cross over it) and head through the gate directly in front labelled ‘Bolton Abbey’. From here, simply follow the footpath beside the river for a short while until you reach Barden Aqueduct.

Turn left up the steep hill once you see the footpath signposted for ‘Coney Warren access point’. Keep straight and hop over the stiles at the top of the path which take you through the field and onto the country road ahead.

Cross the road, climb over the ladder stile directly in front and follow the footpath uphill towards Lower Fell Plantation. Follow the signs for Simon’s Seat, to keep on track, simply hug the trees to your left, sticking beside the dry-stone wall all the way past the plantation until the trail eventually swings right up towards Simon’s Seat.

Make the uphill climb to the summit and your efforts will be rewarded with the most spectacular views, that Jill says are the best in Yorkshire. You can head back the same way or take the path down towards Appletreewick and enjoy a pint and outstanding food at the Craven Arms.

Where to stay? Tinkers Folly and Waterside Cottage, or, a bit further away, The Reading House and The Old Chapel that are next door to each other.

Powys is a stunning region of mountains, hills and valleys, perfect for a walking holiday in Mid Wales. We feature threes stunning cottages: Middle Tumble (2 bedrooms) and Upper Tumble (3 bedrooms) that are dog-friendly, and Lower Tumble (2 bedrooms), all on the same site and offering peaceful walks from the door.

Located on a working farm in the village of Llandyssil, surrounded by the owners’ farmland and with far-reaching views of the countryside, the cottages are the ideal setting to allow rural life to unfold before you. There are many picturesque walks on the estate, while the ‘Perfect Mile’ circles Llandyssil and passes through the Warlock Wildflower Meadow.

For a longer walk, head out to the delightful town of Montgomery, about 2 miles away, and embark on the 4-mile Offa’s Dyke Circular Walk. It will take you through parkland, along farm paths and beside Offa’s Dyke. Back in Montgomery, treat yourselves to coffee and cake at one of the cafes, or a refreshing drink at the pub, before returning to your cottage to relax in the hot tub or beside the wood-burner.

Comprising 3,500 acres of woodland and designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its habitat, Haldon Forest is a Devon favourite for walking. It’s especially good for wildlife too and an important ecosystem for species of raptor and butterfly.

There are lots of walking trails in Haldon Forest, including designated walks to suit all abilities. The 1.5-mile Discovery Trail is a gentle walk, ideal for families, including those with a pushchair. Meanwhile, the 3-mile Raptor Trail is perfect to learn about the wildlife that calls the forest home. You also make a detour to the bird of prey viewing point. Or try the 4-mile Butterfly Trail 6km and keep your eyes peeled for rare butterflies fluttering by. Our Property Manager for Devon also recommends rewarding yourself with a pub lunch at the Cridford Inn.

Where to stay? Ley Cottage in the pretty village of Kenn has plenty of walking routes from the doorstep and Haldon Forest is about 3 miles away. It also has a hot tub to soothe weary limbs and is a stone’s throw away from the cosy local pub, The Ley Arms.

The Isle of Wight boasts 68 miles of coastal path and miles more of inland walking trails. One of the nicest ways to appreciate what the island has to offer is the walk up to the highest point, St Boniface Down.

This circular walk of approximately 2 miles takes in Ventnor Down, Luccombe Down, Bonchurch Down and St Boniface Down. There is some climbing involved, however your reward is the far-reaching views over the coast and countryside, including Sandown Bay and Culver Cliffs.

Along the way there is so much nature to discover from wild flowers and kestrels soaring above, to the feral goats on Bonchurch Down.

Our featured property, Rose Cottage, is located in the village of Bonchurch and St Boniface Down is directly behind it. So, this and other countryside walks can begin straight from your door. The cottage is also within walking distance of the seaside resort of Ventnor, beaches and places to eat.