Trips to luxury cottages are, of course, for therapeutic days spent unwinding in hot tubs and relaxing evenings with a glass of bubbles by the fire. But, when you’re visiting some of the most beautiful areas of the UK, they’re also ideal for long walks and a breath of fresh air.
Pack up your waterproofs, flask and snacks and head out into the Glencoe valley for a taste of the wilds in the Scottish Highlands. Almost unbeatable for beauty, here you’ll find waterfalls, lochs and plenty of peaks to climb.
The eagle-eyed may recognise some of the scenery from James Bond’s Skyfall and the Harry Potter movies. Meanwhile, great routes for walking in this famously u-shaped glen include Ballachulish village and Loch Leven, Buachaille Etive Mor, the Lost Valley, and the Pap of Glencoe. However, you’ll be spoilt for choice with so many trails to choose from.
The Lake District had to be high up on the list, for the sheer number of lakes, meres and tarns to stroll around. But the area’s abundant natural scenery and unique landscape mean it’s made for walking and there’s plenty more to explore than simply the calming waters.
From climbing Castle Crag, rambling along Corpse Road, to exploring Ambleside, there’s endless opportunity to stretch your legs in a variety of settings. Buttermere is another of the more accessible and popular walking spots and, if you wish to leave behind the most built-up areas like Windermere, Greenfell will provide you with untouched beauty. Keen walkers can also tackle The Cumbria Way or part of the Coast to Coast walk. Wherever you decide on, you’re almost guaranteed amazing views – and you may even find some Roman ruins…
The North East has become a must-see region for lovers of the great outdoors, who can enjoy discovering some of the area’s relatively undiscovered routes.
Northumberland is chief among its charms and, a few miles south of its border, you can admire the magnificent Hadrian’s Wall. Also home to some brilliant beaches, this destination offers a real mix of coastal, countryside, riverside and woodland walks, as well as castles. The beaches of Embleton Bay, the waterfalls and woods of Hareshaw Linn in the Northumberland National Park, and the well-worn trail from Alnmouth to Warkworth, are among the biggest attractions.
Snowdonia National Park is one of Wales’ biggest draws for keen walkers. Aside from the imposing mountain of the same name, you can cut your trekking teeth on a number of other trails.
This diverse area is home to lakes, rivers, waterfalls woodland, wilderness, lots of villages, and plenty of Arthurian legend, too. The route to Aber Falls, the North Wales Path, the Devil’s Kitchen and the Mawddach Estuary, are all areas worthy of exploring.There are also a number of ways to approach Mount Snowdon, too, including the Miner’s Trail.
A walking holiday in Yorkshire will provide you with endless opportunities for world class walks. Yet due to the sheer size of the region, you’ll want to pick a base and stick with it – whether that’s part of the Pennines, the Dales, the Moors or elsewhere.
First, we’ve opted for the Yorkshire Moors – and even here you’ll have a vast expanse of stunning nature to cover across the National Park, including rolling hills, dense woodland and heather-laden moorland. As you go from coast to countryside, take in the White Horse Walk, be wowed at Robin’s Hood Bay, opt for a daffodil walk around Farndale, or scale the highest point in Urra Moor.
Switching from the Moors to the Dales, you’ll have the chance to wander through lush valleys, waterfalls, endless fields, limestone cliffs and green hills. Many are drawn to the jaw-dropping scenery of the Dales to tackle the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks, chief of which is Ingleborough – the second highest mountain in Yorkshire Holiday Cottages.
Aysgarth Falls, James Herriot Way, Deepdale, Malham Tarn, Gordale Scar and the Ribblehead Viaduct are all picturesque places with many a walking trail, while the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is one of the most memorable places to visit across the entire National Park. For those who enjoy afternoon tea, Ilkey Moor is an accessible circuit with plenty of cafes and famous landmarks, such as the Cow and Calf Rocks.
For a little bit of culture and history with your walks, start off in Edinburgh, exploring its old town, art galleries and museums, before making the journey up Castle Rock to the imposing Edinburgh Castle.
Once you’ve drunk in the views across the city from that iconic vantage point, you can then set about conquering Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano, 251-metres above sea level. Also offering panoramic scenery of Scotland’s capital city, it’s surrounded by other hills that vary in difficulty. Simply make your way through Holyrood Park and choose from five different routes to reach the most famous hill of all.
Make the most of the sunshine days in the South West with a selection of walks along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. Picking your way across pebbled and golden beaches, searching for fossils, swimming in the sea, and finding refreshment in the tearooms – there are many choices for your trip.
The well-known South West Coast Path includes parts of Dorset, while you can also make your way to the Golden Cap summit, take the Priests Way, or stumble around Seacombe. Don’t forget to squeeze in a visit to Corfe Castle too.
One of northern England’s other legendary walking areas, the Peak District crosses Derbyshire, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and Staffordshire, and makes the most of its central location by drawing walkers from across the lands.
Moors and mountains, limestone and lakes, granite and gorges await you in this distinct and diverse part of UK. Split into the Dark Peak and the White Peak, you can choose the type of scenery that suits you – or enjoy a little bit of both.
Start out at some of the most famous destinations and take a circular walk from the picturesque Bakewell to the regal Chatsworth House and its deer park. Other sights to see, and walks to walk, include the heather-covered The Roaches, The Dragon’s Back peaks, gorgeous Mam Tor, and the dramatic Kinder Scout.
Walking Cornwall will allow you to see this top vacation destination in a different way. As you’d expect of the most famous surfing and beach holiday location in the UK, there are plenty of coastal paths. Yet, aside from rolling sand dunes and dramatic sea drops, you’ll still find peaceful farmland and quaint, cobbled fishing villages.
Let your feet carry you across parts of the South West Coast Path, including the circular from the cute village of Cadgwith to Church Cove, or from the same start point to the famous Lizard Point outcrop. From there you could also continue to the paradise-like Mullion Cove. Other places to enjoy on foot include St Michael’s Mount and rugged Perranporth.
If you have any questions about any of our cottages or if you’d like some help with your booking, you are very welcome to get in touch with us.
We are always happy to help and go out of our way to tailor your perfect UK holiday.
