Cottages for Countryside Walks

Our luxury property experts are based throughout the UK and have expert local knowledge, so have come up with ideas for countryside walks from some of our cottages. Some begin from the cottage’s doorstep, while others start just a short distance away. So, get ready to feel inspired by our cottages for countryside walks that will have you packing your walking shoes and heading off to the great British countryside in no time.

We recommend that you check and plan your walking route in advance, to make sure it is suitable for you.

A sunset view over farmland in Chiltern Hills

Henley-on-Thames and the Chiltern Hills

This walk is recommended by our Property Portfolio Manager for the Chiltern Hills, Sally, and features the spectacular Warburg Nature Reserve. The reserve is blessed with woods, scrub and grassland in a peaceful valley and is rich in wildlife. It’s a wonderful place for a bluebell walk in spring, spotting rare orchids and enjoying swathes of wildflowers in summer.

The Warburg Nature Reserve is a beautiful place for a short walk and there are a number of paths to choose, including the 1-mile-long Wildlife Walk. Or you can incorporate the nature reserve as part of a longer circular walk in the Chiltern Hills of about 13 miles.

The walk can be started from various points including Henley-on-Thames, the Warburg Nature Reserve itself or from the village of Bix. In the village is Bix Cottage, a fantastic cottage to stay in the Chiltern Hills for a walking holiday. The entire walk will take you to Henley Park, Middle Assendon, Warburg Nature Reserve, Nettlebed (home of the fantastic Nettlebed Creamery Cheese Shop) and Bix. As well as the beautiful scenery, serenity and wildlife including Red Kites, highlights along the way include the remains of the 12th-century St James Church near Bix Bottom.

View Bix Cottage

View Over The Countryside From Summit Of Simon Seat In The Yorkshire Dales

Simon's Seat, Yorkshire

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 Old Chapel.

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Pebblebed Heath At Woodbury, Devon - An Important Geological Feature

Woodbury Common, Devon

Woodbury Common is a stunning part of East Devon and is predominantly heathland but peppered with coastal views. It is also a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) that includes many rare and important wildlife species such as dragonflies, butterflies and nightjars. Our Property Portfolio Manager for South Devon, Kerry, loves it here and there are paths in every direction, most of which are made from pebbles thought to be the remnants of a desert that once stretched between England and France.

We have three ideal cottages for countryside walks on Woodbury Common, all at the same site in the pretty village of Woodbury. Grindle Cottage, Woodbury Cottage and Whitecross Cottage all have two bedrooms, are dog-friendly and make an ideal place for a holiday in the East Devon countryside.

You can walk part of the East Devon Way and discover Woodbury Castle, the site of an ancient hill fort. However, now it’s just a wooded area with some fairly steep banks – lots of fun for children – that remain. Past the fort, views open up to Exeter and towards the estuary of the River Exe. You can continue in a loop, or simply retrace your steps to return back, depending on whether you want a walk of up to 4.5 miles, or not.

Back in Woodbury there are a couple of pubs to quench your thirst. However, Kerry recommends incorporating your walk with a trip to Greendale Farm Shop for coffee and a cake, a delicious lunch or local produce to enjoy back at your cottage.

View White Cross Cottage

Colourful rocks in the landscape at Parys Mountain, a former copper mine near Amlwch On Anglesey

Parys Mountain Copper Mine, Anglesey

If you’re planning a luxury cottage holiday on Anglesey, our Property Portfolio Team Manager, Jane, recommends a walk around Parys Mountain. A walk with a difference, Parys Mountain was the world’s largest copper mine in the 1780s and the nearby town of Amlwch was at the centre of this industry. Meanwhile, Amlwch port was key to the ship-building industry that assisted the export of copper around the world.

While not strictly countryside, the copper mine area is a striking and unusual landscape with colourful layers of rock. You can take a circular walk, that begins from either the car park in the village of Penysarn or the car park at the northern end of the mountain on the B5111. Then, follow the waymarked footpaths around the mountain. Along the way, admire views of the Anglesey countryside and coast.

Points of interest include an old windmill, pools and the spectacular Great Opencast that was shaped by the miners with their picks, shovels and gunpowder. You can also head down to the harbour to the Copper Kingdom Centre for interactive displays about the area’s industrial past. This walk is good for families, with a mix of views, history and fun.

Where to stay? Plas Mynydd near Amlwch is perfect. Dating back to 1784, the house was formerly the home of the steward of the Parys Mountain Copper Mine. Nods to its past are incorporated in the interior design including the impressive freestanding copper bath.

View Plas Mynydd

View over Ullswater in the Lake District

Lake Ullswater Loop, Lake District

For serene country walks with lakeside views, the Lake District never fails to captivate walkers. Venture onto the Ullswater Way that loops the whole of beautiful Lake Ullswater. It is 20 miles long, but if you don’t want to walk that far, simply choose a section to suit you. If you don’t want to pack a picnic, you can stop at one of the villages for a bite to eat en-route.

The route is fairly low level, but if you decide not to walk the entire 20 miles, a network of buses and boats operate to help with your return journey. One of the most popular scenic walks, and one loved by William Wordsworth, is between Howtown and Glenridding. It is said that the ‘host of golden daffodils’ here in the spring inspired Wordsworth to write ‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud’.

Where to stay? Rose Walls in the pretty village of Stainton, is a fantastic Lake District cottage for this walk. It sleeps up to 9 guests and is just a short drive to the lake.

Rose Walls

Far-reaching Countryside View From The Tumbles Cottages In Powys

Llandyssil and Montgomery Trails, Powys

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.

View Middle Tumble Cottage

Countryside view across the green Shropshire Hills area of outstanding natural beauty

Long Mynd and Ratlinghope Walk, Shropshire

The Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is peppered with footpaths, making it a popular area for walking holidays. Taking the Long Mynd and Ratlinghope Walk is a fantastic way to discover the region’s stunning scenery, varied landscapes and far-reaching views.

The walk starts from Church Stretton, close to our featured property, Drovers Rest (sleeps 4). A challenging circular walk and 10 miles in total, the route sweeps both sides of the Long Mynd plateau. Aside from the scenery and valley views, highlights include a waterfall, parts of the Shropshire Way and the 12th-century St Margaret’s Church. Around the half way point, there’s The Bridges pub that makes an excellent place for refreshments.

Back at Drovers Rest, you can get cosy indoors beside the crackling log burner or open the bifold doors, step out onto the patio and admire the breathtaking views over the countryside.

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Sun rays shining through the trees of a forest

Haldon Forest, Devon

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.

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sunset over the sea and countryside in Exmoor

Exmoor National Park, Somerset

For a walking holiday in the heart of Exmoor National Park, Hooting Owl Retreat and Red Deer Escape luxury shepherd’s huts, or Exmoor Barn, Sweet Shop Cottage or Thatch Corner in Somerset, are the perfect launch pad. There are numerous trails and walks in Exmoor National Park, which is well-known for its moorland, thick woods, green valleys, farmland and rivers, plus the famous Exmoor wild ponies.

It is a charming place to visit all year round from summer, when the moorland is carpeted in heather, to winter, when a particular highlight is the Snowdrop Valley Walk that takes place on a private valley near Wheddon Cross that’s opened in February, especially for the occasion.

If you’re feeling more energetic, walk up to Dunkery Beacon, a moorland owned by the National Trust, and the highest point in Exmoor. On a clear day the views take in Devon and Somerset and across to Wales.

Our Property Portfolio Manager, Kerry, recommends treating yourself to a pub lunch or an indulgent cream tea at Tarr Farm as part of your experience.

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Hills and countryside of St Boniface Down On The Isle Of Wight

Ventnor Downs, Isle of Wight

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.

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Foolow to Eyam, Peak District

For a walking holiday in the Peak District, The Milkmaid’s Suite makes a relaxing place to stay. Enjoying a blissfully semi-rural location, once you’re settled in, there is no need to use your car if you don’t want to. The Milkmaid’s Suite is one of those wonderful cottages for countryside walks that start straight from the door. Meanwhile, the pretty village of Foolow, with its duck pond and pub, is just a 5 to 10-minute amble.

Local walks include to the village of Eyam, known as the village that sacrificed itself to help stop the spread of the plague. Or you can venture a little further onto the Monsal Trail, a disused railway line that passes through old railway tunnels and offers incredible views, particularly from places like Headstone Viaduct.

If you’re feeling more energetic, head out to Castleton to do the ridge walk to the summit of Mam Tor which is regarded as one of the best things to do in the Peak District.

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