If you are looking for a walking holiday, you don’t need to look any further than your own home country, as Great Britain has some of the most beautiful and diverse walking holidays in the world. I’ve outlined three of the best with a brief description of each and links to more information and booking lines.
From coast to coast of Wainwright – Getting its name from the well-known travel writer, Alfred Wainwright, this self-guided hike, while not an official trail, is one of the most popular hiking holidays in the UK. Starting in St. Bees on the west coast of Cumbria and extending to Robin Hoods Bay in the north of England, this hike stretches through three national parks: the Lake District NP, The Yorkshire Dales NP, and the North Moors NP. The hike covers 190 miles of impressive terrain, which can be covered comfortably in 14 days. There are also many alternative routes that are available if the two week walking trip is more than what you are looking for at one time. Most of the hike itself is not particularly demanding on this terrain, however it does have some challenging areas along the way. Normal hiking precautions should be taken, maps and compasses will be needed, and a moderate level of fitness will be required.
The road of the valleys – Crossing the Yorkshire Dales from east to west, the official starting point for this walk is Ilkley. From here, the walk encompasses the entire Wharfedale (said by many to be the most beautiful of the Yorkshire Dales). However, this is just one of the many magnificent views to be seen on this hike, as you cross the Pennine headland overlooking the Three Peaks, past scenic Lakeland, and ending at Lake Windermere. If you live near Leeds, Bradford, or Harrogate, there are links to the Dales Way from all of these cities that may be more convenient for you. This hike can be completed comfortably in 9 days and requires a moderate level of fitness. More information can be found at: http: //www.thedalesway.co.uk.
The Cumbrian Way – The third of my top three chosen beautiful walking vacations starts in Ulverston and runs through Cumbria. Passing through many of the most famous and spectacular scenery in the Lake District, this hike is divided into 5 manageable stages of approximately 14 miles each. This is the shortest of my three selected ‘must do’ walking holidays in the UK, but you will still find some of the most picturesque scenery and diverse terrain.
Some of the dramatic scenery you’ll find include the famous Tarn Hows beauty spot, the thunderous Slelwith Force waterfall, enchanting Elterwater Lake, and the extraordinary Langdale Pikes. Before ending up in the historic border town of Carlisle, you will walk along the valley to Derwentwater and past the picturesque town of Caldbedk. This hike can be completed comfortably in 7 days and requires a moderate level of fitness.
You can get more information at: http://www.thecumbriaway.info.