The Traveller's Magazine
It’s time to pull those hiking boots out of the closet for another season! Whether you need an idea for a weekend getaway, or you plan to spend a week of your summer holidays exploring Britain’s countryside, here are some ideas to get your toes tingling about your next hiking trip.
Hadrian’s Wall Path – Northumberland
Hadrian’s Wall was once a Roman fortification, build to ward off tribes to the north but these days, the wall is just one of Britain’s best places to walk. It marks a National Trail that runs for 84 miles through the spectacular Northumberland National Park. Along the way, you can see for miles across fields of sweeping farmland and Whin Sill escarpment in the distance.
To reach it, catch flights to Newcastle.
Cotswold Way – Central England
If you’re hoping to find a piece of traditional English countryside, head to the Cotswolds for a hike through rolling green pastures, forests and farmland. Costwold Way is a 102 mile trail with incredible views over beech forests, pastures and limestone villages of the Severn Vale. It starts in beautiful Bath and ends in Chipping Campden. You’re more likely to find stately homes and fancy B&Bs serving afternoon tea than craggy cliffs, which if you ask us, is just fine. Pass the clotted cream, please!
Thames Path – South-Central England / London
The Thames is an essential part of London and the Thames Path is a great way to discover all the historic sights by the river. The path winds along the Thames for 184 miles from the south of the Thames in Kemble (Gloucestershire), all the way through London and beyond. Hike the trail, or catch a boat for part of the trip. If you live in London, you’ve probably walked the Thames Path along the South Bank a hundred times without even knowing it!
West Highlands Way – Scotland
The West Highlands Way is like a sightseeing tour trail set up for Scotland. You can see all of the country’s most famous landscapes all in one walk from the snowy crags of Ben Lomond to the forests of Loch Lomond and the ruggedly beautiful peaks of Glencoe. Along the way, there’s plenty of wildlife to see too including some very hairy Highland cattle. Beware of the dastardly Highlands midge if you’re hiking in high summer.
Lizard Peninsula – Cornwall
It’s not likely you’ll run into any lizards while you’re hiking in this part of Cornwall but it’s one of the most remarkable and impressive coastal trails in Britain. You’ll pass rugged and rocky cliffs, stomp by exotic subtropical plants, climb across caves and wander around pretty little coves. Lizard Peninsula is but a smidgeon of the 600 mile South West Coastal Path that you could happily spend days and weeks exploring.
Happy trails! What’s your favourite area, park or district in Britain for hiking?
