The UK is famous for its countryside and beautiful scenery, so it’s no surprise that it’s a popular destination with walkers and ramblers.
If you’re heading to Britain and part of your trip is going to be dedicated to exploring what the country has to offer on foot, take a look at this guide to the top five scenic locations. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing, coastal stroll or a challenging hike to the top of the UK’s highest mountain, you’ll find something to suit your walking tastes.
Ben Nevis
Standing at almost 4,500 ft. high, Ben Nevis dominates the Scottish Highlands and offers enthusiastic walkers to opportunity to be the highest person in the British Isles.
That said, the route can be accomplished by walkers of all capabilities, without the need for specialist mountaineering equipment. The most popular route is the Pony Track; first constructed in 1883, the track is well-maintained, although walkers should be careful of uneven terrain and loose rocks.
The view from the top is worth the few hours it will take you to make the ascent. The surrounding vista of the Highlands is nothing short of spectacular and on clear days, you can even see North Ireland across the sea!
The Yorkshire Dales
Dramatic, romantic, bleak and breath-taking; all of which could be used to describe the extensive moorland of the Yorkshire Dales.
This landscape was the inspiration behind Gothic masterpieces such as Emile Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, and the rolling hills and valleys make for wonderful exploring, whatever time of year. Why not base your walking adventures around a trip to the Brontë house in the village of Haworth? The house has been turned into a museum dedicated to the literary family and Haworth was the first village in the world to be awarded Fair Trade status. Find out more information about the village here.
The Lake District
‘I wandered lonely as a cloud / that floats on high o’er vales and hills’.
Okay. Even if you’re not a fan of poetry, you must be familiar with the words of the Lake District’s most famous poet? Wordsworth thought this place was pretty spectacular and we happen to agree. There are numerous trails and routes to choose from: along the shores of the crystal clear lakes and more challenging ascents up the region’s mountains.
A fantastic route is from Seathwaite to Sty Head, which takes in a rare Grade 1 listed bridge. According to the Guardian, Seathwaite also holds the record for the most rainfall in a 24-hour period. It makes sense to take an appropriate outdoor jacket and walking boots/shoes wherever you’re heading to the UK. It may be known for being beautiful, but it’s not exactly world renowned for being sunny!
Coast to Coast
When you consider how popular it is to walk from the west to the east of the UK, it becomes apparent how small the country actually is; especially when you think that it takes several hours to cross the United States – and we’re talking about flying!
That said, tackling the 190 mile route will take around twelve days at a steady pace, stopping off at campsites and local inns along the way. The route begins at St Bees Head in Cumbria, taking walkers right through the heart of the Lake District and the Dales before reaching Robin Hood’s Bay on the east coast – so it’s perfect for taking in more than one stunning walking location. You can find more information about walking the route, including planning your trip, take a look at the Coast to Coast website.
London
You may not think of urban walking as offering beautiful scenery, but there are plenty of places in the UK capital where it’s possible to escape the crowds in search of some peace and quiet.
If you’re flying to the UK, chances are you’re spending some time in the capital. Take some time to explore the 40-mile Thames Path, which take you past some of the most iconic London landmarks, as well as green spaces like Hyde and St James’s Park; you might be in the middle of the city, but it’s easy to imagine that you’ve been transported to the tranquil countryside.
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