Top 5 Walking Weekends in the UK
Rugged mountains, dramatic coastline, vast open heathland, enchanting woodland, peaceful rivers and idyllic countryside. Here are our top walking weekends in the UK.
Full of full of incredible natural scenery, it can be quite tricky to narrow down the top walking weekends in the UK, but we’ve given it a go.
We’re incredibly lucky to have such varied landscapes. Rolling green countryside, vast colourful heaths, idyllic rivers, magnificent coastline, ancient woodland and rugged mountains and the best way to discover these is by foot!
Escape the crowds and reach viewpoints you can’t by car, reconnect with yourself and get back to nature, escape the pressure of daily life and be present in the moment; these are just some of the many great reasons to go hiking.
With such a multitude of landscapes, comes walks to suit everyone. Short strolls through ancient woodland and over picturesque streams, to multi-day challenges over rugged mountains sleeping in rustic cabins.
As always when you’re hiking, make sure to check the weather before you go and pack accordingly. Also, bear in mind that, especially in the mountains, the weather can be unpredictable and change rapidly so be prepared.
Wear proper footwear, take plenty of water and snacks and always clean up after yourself!
Here are our top 5 walking weekends in the UK.
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Top 5 Walking Weekends in the UK
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Pembrokeshire
We’re going to kick this guide to the top 5 walking weekends in the UK off with arguably the most beautiful area in Wales!
Pembrokeshire is full of amazing things to do such as lapping up the sun on the endless miles of golden beaches, eating fresh seafood, exploring the quaint towns and villages and getting back to nature.
At the top of the list of the best things to do in Pembrokeshire, however, is walking the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path!
Opened in 1970, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is located inside Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and was the first national trail in Wales.Â
It runs from Saint Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south for 299 kilometres. It also makes up part of the Wales Coast Path which spans around Wales for 1400 kilometres.
Lonely Planet has described the Pembrokeshire Coast Path as one of the best long-distance trails in the world so it’s little wonder why it’s on our list of the top walking weekends in the UK; it’s absolutely breathtaking!
Stunning sandy beaches, steep limestone cliffs plummeting into striking turquoise ocean, rolling red sandstone bays, volcanic headlands and flooded glacial valleys litter the landscape as far as you can see.
Completing the trail in one go would take between 10 to 15 days but there are many shorter routes ranging from flat 1 kilometre-loops to longer, more challenging full-day hikes.Â
If you’re up for a challenge and want to see a range of the diverse landscapes the Coastal Path covers, hike the 16-kilometre trail between Whitesands and Porthgain.
For our full detailed guide, check out the post below.
We’ve also published the perfect Pembrokeshire 3 day itinerary which includes many more wonderful things to do, places to see, where to stay, how to get around and so much more.
The New Forest
Next on our list of the top 5 walking weekends in the UK is the New Forest.
Making up an area of around 566 square kilometres, the New Forest lies in Hampshire and is an idyllic place full of history, wildlife and incredible natural beauty.
It’s made up of vast colourful heathland, ancient woodland, quaint towns and villages, tranquil valley mires, impressive redwoods, friendly ponies and endless miles of walking trails waiting to be explored.
Once a royal hunting ground for King William I in the 12th century AD, the New Forest became a National Park in 2005, making it one of Britain’s newest National Parks.
One of the best things about the New Forest is its size. It’s relatively small, especially compared to other national parks in the UK such as the Peak District so you can see a lot in a few days and not spend much time driving.
The New Forest is packed full to the brim with walking trails! From short family-friendly strolls along peaceful streams to longer, full-day hikes, there’s something to suit everyone.
One of the best walks in the New Forest is the Ober Water – Tall Trees Trail.Â
Starting at the renowned magnificent redwoods near Blackwater, then on to the open grassland at Holm Hill and circling back through charming Ober Water, this trail soaks up some of the best views in the New Forest.
For our full guide to the Ober Water – Tall Trees Trail, with everything you need to know, including a step-by-step guide, head to the link below.
We’ve also published a complete guide to the 9 best things to do in the New Forest and everything you need to know before you visit, including where to stay, where to eat and so much more. Head to the link below to check this out.
The Wye Valley
Straddling the border between England and Wales is the Wye Valley; one of the most underrated walking weekends in the UK.
Somehow, the Wye Valley has managed to keep itself off the main beaten track compared to other outdoorsy areas in the UK, making this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty perfect if you want to avoid the crowds.
One of the best things to do in the Wye Valley is to explore the unspoiled landscapes on some of the many miles of walking trails meandering their way around river bends, across meadows and woodlands, through ravines and gorges and next to tranquil streams.
There are endless walks to choose from and something for everyone. From gentle riverside strolls to long-distance multi-day challenges, you’re sure to find something you fancy.
Exploring the valley on foot is the best way to discover gorgeous viewpoints and beautiful wildlife and admire the untouched scenery.
If you’re feeling really adventurous, one of the best walking trails is Offa’s Dyke Path; a beautiful 285-kilometre trail running along the border between England and Wales.
Doing this walk in one go would take the best part of two weeks, however, there are many smaller walks along the route rewarding walkers with some of the best views in the Wye Valley.
One of the best viewpoints along the Offa’s Dyke Path is Devil’s Pulpit; a limestone rock jutting out from the cliffs with a magnificent bird’s eye view over Tintern Abbey and the village of Tintern sitting alongside the River Wye.
Legend has it that the Devil taunted the monks and occupants of Tintern Abbey, tempting them to desert their order.
Head to the link below for our complete guide on things to do in the Wye Valley and everything you need to know before you visit.
The South Downs
Verdant rolling pastures, alluring woodland, breathtaking coastline, magnificent cliff-top views and wide-open grassland, the South Downs National Park is undoubtedly one of the best walking weekends in the UK!
Encompassing some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes, the South Downs has more walking routes than any other national park in the UK – over 3,300 kilometres of footpaths, bridleways and byways!
From old railway lines converted into trails and country pubs connected by footpaths to coastal walks overlooking the shimmering English Channel and winding paths through heathlands, there’s a walking trail for everyone.
The South Downs Way is a 161-kilometre walking trail between Winchester and Eastbourne that passes through many villages the national park is home to.Â
You can spend about a week walking it in one go and staying in some of these villages, alternatively, there are many shorter walks you can do along the route.
The magnificent Seven Sisters Walk is our favourite walk along the South Downs Way and an absolute must-do!
The Seven Sisters are a series of magnificent white chalk cliffs and the 22-kilometre walk between Seaford and Eastbourne is renowned as being one of the prettiest coastal walks in England!
This view alone makes the South Downs National Park one of the top walking weekends in the UK!
If you want to hear nothing but the sounds of nature, head to colourful Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl.
Gaze out across the hilltop views at the purples, greens and golds before walking down into the bowl through shaded woodland out into open heaths with grazing cattle and wild ponies.
For an easy, 4.5-kilometre stroll in the South Downs, head to the quaint village of Singleton where you’ll find the Levin Down Nature Reserve; a Site of Scientific Special Interest as it’s home to very rare chalk heath and grazed by native Herdwick sheep.
In addition to walking trails, the South Downs is made up of lively villages, picturesque market towns, a rich cultural heritage, large estates, well-preserved historical features and an environment shaped by centuries of farming and embracing new enterprises.
The Peak District
Countryside walks, excellent outdoor adventures, scenic drives through magnificent limestone peaks, hearty dinners in cosy pubs and ambling through quaint market towns, makes the Peak District one of the best walking weekends in the UK.
Peaceful riverside strolls, former railway lines converted into walking trails, vast open colourful heaths and unique moorland are just some of the diverse landscapes the Peak District will reward you with.
One of the best walks in the Peak District is the High Neb-Bamford Edge Loop which leads you through woodland, an enchanted forest, streams, interesting gritstone rock formations, historical millstones and panoramic viewpoints!
This 11.2-kilometre hike encompasses some of the best scenery in the Peak District and the incredible view of Ladybower Reservoir at Bamford Edge.
For our full detailed guide on hiking the High Neb-Bamford Edge, head to the link below.
One of the best things to do in the Peak District is to hike Kinder Scout. Offering some of the most challenging but rewarding walks in the national park, you’ll stumble upon gentle streams, quaint bridges, dark gritstone, steep rocks to scramble and unique marshland.
Perhaps the most well-known walk in the Peak District is Mam Tor standing at 517 metres; making it one of the highest peaks in this part of the park.
The 9-kilometre loop from the quaint village of Castleton will take you through some of the park’s most beautiful scenery including the hidden gorge of Cave Dale and along the Great Ridge where you’ll have wonderful views over the Edale and Hope Valleys.
If you’re looking for a nice, relaxing stroll, the Monsal Trail is perfect. Running along a former railway line, this trail leads you through some of the Peak District’s most spectacular limestone dales, through tunnels and over viaducts.
The real highlight of the walk is the Headstone Viaduct. There’s a short steep path that’ll take you to the viewpoint and well worth the slight detour. There’s a pub perfectly positioned at the top as well!
The weather in the Peak District can be extremely unpredictable, making it one of the most interesting walking weekends in the UK! Starting off a walk in the sun, don’t be surprised if you encounter rain, wind and even snow in a matter of hours!
For our full guide on the best things to do in the Peak District, head to the link below.
That rounds off our top walking weekends in the UK, I hope this has given you some inspiration for the summer and head to our individual guides on each place to find out everything you need to know before you go.
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