Are you looking for the perfect active vacation? Well then, a walking holiday is just what the doctor prescribed. Not only can you explore at a slow pace (which means you experience more) but it’s also a great way to stay fit on the go.
Many companies provide excellent guided itineraries spanning from 10 to 15 days or even more. Mickledore walking holidays offer several routes for avid hikers, covering epic sceneries and stunning flora and fauna. You can choose to do a shorter trip or an entire long route – it’s totally up to you.
Related Read: Top Hiking Destinations With Amazing Views
8 Best Destinations for Hiking in England
1. Arran Coastal Way
Walks: Moderate to Challenging
Full Route – 64 miles
Shortest Route – 30 miles
Take a journey around the coastline of Arran and explore those remote beaches of the most beautiful Scottish Islands. As you walk through the small coastal villages and the great variety of landscapes, you find yourself surrounded by amazing nature. There are rolling forests and craggy mountains teeming with wildlife like red squirrels, golden eagles, red deer, and more.
When to go: March to October
Highlight and added attractions – enjoyable one-hour ferry ride to the Isle of Arran
Related Read: 5 Unusual Activities to Do in England (Off the Beaten Path)
2. Cotswold Way
Walks: Easy to Moderate
Full Route – 102 miles
Shortest Route – 46 miles
The Cotswold Way is a long-distance walk that takes you through gently rolling lands with outstanding natural beauty. You begin the walk from Chipping Campden, a market town of the North Cotswolds, and to the historic City of Bath. The journey takes you through the beautiful stately homes and historic battle sites and on the way, you come across honey-colored villages and grazed pastures. Enjoy ever-changing views of nature River Severn and the Malvern Hills.
When to go: April to October
Highlight and added attractions – Discover Roman villas, abbeys, and the streets of Chipping Campden
3. Cleveland Way
Walks: Moderate
Full Route – 108 miles
Shortest Route – 54 miles. Cleveland Way is a beautiful path that stretches from Helmsley on the North to Filey on the east coast. There are distinct types of landscapes on the way as you go through the hills and parks as well the highest sea cliffs. The Cleveland Way will take you along the dramatic coastline of the country. It makes for an interesting path as you go through classic moorland scenery.
When to go: March to October
Highlight and added attractions – North York Moors, Captain Cook Monument and the remains of Rievaulx Abbey
4. South West Coast Path: North Cornwall
Walks: Moderate to Challenging
Full Route – 142 miles
Shortest Route – 64 miles. South West Coast Path is an interesting walk that is full of wildlife and birdlife as well as lots of historical points. It is a long-distance footpath that is dotted by historical points and museums as well as tiny fishing villages. One can Pick from two sections in the path, North Cornwall Coast Path, and South West Coast Path. While the North Cornwall Coast Path takes you to remote coastal landscapes with surf-washed beaches, the South West Coast Path offers you rewarding views over beaches and clifftops. The area is full of interesting wildlife and birdlife.
When to go: March to October
Highlight and added attractions – Exmoor National Park, picturesque fishing villages and historic harbors
5. Northumberland Coast Path
Walks: Easy to Moderate
Full Route – 64 miles
Shortest Route – 16 miles. If you want to go through a striking landscape, then opt for Northumberland Coast Path. The area steeped in history is best known for its sweeping beaches and high rocky cliffs. It is dotted with conservation sites that cover about 7000 years of human activity. The path follows the coast in most places, and there are very few climbs on the way. Enjoy looking at a great variety of wildlife on the way.
When to go: March to October
Highlight and added attractions – Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh castles and famous bird sanctuary Farne Islands
6. North Lakes Traverse
Walks: Moderate
Full Route – 42 miles
Shortest Route – 26 miles. North Lakes Traverse route winds around the Lakes of Ullswater, Derwentwater, and Thirlmere before going up to the mountain passes. On the way, you come across some of the prettiest villages of Lakeland and some spectacular views of nature around. As you walk, you get a fine introduction to the lakes in the region, as you pass through lakeshores, falls, and mountain passes of the district. Explore those quiet woodlands around you as you walk, or stop to admire those plunging waterfalls.
When to go: March to October
Highlight and added attractions – Derwentwater landscape and local wildlife such as Buzzards and Kestrels
7. Dales Way
Walks: Easy to Moderate
Full Route – 81 miles
Shortest Route – 21 miles The Dales Way takes you along the riverside path that borders the Rivers Wharfe and Dee. The path begins from Ilkley which is a small market town and finishes on the shores of the largest lake in England, Lake Windermere. On the way, you cross through ancient village hamlets and different market towns. What keeps the route interesting are the sections of moors and limestone pavement on the way. Explore the Yorkshire Dales, which is a renowned National Park and well famous for its limestone landscape.
When to go: April to October
Highlight and added attractions – Exploring the largest natural lake in England, Lake Windermere, and 16th and 17th-century country inns and villages.
Recommended Read: 10 Best Hikes In the World
8. Lady Anne’s Way
Walks: Moderate
Full Route – 100 miles
Shortest Route – 50 miles. Lady Anne’s Way begins from the rugged limestone countryside of the Yorkshire Dales and ends at the Eden Valley. Named after Lady Anne Clifford, the route takes you through an ancient green lane which is known as Lady Anne’s Highway. Lady Anne Clifford spent a lifetime here working on the restoration of the monuments, castles, and churches along this route.
The Way takes you through those historically significant buildings, such as Skipton Castle, Brougham Castle, and more. The trail is perfect for both seasoned walkers and beginners who are looking for their first experience in a long-distance walk. On the way, you come across a scenic village, flowing rivers, and dramatic scenery.
When to go: March to October
Highlight and added attractions – Visit Penrith in the heart of Cumbria and charming villages such as Grassington, Hawes and Kirkby Stephen.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your comfy walking shoes and embark on one of these epic expeditions now.
