Living in London, we are always surrounded by the hustle and bustle of city life. In the midst of the constant rushing, it’s easy to forget to just slow down sometimes… If you’re yearning for an escape, a walking holiday is a brilliant way to reconnect with nature, leaving all worries behind for a week or, perhaps, just a long weekend. And, you really don’t have to look far to find beautiful walking trails.
England’s walking holidays
Walking holidays are usually associated with such destinations as Spain or Portugal, home to the infamous Camino de Santiago routes. However, here in England, we are blessed with some of the most fascinating historical landmarks and picturesque landscapes in Europe. From Medieval towns and charming villages to ancient woodlands and expansive national parks, this country is home to a fantastic selection of trails. So, here are of the best walking holidays in England offered by Orbis Ways, the leading travel agency in the industry:
The Cotswold Way
The Cotswolds, situated in south England, boasts scenic natural surroundings, with rolling hills and picturesque villages all across. If you are interested in a gentle adventure through the English countryside, the Cotswold Way is the ideal choice. One of the most popular sections is the 102-mile route from Chipping Campden to Bath, taking you through different terrains and honey-coloured stone villages each day.
The Cleveland Way
In Yorkshire, the Cleveland Way is a trail that explores the beautiful North York Moors National Park, known for its expansive moorlands and ancient woods. Starting in the town of Helmsley, you will be making your way around the national park for five days, enjoying the incredible natural and historical wonders it has to offer. After that, you’ll continue along the coast, visiting golden beaches and coastal towns until you reach your final destination at Filey.
The South Downs Way
The South Down Ways trail explores the southern parts of England, stretching from Winchester to Eastbourne. This route is celebrated for its panoramic views of dramatic cliffs and exotic white chalk hills. It also includes a visit to the South Downs National Park, Butser Hill Geological Conservation Area, the Chanctonbury Ring and the Queen Elizabeth Country Park, enjoying the southern countryside at its finest.
Coast to Coast
If you want to challenge yourself even further, why not walk across England, from one coast to the other? This route stretches from the small coastal town of St. Bees all the way to Robin Hood’s Bay, situated on the east coast of the country. This epic journey will see you crossing three major national parks: the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. While this can take over 2 weeks to complete, it’s safe to say that the variety of landscapes you’ll experience will be difficult to match on any other trail!
Right on our doorstep…
With holidays abroad increasingly accessible, it’s easy to forget just how stunning our own country is. With landscapes ranging from mountain peaks and deep valleys to rolling hills and lush forests, everything you need for an unforgettable walking holiday is already here!