For those who love to explore on two feet, a great holiday is defined by its walking trails. These six UK destinations are a hiker’s dream, offering everything from gentle coastal paths to challenging mountain ascents. Best of all, they are all accessible by train, allowing you to save your energy for the trail, not the traffic.
The undisputed champion for walkers is the Lake District. Take the train to Windermere, and from your hotel just minutes from the station, you are at the gateway to some of Britain’s best hikes. Start with the rewarding climb up Orrest Head, Alfred Wainwright’s first Lakeland fell, for panoramic views. For more ambitious treks, the 555 bus route is your link to the trailheads of the central fells.
The Cornish coast offers some of the most spectacular walking in the country via the South West Coast Path. From your cabin between Newlyn and Mousehole, you can join the trail for a stunning walk along cliffs and coves. The route is well-marked and offers breathtaking sea views at every turn, with charming villages for a well-deserved refreshment stop.
In Northumberland, the Coast and Castles route is not just for cyclists. This long-distance path is also a fantastic walking trail, connecting dramatic castles with vast, sandy beaches. From your base in Alnmouth, you can walk sections of this route, enjoying the fresh sea air and the sense of history that permeates the landscape.
The Brucefield Estate in Scotland offers a more managed but equally beautiful walking experience. Explore 400 hectares of semi-ancient woodland, heath, and meadows on a network of paths and gravel tracks. Take a guided walk to learn about the local flora and fauna. In Berkshire, borrow some boots from the welly wall and explore the nearby woodlands and the scenic Kennet and Avon Canal towpath. Even in Essex, the quiet country lanes provide lovely routes for a peaceful ramble.
From Track to Trail: 6 UK Breaks for Walking and Hiking Enthusiasts
