Walking has so many benefits - it helps you keep fit and active whilst taking care of your mental health and wellbeing. So, whether you’re a fitness fanatic, a keen scenery photographer or simply love a good ramble, we’ll explore some of the best short breaks holidays for keen walkers in the UK.
Get those walking boots at the ready as we take a stroll through some top UK destinations…
Walking is one of the easiest ways to get fit - it’s low impact, inexpensive and accessible to most. You don’t need to walk for hours to get the benefits either - according to the NHS, a brisk 10-minute walk a day can contribute to your overall fitness levels and offers many health benefits.
So, get your trainers on, choose a route that suits you, take your dog - and don’t forget a water bottle. FYI, a brisk walk is about 3 miles an hour - an easy way to keep track of your speed is to check if you can talk in full sentences but are unable to sing the lyrics to a song.
It takes place throughout May and is hosted by Living Streets. The idea is to inspire people to walk more and reduce air pollution. This year, they are encouraging people to #Try20, or try walking for 20 minutes every day. Why not book a holiday and see if you can do better?
Wiltshire is a county located in the South West of England, home to the world heritage sites of Stonehenge and Avebury stone circles. With its wealth of tourist attractions, historical sites, rolling hills and cute cottages, it’s the perfect county for an exciting and picturesque walking break.
There are plenty of public-access trails and footpaths for visitors to explore, including the eight White Horses carved in the chalk hills and the Great Stones of Avebury and Stonehenge. You could also take a stroll among the beautiful Kennet & Avon Canals near Pewsey village, which is accessible by train and has several shops and pubs to keep you busy afterwards.
The Peak District sprawls 555 miles across several counties but is mostly within Derbyshire. Its highest peak reaches 2,087 feet at a moorland area called Kinder Scout. The Peaks are well served by public transport, with trains running from Sheffield and Manchester and coach or shuttle services to transport you among the more rural areas.
Why not take a walk to the breath-taking peak of Kinder Scout? It's suited to more experienced walkers as you’ll climb through moorland, steep rocks, streams and even a waterfall. For beginners, there are plenty of easier public routes that you can join from the villages of Edale or Hayfield. Or head to Matlock for access to many walks such as Oker, Darley Bridge and Pic Tor.
As a coastal area in the Southwest, North Devon is home to rocky coves, sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs. It's ideal for adventure seekers and also offers something for the whole family with hikes, surfing and tasty local food.
There are many scenic National Trust sites to explore as well as public access walks across the area, such as Beckland Woods bluebell walk beginning at Brownsham and the coastal path from Mortehoe village to Morte Point. Other must-see areas of North Devon include Baggy Point, Heddon Valley and the breathtaking Speke's Mill Mouth Waterfall.
Norfolk in East Anglia is one of the flatter walking holiday destinations, but it doesn't compromise on beauty. There are plenty of stunning locations to explore on foot. The infamous (and protected) Norfolk Broads hosts numerous magnificent public access trails through nature reserves and expansive waterways. There are also plenty of stunning and quintessentially English beaches to explore like Cromer, Hunstanton, Holkham and Great Yarmouth, as well as heathland, woodland and marshland areas such as Kelling, Thetford Forest and Felbrigg.
It's the only county in England to have just one bordering county (Devon), as it's home to hundreds of charming sandy beaches. The notably sunny climate compared to other areas in the UK makes it a popular summer holiday destination, though destinations such as St Ives, Newquay and Falmouth attract adventure seekers year-round.
Don’t miss the stunning coastal walk that begins at Lamorna Cove and leads to the iconic St Michael’s Mount. It's full of beautiful views along the South West Coast Path. Other notable walks include Zennor Head through beautiful woods and farmland in North Cornwall, and you could also check out the secluded cove along the walk at Pentire Head.
Now you know some excellent UK destinations for walking holidays this National Walking Month to help you stay active and entertained - where will you visit first?
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