With the final Bank Holiday weekend of the year approaching, and Autumn creeping steadily closer, now is the perfect time to make the most of some of the scenic walks our Fair Isle has to offer. We’ve compiled a list of the top walking trails in the UK, so dust off those hiking boots and get your kagoules at the ready!
Pembrokeshire Coastal Path
Taking place almost entirely within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park —Britain’s only coastal national park - the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path is one not for the faint-hearted (or weak-legged). That said, if you’re feeling up to the 186-mile challenge, you will be rewarded with some of the UK’s most breath-taking coastal views. The trail starts in the Northern village of St Dogmaels and stretches all the way to Amroth in the south, taking in views of jagged cliff tops and rollicking beaches. Of course, if 186 miles is a little ambitious for you at this stage, there are plenty of opportunities for you to to make a well-earned pub pitstop.
Image Credit: Visit Wales
Further information on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path can be found here.
South Downs Way Trail, East Sussex
If trekking across the blustery shores of East Sussex sounds like your dream day out, then the South Downs Way trail is the one for you. The walk starts on the sea front of Seaford, a small town on the Sussex coast, and follows the Vanguard Way before joining the South Downs Way at the village of Exceat, just off the banks of the Cuckmere River. This brings you to the star attraction of the trail - Seven Sisters, a series of rolling hilltops between Cuckmere Haven and Birling Gap. After Birling Gap, there is a climb onto the spectacular Beachy Head - Britain’s tallest chalk cliff at 162m high - followed by a choice of paths into Eastbourne. Make sure to pack your camera to capture magnificent views of alabaster chalk cliffs and towering summits across 13.8 miles of shoreline serenity.
Image Credit: Celtic Trails
Find out more about the South Downs Way Trail here.
Catbells Ridge, Lake District
There is no shortage of stunning walks to embark on in the Lake District. One such example is Catbells Ridge; a short, sharp, steep climb which, when completed, will reward you with unrivalled views of mountains and lakes. At 450m high (and approximately 3.7 miles long), this walk is great option for those new to walking or who are looking for a way to while away an afternoon. What’s more, you can even arrive intrepidly by boat, courtesy of the Keswick Launch.
Image Credit: Paddy Dillon
Further information on Catbells Ridge can be found here.
Malham Cove, Yorkshire Dales
Malham Cove is soaked in cultural history: Wordsworth wrote a sonnet about it, James Ward painted it and a certain boy wizard set up camp above Malham Cove in his final big-screen adventure. Starting from the National Park Centre, enjoy a simple, circular walk encompassing Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Janet's Foss - a waterfall named after the fairy queen who is said to inhabit it. The walk will last approximately three hours, so you can be back in time for that essential post-walk pint.
Image Credit: fotoLibra
For more information on Malham Cove, visit http://www.malhamdale.com
Northumberland Coast
Experience the magnificent views of the historic Nothumberland coast. The simple there-and-back route starts in Craster and heads along the coast to ruined Dunstanburgh Castle. The path continues past Greymare Rock, a limestone feature created by volcanic activity during the formation of the Whin Sill, before heading back to the glorious beach of Embleton Bay. There’s no shortage of places to refuel either, with Embleton Village and Craster offering some top-notch pub dining to warm your cockles.
Image Credit: Macs Adventure
For more information on the Norhumberland Coast Trails, visit the website.