UK Walking Holidays for Free Spirits to Embrace Nature

The Isle of Wight

Choose a coastal walking holiday on the Isle of Wight with its charming, chalk cliff tops. Birdwatchers will also enjoy spotting some of their feathered friends, who live among the island’s many marshlands, mud flats, and beaches.

The Coastal Path is 67 miles long, around the island. Wherever you start and end, you’ll find it is predominantly coastal and easygoing. Breathing in the fresh air and soaking up the south coast sun is sure to re-invigorate you – The Isle of Wight is said to have the best weather in the UK after all.

Guided Walking Holidays

UK guided walking holidays provide you and your companions with an itinerary, route, and accommodation, which you can book as a package. Some even provide transport if you require assistance or if you opt for a long walk in one weekend.

The West Highland Way Guided Walking Holiday

Said to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a lovely location for a walking enthusiast, the West Highland Way makes you master your mobility and improve your agility before you scale the summit of the ‘Devil’s Staircase’. The full walk takes five to seven days and can be very challenging in places, although there are plenty of places to stay on the way. Your journey begins at Milngavie (north of Glasgow) and starts as a pleasant, pastoral path.

Along the way relish a rugged walk into Rowdardennan, where you can stay in comfortable accommodation, with views of Loch Lomond. Then you descend into the Nevis forest, where Ben Nevis will greet you at the end of the trail at Fort William.

If you decide to climb Ben Nevis during a guided walking holiday, read up on the potential hazards beforehand and wear footwear that has good ankle support, a firm sole, and a secure grip.

The Pennine Way National Trail

The Pennine Way is one of the most iconic National Trails in Northern England. Walk along what is said to be Britain’s backbone anywhere from Edale to Kirk Yetholm, through to the Peak District and up towards Scotland’s Borders.

The 432km route is probably a tad long for most but there are plenty of great sections along the way for forest bathing. For instance, start in the small market town of Hawes and head north to Tan Hill, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. This part of the walk is 16.5 miles and is a Pennine Way classic! Walk past waterfalls, through moors, and stay in a legendary pub en route.

As convenient as guided walks are, nothing’s stopping you from planning a self-guided walking holiday without a guide or group. Just find your map and plot an adventure! Remember to make it enjoyable by ensuring it’s suitable for you and your companion’s level of stamina. With suitable footwear and accommodation booked in advance, you’ll soon be ready to go!

Self-Guided Walking Holidays

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds Way is a 103-mile path from Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire to blissful Bath. Walking sections of it will give you a chance to reflect on life peacefully amongst the rolling hills and countryside. Staying at one of The Cotswolds country villages like Wotton-under-Edge will provide you with Georgian architecture to admire as well.

To enjoy the central section of The Cotswolds Way, give yourself a couple of weeks to meander through meadows and woodlands from Dowdeswell to Kings Stanley. This is a shorter, quieter, and less demanding section to enjoy whatever the weather. For aspiring archaeologists, visit Crickley Hill.

The Peddars Way

For a walking holiday full of Victorian seaside resorts go to Norfolk and walk The Peddars Way. From Knettishall Heath to Hopton-on-Sea, visit the ancient dwelling of Breckland, as you stroll along this ancient Roman road. Altogether, The Peddars Way spans 136 miles, as it weaves along the calm countryside, shingle-laid beaches on the Norfolk coast, and passes Castle Acre.

Enjoy more seaside views by staying in Victorian hotels, when following the Norfolk Coastal Path from Winterton-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth to Hopton-on-sea. Then finish with a Cromer Crab Supper –  a famous dish celebrated in Norfolk.

The South Downs

The South Downs Way is a marked path that runs within the new South Downs National Park. This tranquil part of the country provides an escape with views of the English Channel and the Isle of Wight in the distance. It stretches 100 miles and takes its course through protected habitats, rare chalk grasslands, and primeval woodlands. Said to be the most iconic section of the South Downs Way, you can take a 10-mile walk along the chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters from Alfriston to Eastbourne. When you want to return to civilisation find a friendly pub for a well-deserved drink.

If you enjoy visiting traditional pubs, pub-to-pub UK walking holidays may also take your fancy! There are many country Inns and pubs you can stay in across the UK – just book in advance. Plus, if you take out Free Spirit UK Travel Insurance, in the unlikely event that you need to cancel or cut your trip short, you will be covered with curtailment and cancellation cover.