Last Sunday I awoke to a beautiful cold frosty morning. The sun was glistening off the white grass and the trees were showing off their network of bare branches against the clear pale blue sky. So Ian and and I wrapped up warm and headed for the northern Cotswolds. It was just delightful climbing up a gentle hill, looking out over the valleys, walking along ploughed fields with the first green shoots just above the ground, then descending through sheltered woods where the white frost hung like snow. There is nothing like a good walk in countryside to restore the spirits and make me glad, yet again, to live in Englands’ ‘green and pleasant land’.
This got me thinking about the best places to walk to Britain and at which time of year. In truth you can find a nice walk almost anywhere as you are never far from the open countryside. However different areas have their advantages.
Scotland has Munros. These are mountains (big hills really by global standards) which are more than 3000ft high named after the man who first catalogued them, Sir Hugh Munro. Of course in Scotland mountains have the nomenclature ‘Ben’ (as lakes are called lochs). A popular sport is Munro bagging, with the aim to climb everyone of the 283. Some are easier to climb than others but none are for the faint hearted. Even in the Summer the weather can turn very quickly and you must be at least reasonably fit and well prepared. Some of the best serious walking or climbing is in the Cuillins on the Isle of Skye. The Black Cuillin are the most spectacular and challenging mountains in Britain. Skye is called the Misty Isle for good reason. One minute you can be in bright sunshine the next coveered in mist, at any level let alone on a peak! It can also roll out just as quickly so if you visit Skye on your UK tour don’t be despondent if you wake up to grey skies; it doesn’t necessarily mean it will stay that way!
The Lake District in Cumbria north west England is another great area for serious walkers. It contains England’s highest peak Scafell Pike at 3209ft. (There are only 7 hills which would qualify as Munros if they were in Scotland and they are all in the Lake District). However there are also many easier peaks to climb which give rise to spectacular views. Although the peaks are not as high as in Scotland they are closer together which makes the scenery dramatic and extremely beautiful. The weather also, although you must be well prepared for sudden changes, is more predictable. Unfortunately the area also attracts many walkers in the Summer months and the hills can be quite crowded. But then again there is safety in numbers!
A favourite area of ours is Northumbria, the most northern of the English counties, which is often overlooked as people head for Scotland. The Cheviot Hills in the Northumberland National Park offer great walks at all levels. A popular walk with added interest is along the path of Hadrians’ Wall which cuts across the country between Newcastle and Carlisle.
If like me you prefer gentler countryside (I frequently tell friends and family that I don’t do hills but I am generally ignored) as I said you can find good walks everywhere but the Cotswolds has to be one of my favourite areas not least for the lovely villages. The coast also is a reach source of not-too-strenuous walks with wonderful views. The Pembrokeshire coast in south west Wales is Britain’s only coastal National Park. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of Britain’s National Trails. It takes you along the top of steep limestone cliffs and along lovely sandy bays. Look out for dolphins! Likewise the South West coast path runs all the way round the south west peninsular containing Devon, Cornwall and some of Somerset. You can dip in and out as you please.
I haven’t mentioned every place in Britain for a good walk, and not Ireland at all, otherwise I could be here all day! If you have a favourite walk please do share it with us.
