Top 5 UK Walking Holidays in 2010

I think there is no better way to experience the UK’s landscape, history, culture and people than on a walking holiday. But what makes for a truly great walking holiday? What are the magic ingredients that make a trail stand head and shoulders above the rest.

I have walked thousand’s of miles on the UK’s long distance walks and for me it comes down to a few crucial ingredients.

• Spectacular and varied scenery that keeps you reaching for your camera throughout the lengh of the walk.
• The trail must have integrity! It should be true to it’s ideals throughout, with no unpleasant sections on busy roads or through industrial estates.
• The accommodation along the way should be one of the real highlights and give you a true sense on place. Yes, quirky is good and a warm local welcome is essential!
• The route should be busy enough to give you a real sense of camaraderie. The other walkers sharing the highs and lows of your walk will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip and you will make lifelong friends along the way.

My Top Five Walking Holidays for 2010 Are:

1. The West Highland Way

The West Highland Way is justifiably the UK’s most popular long distance walk with approximately 15ooo walkers tackling the 95 miles between Milngavie (Glasgow) and Fort William each year. The breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Highlands and the wonderful camaraderie of those walking the way make for a truly unforgettable walking holiday. The West Highland Way should be at the top of any walkers list. West Highland Way Walking Holidays…

2. Wainwright’s English Coast to Coast

One of those walks you just have to do before you die! An absolute classic walk through the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Yorkshire Moors, three of England’s most beautiful landscapes, peppered with picturesque villages and welcoming pubs. At 190 miles the Coast to Coast is not a walk in the park and this forms a strong bond between those tackling the Wainwright’s Coast to Coast. Ultimately there are two types of walkers, those that have walked the Coast to Coast and those that are planning to walk the Coast to Coast. Coast to Coast Walking Holidays…

3. The South West Coastal Path

Coastal walking has a unique appeal and the South West Coastal Path delivers 630 miles of world class walking. A mix of spectacular beach, clifftop and coastal walking links the seaside towns of Devon and Cornwall together to form a truly wonderful walking adventure. Walking the path in one go is probably a bit much for most but as a project the South West Coast Path won’t disappoint!

4. Hadrian’s Wall Path

Hadrian’s Wall Path only achieved National Path status in 2003, but this engaging ramble alongside Hadrian’s Wall is fast becoming a classic long distance walking holiday. The trail is well managed, walking through a UNESCO world heritage site is constantly fascinating and the local accommodation is top notch. What more could you ask for? Time to start planning your Hadrian’s Wall Holiday!

5. A Long Walk on the Isle of Skye

Not for the faint hearted or inexperienced, A Long Walk on the Isle of Skye, will take your breath away. The Isle of Skye has delighted and inspired walkers and climbers for generations. Walking across this iconic Scottish Island you will discover the many moods, rugged scenery, prolific wildlife and bloody history of Skye. Isle of Skye walking holidays…

Not convinced? Nominate your top 5 walking holidays for 2010 below.

Similar Posts:

• The Isle of Wight Coastal Path Walk
• The Skye Trail
• Light on Their Feet: Illuminating Hadrian’s Wall
• 4 Alternatives to a Coast to Coast Walking Holiday
• Why the Scottish Coast to Coast Rocks!

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Tagged as: Coast to Coast, Hadrian's Wall, Holiday, Walking, Walking Holidays, west highland way