WALKING IN GREAT BRITAIN

Walking is a popular pastime in Great Britain, consequently the countryside has an excellent network of wellmarked trails and paths. We present a few of the most popular routes, well known for their beauty and variety of scenery .

TOURS

  

WEST HIGHLAND WAY

  

YORKSHIRE DALES WAY

   

THE COTSWOLDS OF WILLIAM SHALESPEARE

    

THE CUMBRIA WAY

   

ST CUTHBERT'S WAY

  

HADRIAN'S  WALL PATH

     

  

  

WEST HIGHLAND WAY

9 day independent tour

This most popular walking route runs from south to north linking the edge of Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow, to the foot of its highest mountain, Ben Nevis, passing along the shores of its largest loch, Loch Lomond. It is a magnificent walk of varied character through some of the finest scenery that Scotland has to offer. In this passage from Lowlands to Highlands you will experience contrasts in geology, in flora and fauna and in human land use. Much of the West Highland Way follows historic routes making use of old footpaths and drove roads.

   

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Milngavie (has railway station)

Day 2 Milngavie to Drymen

The first day is through relatively lowland terrain. You are soon passing through the delightful Mugdock Wood which leads you to Craigallian Loch. Beyond Carbeth you walk through rich farmland, pass the Dumgoyach Standing Stones and follow the track of the old Blane Valley Railway. Your route then takes you along the Drumquassle ridge and into the small town of Drymen. ~ 12 miles

Day 3 Drymen to Rowardennan

From Drymen the route leads up into the Garadhban Forest and on to the prominent Conic Hill, from where you descend to the village of Balmaha on the shore of Loch Lomond. For the rest of the day the loch is your companion as you walk north along its east shore. Covering 27 square miles it is the largest body of inland water in Britain. The scenery constantly changes as you pass under the towering slopes of Ben Lomond as you reach the pleasantly situated Rowardennan Hotel. ~ 14 miles

Day 4 Rowardennan to Inverarnan

The remainder of the route alongside Loch Lomond is rough walking, especially beyond Inversnaid. Here there is a large hotel and a landing stage for ferries across the loch. Continuing north you reach the end of the loch and enter Glen Falloch before arriving at your accommodation in Inverarnan. ~ 14 miles

Day 5 Inverarnan to Tyndrum

As it tumbles down Glen Falloch, the river passes through gorges, over cascades and through rapids. You cross the river at Derrydaroch and soon join a grassy track, one of Scotland's old military roads, which passes above the village of Crianlarich. The scenery gets more dramatic as you turn up Glen Fillan, the route meandering across the valley and its sides to reach Tyndrum, with its two railway stations. ~ 13 miles

  

Day 6 Tyndrum to Kingshouse

  

From Tyndrum another military road is joined which you will be following on and off all the way to Fort William. You pass under the slopes of Beinn Dorain before arriving at Bridge of Orchy. Crossing the bridge, the path leads you over a shoulder of the hill to Inveroran, with views across pretty Loch Tulla. Beyond here you cross the western edge of Rannoch Moor, a wild and remote part of The Highlands. The scenery is magnificent with peaks surrounding you, reaching a climax towards the end of the day with views of Buachaille Etive Mor, guarding the entrance to the dramatic valley of Glen Coe. ~ 19 miles

   

Day 7 Kingshouse to Kinlochleven

  

Today is relatively short giving you ample opportunity to soak up the scenery through which you are passing. You soon reach Altnafeadh and then climb up the Devil's Staircase. From here it is a gradual descent to Kinlochleven and sea level! ~ 9 miles

  

Day 8 Kinlochleven to Fort William (has railway station)

   

The last day's walking is initially steep and then more gradual on a good track high above Loch Leven. The route then leads you north away from the old military road and towards Glen Nevis. This last section is different again and you are rewarded with views across the glen to Britain's highest peak, Ben Nevis. The path drops down into Glen Nevis and follows it to the finish in Fort William. ~ 14 miles

  

Day 9 Departure.

Tour Rating- moderate

Some hills and full day hikes but nothing too difficult.You walk on public footpaths, crossing farm land, villages and sometimes even private gardens. Suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.

Loch Lomond comes into view.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

West Highland Way

 

West Highland Way

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nearing the Kings Hotel. (Veronica Norby)

 

  

Schedule and Price

      

DATES

Daily departures from April to mid-October

Price per person CAD $1195
Single surcharge   $360
Extra nights pre or post tour   $100
This tour includes:
  • 8 nights with breakfast in typical Scottish guesthouses of high standard, with shower or bath and toilet
  • Well marked route
  • Detailed route-book, maps, points of interest, important phone numbers
  • Luggage transfer from guesthouse to guesthouse
  • Emergency service hotline

    

Top of page

 

YORKSHIRE DALES WAY

8 day independent tour

The Dales Way is the perfect holiday as it comfortably fits into a seven day period. It also passes through many lovely and interesting places in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, from its start in the delightful town of Ilkley, to its end in the Lake District on the shores of Lake Windermere at Bowness.

Along the way it follows beautiful Wharfedale, the setting for the acclaimed film “Calendar Girls”, before crossing the Pennines into Dentdale and arriving in the Lake District as a grand finale.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Ilkley (has railway station) where your accommodation has been booked.

Day 2 Ilkley to Burnsall

A pleasant introduction to Wharfedale with steady walking and plenty to see including Bolton Abbey and the Strid. ~ 14 miles

Day 3 Burnsall to Upper Wharfedale

Passing lovely Dales villages including Grassington and Kettlewell as you continue up Wharfedale with its rugged limestone scenery. ~ 16 miles

Day 4 Upper Wharfedale to Cowgill

Reaching the head of Wharfedale, the route now climbs to the wilder country of the Pennines before you begin your descent into gentler Dentdale. ~ 15 miles


Day 5 Cowgill to Sedbergh

Continuing down Dentdale past the village of Dent and following the River Dee, to arrive in the pleasant town of Sedbergh. ~ 12 miles

Day 6 Sedbergh to Burneside

Gentle countryside greets you today as you walk below the Howgill Fells, by the River Lune and approach the Lake District. ~ 17 miles

Day 7 Burneside to Bowness - 10 miles.

A pleasant day's walking brings you finally into the Lake District and the end of the walk on the shores of Lake Windermere. (railway station in nearby Windermere). ~ 10 miles

Day 8 Departure

Route for The Dales Way

The Dales Way

Tour Rating- easy to moderate

Some gentle hills and full day hikes but nothing too difficult.You walk on public footpaths, crossing farm land and villages. Suitable for anyone with just a reasonable level of fitness.

Schedule and Price

      

DATES

Daily departures from mid-April to mid-October

Price per person CAD $1095
Single surcharge   $360
Extra nights pre or post tour   $100
This tour includes:
  • 7 nights with breakfast in typical English guesthouses of high standard, with shower or bath, and toilet
  • Well marked route
  • Detailed route-book, maps, points of interest, important phone numbers
  • Luggage transfer from guesthouse to guesthouse
  • Service hotline

    

Top of page

 

THE COTSWOLDS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

8 day independent tour

The Cotswolds are hills of about 300 metres in height that are mostly in the historic counties of Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, about 150 km west of London, not far from the border with Wales. Their northern extremity is between Chipping Campden and Stratford-on-Avon and their southern extremity is at Bath. In the middle ages their prosperity derived from wool, which was considered the finest in Europe. Today, the chief glory of the area lies in its villages - gems of architecture that developed out of the medieval wool trade and which have survived unspoilt into the 20th century. The Cotswolds form the largest conservation area in the UK. But there is much more in this area of unexpected contrasts. Marvellous views from the Cotswold escarpment; countryside that is a happy compromise between man and nature; some of England's finest churches; country houses, Neolithic barrows, ruined abbeys, gothic collies, magnificent gardens and even a substantial industrial heritage - and all best seen on foot. In between these delights, you'll also find plenty of good pubs serving local beers and excellent food! By following our detailed walking tours, each night you stay in good standard Bed & Breakfast accommodation in a charming Cotswold village or town offering a wide range of pubs and restaurants.

   

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1:   Individual arrival at Stratford-on-Avon

Collect your route kit and maps at your hotel upon check-in.

  

Day 2: City walk Stratford-on-Avon Circular walk in and around Stratford.

A walk that takes you through the town, visiting the many sites associated with William Shakespeare, is possible; or a longer walk into the countryside surrounding the town. Overnight Stratford.

Day 3:   Stratford-on-Avon to Moreton-in-Marsh, approx. 16/18/20 km, possible transfer to Mickleton (or Hidcote, one of Britain's greatest formal gardens).

Walk to Chipping Campden, one of the loveliest of Cotswold Towns, with its perfect main street and magnificent 'wool' church. It was local custom that rich wool-merchants built churches, thus named “Wool-Churches”. Continue on to Moreton-in-Marsh for overnight.

Day 4:   Moreton to Bourton-on-the-Water approx. 20 km

From Moreton, walk via Sezincote, with its unique Mughal style house, Stow-in-the-Wold, the highest village in the Cotswolds, and pretty Lower Slaughter, to Bourton-on-the-Water, with its many attractions.

Day 5:   Bourton to Winchcombe approx. 22 km

Bourton to Winchcombe, following the pretty River Windrush to Naunton and then from Guiting Power over the wolds to Winchcombe, former Saxon capital, with its castle.

Day 6:   Rest day in Winchcombe

Recuperate from the rather long previous day, explore Sudeley Castle and the old church and seek sustenance in one of the beautiful restaurants. Possibility to take the bus to Cheltenham (approx. 12 km).

Day 7:   Winchcombe – Broadway approx. 18 km

This magnificent walk takes you across country to Stanway and Stanton, one of the best preserved Cotswold villages (much used for period films) before arriving at the old coaching village of Broadway for overnight.

Day 8:   Individual departure or extend your stay in England.

   

 

Tour Rating- easy to moderate

Some gentle hills and full day hikes but nothing too difficult.You walk on public footpaths, crossing farm land, villages and sometimes even private gardens. Suitable for anyone with just a reasonable level of fitness.

Schedule and Price

      

DATES

Daily departures from mid-April to mid-October

Price per person CAD $1295
Single surcharge   $360
Extra nights pre or post tour   $90
This tour includes:
  • 7 nights with breakfast in typical English guesthouses of high standard, with shower or bath, and toilet

  • Well marked route

  • Detailed route-book, maps, points of interest, important phone numbers

  • Transfer to Mickleton

  • Luggage transfer from guesthouse to guesthouse

  • Service hotline

  • Hiking rucksack per room

    

Top of page

 

THE CUMBRIA WAY

8 day independent tour

This marvellous walk traverses the Lake District National Park from south to north, conveniently fitting into six days of steady walking. The route begins in Ulverston on the southern edge of the Lake District and continues north through the National Park by way of Coniston, Langdale, Borrowdale and Keswick, to end in the cathedral city of Carlisle. The route follows the valleys, and passes through some of the best scenery in the Lake District.

   

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Ulverston (has railway station) where your accommodation has been booked.

Day 2 Ulverston to Coniston

A longish first day begins across field paths and soon enters the National Park, with fine views of Coniston Old Man and other peaks ahead. The latter part of the walk is truly delightful as you follow the shore of Coniston Water to the village of Coniston. ~ 15 miles

Day 3 Coniston to Langdale

Into the heart of the Lake District now, the path passes lovely Tarn Hows and crosses the River Brathay at Skelwith Bridge. The glacial valley of Langdale is dominated by the surrounding peaks. ~ 11 miles

Day 4 Langdale to Rosthwaite

Today the route takes you to the head of Langdale and then crosses the Stake Pass before descending into Langstrath Dale. On then into Borrowdale and your overnight stop in Rosthwaite. ~ 9 miles

Day 5 Rosthwaite to Keswick

An easy, but delightful day in Borrowdale and following the shores of Derwentwater, and with plenty of time to look around the town of Keswick and perhaps take a boat trip on Derwentwater. ~ 8 miles

Day 6 Keswick to Caldbeck

The path circles around the back of Skiddaw to the isolated Skiddaw House, from where you have two alternative routes. The shorter goes up over High Pike, while the longer keeps to the valley, and passes the spectacular Whitewater Dash waterfall. The routes rejoin for the last couple of miles into Caldbeck. ~ 14 or 17 miles

Day 7 Caldbeck to Carlisle

Leaving the National Park, you now follow the River Caldew all the way into the pleasant small city of Carlisle (has railway station) and the end of the Cumbria Way. ~ 14 miles

Day 8 Sightseeing in Carlisle and departure.

 

Tour Rating- moderate

Some hills and full day hikes but nothing too difficult.You walk on public footpaths, crossing farm land, villages and sometimes even private gardens. Suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.

Route for The Cumbria Way

The Cumbria Way

 

The Cumbria Way

Schedule and Price

      

DATES

Daily departures from April to mid-October

Price per person CAD $1095
Single surcharge   $360
Extra nights pre or post tour   $100
This tour includes:
  • 7 nights with breakfast in typical English guesthouses of high standard, with shower or bath, and toilet
  • Well marked route
  • Detailed route-book, maps, points of interest, important phone numbers
  • Luggage transfer from guesthouse to guesthouse
  • Service hotline

    

Top of page

  

ST. CUTHBERT'S WAY

8 day independent tour

Nearly 1400 years ago the Celtic monk, St Cuthbert, began preaching Christianity at Melrose, the start of this walk. His travels lead him across southern Scotland and Northern England to end on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, now famous for its illustrated Celtic Bible, a major work of devotional art. It is on this island, with its castle and abbey remains, and linked to the mainland by a tidal causeway, that our walk ends. This is a walk through the splendid and varied scenery of the Scottish Boarders, the Cheviot Hills and the River Tweed. It is also a walk with long and strong historical associations, following in part the Roman road known as Dere Street, passing medieval abbeys at Dryburgh and Jedburgh and bringing to mind the Viking raids on Lindisfarne Abbey, so vulnerable on its island location. Along the way you will be comfortably accommodated in villages tucked away under the hills and ancient border towns.

    

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Melrose.

Day 2 Melrose to Harestanes

On leaving Melrose the walk leads you over the Eildon Hills to the attractive village of Bowden. From here you continue to join the banks of the River Tweed near Dryburgh Abbey and follow it through St Boswell's and as far as Maxton. You then follow the course of the roman Dere Street most of the way to Harestanes. ~ 15 miles

Day 3 Harestanes to Morebattle

After crossing the River Teviot you once again follow Dere Street. After leaving the Roman road near Crailinghall, the route to Morebattle takes you through farmland and past the ruins of Cessford Castle. ~ 10 miles

Day 4 Morebattle to Kirk Yetholm

A short day today takes you up out of Morebattle onto Wideopen Hill. The climb is steep in places but at the summit you are rewarded with fabulous views. Beyond the summit the path takes you down the ridge and on into the twin villages of Town and Kirk Yetholm. ~ 7 miles

Day 5 Kirk Yetholm to Wooler

Soon after leaving Kirk Yetholm you cross from Scotland into England. This is a hilly section as you pass through the Cheviot Hills, crossing the College Valley at Hethpool, before passing between the summits of Easter Tor and Yeavering Bell. The day ends by way of Coldberry Hill, which leads you into the market town of Wooler. ~ 13 miles

Day 6 Wooler to Fenwick

The walk takes you out of Wooler over Weetwood Moor, where there are numerous prehistoric remains notably cup-and-ring marked stones. Further on you reach St Cuthbert's Cave, a dramatic sandstone overhang where the saint's body is said to have been taken by the monks in AD875, to escape from the Viking raids on Lindisfarne. The route then takes you through Shiellow Wood to Fenwick. ~ 10 miles

Day 7 Fenwick to Holy Island

The last day's mileage is deliberately short as it is the tides that govern your arrival time on Holy Island rather than the speed you walk. The causeway is flooded by the sea for 5 hour periods over high tide - but we inform you of the times in advance! Once on Holy Island there is plenty to see, notably the Priory, inspired by St Cuthbert, and the castle, built on the orders of King Henry VIII. ~ 7 miles

Day 8 Departure.

 

Tour Rating- easy

Some very low hills but nothing difficult.You walk on public footpaths, crossing farm land, villages and sometimes even private gardens. Suitable for anyone.

St Cuthbert's Way

Lindisfarne

 

Dsc00413 Melrose Abbey.jpg (60264 bytes)

Melrose Abbey

St Cuthbert's Isle from the air, with Holy Island behind. Photo by Mick Aston, 2000.

Holy Island

Schedule and Price

      

DATES

Daily departures from mid-April to mid-October

Price per person CAD $1095
Single surcharge   $360
Extra nights pre or post tour   $100
This tour includes:
  • 7 nights with breakfast in typical English guesthouses of high standard, with shower or bath, and toilet
  • Well marked route
  • Detailed route-book, maps, points of interest, important phone numbers
  • Luggage transfer from guesthouse to guesthouse
  • Service hotline

    

Top of page

  

HADRIAN'S WALL PATH

  

8 day independent tour

The new long distance footpath following Hadrian’s Wall from Wallsend to Bowness On Solway looks set to become very popular and deservedly so. The route has been a long time in the planning but worth the wait. The route starts at the eastern end of the wall at the Roman Fort of Segedunum but for anyone wishing to make the route additionally coast to coast, the cliff top at Tynemouth Priory and Castle can be the start. This would add about 6 miles to the route. The route then takes you alongside the River Tyne with its refurbished quayside, Millenium Bridge and Baltic Arts Centre. The wall itself is joined at Heddon On The Wall and then the route westwards takes you through the dramatic scenery of Northumberland and Cumberland passing all the famous Roman Forts and milecastles.

It soon becomes apparent just how mighty and impressive these structures built one thousand nine hundred years ago must have been and indeed still are. The scenery is often wild and dramatic in the central section of the route, but becomes more pastoral as you approach Carlisle and the River Eden. The last section takes you to the western end of the wall at Bowness on the Solway Estuary where the silence is only broken by the wind or by birds calling as they circle over the coast.

     

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Wallsend

Day 2 Wallsend to Heddon on the Wall

After seeing the Roman Fort of Segedunum, you don't see any more Roman remains until the section of wall at Heddon on the Wall. Instead the first day's walking is spent alongside the River Tyne. You will pass right along the Newcastle Quayside underneath numerous bridges including the "blinking eye" millenium bridge. If time allows you can cross the bridge and visit the new Baltic Arts Centre on the Gateshead side of the river. It is then time to continue west out of the city to Heddon on the Wall. ~ 15 miles

Day 3 Heddon on the Wall to Chollerford

Today you will be following the course of Hadrian's Wall and starting to become familiar with the pattern of turrets and milecastles. Beyond Harlow Hill a real sense of spaciousness begins. The Roman ditch, or Vallum as it is called, is more in evidence than the wall itself. However, as you approach Chollerford sections of the wall itself start to appear. The Roman crossing of the River North Tyne was a short distance south-west of the current crossing, itself a handsome five-arched bridge built in 1775.

Day 4 Chollerford to Steel Rigg

Today's route is a memorable one as you really are alongside Hadrian's Wall. After leaving Chollerford you soon enter Northumberland National Park and the scenery gets grander as you gain height. The highlight of the day is Housesteads Roman Fort and the ensuing section of the wall as you cross the crags above Crag Lough. ~ 12 miles



Day 5 Steel Rigg to Banks

Another superb day awaits as you set out from Steel Rigg and marvel at the engineering achievement completed here by the Romans 1900 years ago. The watershed is crossed today and as well as the turrets and milecastles you also pass Birdoswald Fort before reaching your accommodation in the small village of Banks. ~ 13 miles

Day 6 Banks to Carlisle

Although the main forts are now behind you the walk from here to Carlisle via Walton is a very pleasant one with lovely rolling countryside. The approach to Carlisle is along the banks of the River Eden. The city is very different to Newcastle and has a castle, a cathedral and museums that are all worth seeing. ~ 14 miles

Day 7 Carlisle to Bowness on Solway

The final day's walking is like none of the others. It is the vallum rather than the wall itself that you follow west to Bowness. You initially follow the calm waters of the River Eden out from Carlisle as far as the village of Grinsdale. The route then leaves the river for a while before joining it again for a short section to Beaumont. Then you strike away from the river into a vast open and flat countryside dominated by the Solway Estuary to your right, with Scotland just across the water. It is an area abundant in sea birds with the land liable to flooding at times of very high tides. Journey's end is reached at Bowness on Solway and standing there, it is striking just how much of a contrast there is between the two ends of the wall. ~ 15 miles

Day 8  Departure day or perhaps extend your stay in Britain.

 

Tour Rating- easy to moderate

Some gentle hills and full day hikes but nothing too difficult.You walk on public footpaths, crossing farm land and villages. Suitable for anyone with just a reasonable level of fitness.

Gateshead Millennium Bridge

Millenium Bridge

 

Hadrian's Wall

 

Housesteads Roman Fort

Housesteads Roman Fort

 

aerial view of Carlisle Castle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carlisle Castle

Schedule and Price

      

DATES

Daily departures from mid-April to mid-October

Price per person CAD $1095
Single surcharge   $360
Extra nights pre or post tour   $100
This tour includes:
  • 7 nights with breakfast in typical English guesthouses of high standard, with shower or bath and toilet
  • Well marked route
  • Detailed route-book, maps, points of interest, important phone numbers
  • Luggage transfer from guesthouse to guesthouse
  • Service hotline

    

Top of page

Booking Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy