With summer officially here and the country’s walking trails starting to get busy, self-guided walking specialist Celtic Trails is sharing its tips on the best of the UK’s lesser-known walks, where those looking to stride out can still find availability for trips during the late summer months.
Options range from a four-night walk in Somerset, following in the famous footsteps of Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth, and a six-night coastal walking break in Wales, steeped in folklore, to a week exploring the Scottish Highlands with dramatic views of rivers, mountains and lochs, proving you don’t need to travel far and wide to enjoy a summer immersed in nature.
What’s more, Celtic Trails has also created an A-Z guide to stress-free hiking holidays, helping all those hitting the trails this summer have a happy and harmonious experience, with 26 simple steps to a safe and considerate holiday; from information on reporting broken signs and navigating through difficult weather conditions to tips on packing sensibly, being courteous to others and keeping trails litter-free.
Glyndŵr’s Way, Mid-Wales
6-15 nights, 75-133 miles
This is arguably Wales’ most remote and peaceful route, with the added benefit of being the country’s latest National Trail; well signposted, well-kept and easy to navigate. Follow in the footsteps of famous Welsh leader Glyndŵr through the Radnorshire Hills of Powys, strolling through a rolling panorama of hills, lakes and reservoirs, whilst being totally ‘off grid’. Notable sights include the pretty Lake Vyrnwy and the charming market town of Llanidloes.
6x nights priced from £520pp based on two sharing, including hotel or guesthouse accommodation on a B&B basis, luggage transfers and all route planning.
Coleridge Way, England
4-7 nights, 35-51 miles
Follow in the Footsteps of Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth by walking the Coleridge Way, from Somerset to the Quantocks (England’s first ever recognised Area of Natural Beauty) before reaching the Brendon Hills and Exmoor National Park. Visit picturesque country pubs and teashops en-route and end in the seaside towns of Lynmouth or Porlock – the perfect place for a pit-stop and a bite to eat on the beach.
4x nights priced from £355pp based on two sharing, including hotel or guesthouse accommodation on B&B basis, luggage transfers and all planning.
Wye Valley Walk, West Wales
6-16 nights, 53-136 miles
The Wye Valley Walk offers an easy stroll through idyllic woodland, following the Wye river valley from Chepstow to Rhayader, arriving at its source near Pumlumon in the hills above Aberystwyth. It takes in a recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has been named a site of specific scientific interest thanks to its natural habitat of rare and protected species. Visit the charming riverside village of Ross-on-Wye as well as the historic ruins of Tintern Abbey – one of the prettiest spots around and a great escape from the sun.
6x nights priced from £515pp based on two sharing, including hotel or guesthouse accommodation on a B&B basis, luggage transfers and all route planning.
Rob Roy Way, Scotland
7-8 nights, 79 miles
A walking holiday on the Rob Roy Way takes you into the heart of the Southern Highlands, visiting loch side scenery where legendary outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor roamed with his clansmen during the latter part of the 17th and 18th centuries. It’s a far more secluded route than others in Scotland and offers beautiful views of glens, mountains, burns, rivers and lochs, whilst walkers explore historic villages in and around the Trossachs National Park, home to deer, buzzards and other wildlife.
7x nights priced from £620pp based on two sharing, including hotel or guesthouse accommodation on a B&B basis, luggage transfers and all route planning.
Meirionnydd Coastal Path, Wales
6-7 nights, 60 miles
Time stands still in this corner of Wales; a landscape steeped in Welsh folklore where the mountains and ancient structures of the region often form the subject of song and legend. The Meirionnydd Coast Path traces a course around Snowdonia National Park and along the coast where Cadair Idris mountain towers over the horizon. Highlights include the Mawddach Estuary, strolls along the sand at Barmouth Beach and the chance to take a small diversion to visit Dinas Oleu, the first National Trust property.
6x nights priced from £545pp based on two sharing, including hotel or guesthouse accommodation on a B&B basis, luggage transfers and all route planning.
For more information or to book, visit www.celtictrailswalkingholidays.co.uk or call 01291 689774.
