Walking holiday specialist Celtic Trails has just launched a collection of ‘Express’ walks for 2018, taking some of the nation’s favourite hikes and condensing their itineraries so that they can be enjoyed over a shorter period of time, ideal for those that are either time-poor or looking for more of a fitness challenge with more miles covered each day.
From the undulating hills and pretty valleys of the popular Offa’s Dyke route, winding from Chepstow in Monmouthshire to Prestatyn in North Wales, to the iconic Hadrian’s Wall in Northumbria, prices are available from £475pp, made simple with easy-to-follow route plans, pre-planned hotel stays and luggage transfers throughout.
“We are noticing more and more people are looking to combine a holiday with a fitness challenge which led us to introduce these more extreme working itineraries,” commented Ben Cunningham, managing director of Celtic Trails. “We can tailor our walks to the number of miles our walkers want to achieve, taking into account we need to find them a good comfy bed for the night. This type of trip is perfect for a group of like-minded friends and gives everyone something to train for which is always good for goal setting at the start of the year” he added.
Express Offa’s Dyke to Chepstow to Prestatyn, Wales
179 Miles Over 11 Nights (12 Days)
This itinerary allows walkers to complete the popular Offa’s Dyke path in 11-nights (10 walking days) rather than the 16-night option usually offered. Roughly following the border between England and Wales from Chepstow to Prestatyn, walkers will complete 179 miles at an average of 18 miles per day (with the longest day being 22) which is sure to get pulses racing. Some of the most challenging sections are found between the Black Mountains, Knighton and Cwm where there are steep inclines and descents, although the view from the mountains is definitely worth the effort! From Chepstow, take in highlights such as Monmouth, Hay-on-Wye, Buttington and Castell Dinas Bran before reaching Prestatyn. End each day in a mixture of friendly guesthouses, farmhouses, local Inns and B&Bs.
The 11-night trip starts from £935pp based on two-sharing a room including accommodation on a B&B basis, luggage transfers, personal transfers between the accommodation and path where necessary, route planning, walk pack including Trail Guide, itinerary, accommodation directions, local interest leaflets and holiday planning.
Express Hadrian’s Wall to Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend, England
84 Miles Over 6 Nights (7 Days)
This historic walk follows the largest ancient monument in Northen Europe, winding through beautiful Northumbrian countryside that has barely changed from the time of Roman occupation. This new itinerary allows walkers to hike the entire length of the UK’s longest wall in just 6-nights (5 walking days) rather than the usual 11-night option, completing a total of 84 miles and averaging 17 miles per day. Walking west (from Bowness-on-Solway) to east (Wallsend) is far more picturesque than the conventional east to west route and allows walkers to spot the likes of Crag Lough, Cuddy’s Crags, Sewingshield Crags and Limestone Corner as the sun sets behind them. Also hike through the Northumberland National Park (the northernmost national park in England) and Solway Coast AONB and experience a variety of wildlife and fauna in one of Britain’s most unspoilt areas. Spend each evening enjoying a hearty meal in a mixture of farmhouses, local Inns and B&Bs.
The 6-night trip starts from £475pp based on two-sharing a room including accommodation on a B&B basis, luggage transfers, personal transfers between the accommodation and path where necessary, route planning, walk pack including Trail Guide, itinerary, accommodation directions, local interest leaflets and holiday planning.
For more information or to book any of Celtic Trails’ walking holidays, please visit: www.celtictrailswalkingholidays.co.uk or call 01291 689774.
