Walking Holidays: Wales, England and Spain

Celtic Trails has launched a Walking for Wellbeing collection just in time for spring, showcasing a variety of walks in the UK and Europe. The walking holidays are ideal for those looking to break their sedentary routine and enter spring feeling fit and healthy.

The collection of nine long-distance walks not only give you the chance to get your fitness levels back on track but can also be extremely beneficial for your mental health. Walking is one of the easiest and most natural ways to boost the body’s feel good endorphins which can, in turn, reduce anxiety and stress and improve overall wellbeing.

Based in some of the most secluded and untouched corners of Europe, these self-guided walking holidays offer the perfect chance for walkers to relax, reflect and get lost in the act of putting one foot in front of the other, as well as enjoying the empowering sense of achievement that comes with taking on a challenge. Throw in a dollop of fresh air, local wildlife, historic sites, stylish accommodation and luggage transfers and you have the perfect formula.

For more walking, join Mark Bibby Jackson on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

From simple strolls through the Lake District in Northern England to challenging hikes in Spain’s Cabo de Gata Natural Park, the new collection offers something for everyone, with prices starting at £460pp for a 5x night itinerary in Wales.

Here are three of our favourite examples. Visit Celtic Trails’ ‘Walking for Wellbeing’ for their full collection.

Fresh Air and a Sense of Seclusion: The Dales Way, The Lake District
78 miles over 6 days (7 nights) – Easy to Moderate

From the pastoral settings of Ilkley to the shores of Lake Windermere, this easy-to-follow route (with no sharp gradients) is the perfect itinerary for a novice walker looking to ‘get away from it all’ whilst gaining more walking experience. Passing through pretty villages, old market towns and moorland scattered with ruins and impressive structures such as the Lune Viaduct, the Bolton Priory and Bardon Tower, walkers will finally reach Lake Windermere; a particularly scenic finish to the journey.

7x nights available from £575pp based on two sharing accommodation on a B&B basis with luggage transfers throughout. 8x night routes also available. Visit The Dales Way for more information.

Unchanged Welsh Villages, Scores of Seals and Remote Beaches: Llŷn Peninsula, Wales
41 miles over 4 days (5 nights) – Moderate

Stretching out into the Irish sea, the Llŷn offers a relaxed way of life where landscape, tradition and language has been left largely unchanged. This Welsh trail was once an ancient pilgrim route, following the coast from either Bangor or Caernarfon and across to Bardsey Island. The Llŷn path is not entirely coastal and walkers will also traverse remote farmland, sand dunes, pretty villages and hillsides with stunning views towards the Irish coast, Snowdonia and Anglesey. En route they will likely spot 12th century coastal castles at Caernarfon and Criccieth, Britain’s largest Iron age hill fort and a wealth of wildlife including scores of seal, porpoises and seabirds.

5x nights available from £460pp based on two sharing accommodation on a B&B basis with luggage transfers throughout. Longer itineraries also available. Visit Llŷn Coastal Path for more information.

Combine Arid Desert with Lush Coastline: Cabo de Gata’s Natural Park, Andalucía, Spain
65 miles over 6 days (7 nights) – Moderate to Challenging

The wild and isolated landscape of the Cabo de Gata Nature Park provides the perfect setting to forget everyday stresses and explore Spain’s south-east coast; home to the continent’s only desert and Andalucía’s longest section of UNESCO protected coastline. The route sees walkers complete 65 miles over six days (between 6-12 miles per day) linking the two sides of a truly diverse landscape – with arid desert-like scenery on one side and the sparkling Mediterranean on the other. Crossing coastal paths, old railway lines and narrow goat tracks, walkers will likely spot bright pink flamingos, ancient remains of the gold mining industry and various routes featured in famous western films.

7x nights available from £640pp based on two sharing accommodation with daily breakfast, dinner, 5x packed lunches and luggage transfers throughout. Visit Cabo de Gata for more information.

For more information or to book, visit www.celtic‌tra‌ilswalkingholidays.co.uk or call 01291 689774.