Nothing beats a walking holiday in the UK, and this year we’ve rounded up our top five recommendations for unmissable adventures. Join local festivities, reconnect with nature and discover the exhilarating freedom of being outdoors all day.
The best holidays are a combination of spectacular scenery, fascinating history and wonderful regional communities, and with all this in abundance, we look forward to a year of celebrations and new experiences for both body and soul.
Read on for our top picks of walking holidays to book now for spring and summer 2022 …
Hadrian’s Wall Path
When Roman Emperor Hadrian ordered his army to construct an impenetrable wall against the “troublesome tribes to the north” in 122 AD, he probably didn’t imagine we would be celebrating its 1,900th birthday this year!
The most famous of all the frontiers of the Roman empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall is an astonishing accomplishment – travelling from Wallsend on the River Tyne to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria through ruggedly beautiful countryside.
2022 will see hundreds of events and activities take place as part of the 1900 Festival which you can experience by walking coast-to-coast along the popular Hadrian’s Wall Path. With fascinating museums, ancient ruins and historic villages dotted along the trail, it’s a hugely rewarding journey back in time.
Rob Roy Way
To celebrate Scotland’s ‘Year of Stories’, embark on an unforgettable adventure into the Southern Highlands on the historic Rob Roy Way. Immerse yourself in national folklore as you follow in the footsteps of legendary outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor – also known as the “Scottish Robin Hood”.
This is the landscape of poets, such as Robert Burns and Walter Scott, with cascading waterfalls, fast-flowing rivers and sparkling lochs. With every turn and twist, the road tells a story of past uprisings, rebellion and natural beauty.
This is the perfect year to connect with Scotland’s iconic stories and storytellers as we all raise a glass to the tales that have shaped a nation.
Cleveland Way
It’s a big year for the North York Moors National Park as it celebrates its 70th birthday with lots of exciting events. To experience the best of what it has to offer, venture onto the Cleveland Way and walk through the ever-changing landscape – from open moorlands to high coastal cliffs.
In recognition of the park’s fascinating history, a photo competition has been launched challenging walkers to capture the spirit of the moors, so remember to bring your camera!
A walk of spectacular contrasts, the Cleveland Way offers everything a walking holiday should; incredible nature, sweeping views, quaint coastal villages, and a chance to celebrate with the residents of God’s Own Country.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path
It’s also a significant year on the epic Wales Coast Path, which will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in spectacular style. Wales is the first country in the world where you can walk the entire length of its coastline and the most scenic part of the trail can be found on the stunning Pembrokeshire coast.
Featuring breathtaking beaches, magnificent sea cliffs, secluded smuggler coves and charming fishing villages, each day on the path is packed with incredible views and memories that will last a lifetime. Tackle it across three separate holidays, or take on an epic challenge and walk the whole 186 miles this summer.
To mark this milestone occasion you will be able to join in the many festivities, walking tours and special events. Reconnect with nature and recharge your batteries by the Welsh coast this year.
Isle of Wight Coastal Path
Sheltered by towering white cliffs and surrounded by rolling seas, the Isle of Wight is a small island with remarkable natural beauty. It’s also home to one of the highest concentrations of dinosaur fossils anywhere in the world!
Make this the year you lace up your trusty old hiking boots and pack your favourite chisel as you embark on a fossil-hunting expedition along the Isle of Wight Coastal Path. With peaceful beaches and picture-perfect coastal villages you hardly need an excuse to jump on the ferry.
Why not celebrate the opening of the esteemed Dinosaur Isle Museum some 20 years ago by tackling this beloved coastal trail. Fossils can be found loose on the beaches, and to aid your search a new handy guide was recently launched.
Book your next walking holiday with us now to avoid disappointment and take part in a year of fun and adventure outdoors, and soak up that all-important vitamin D.
Sine Birkedal Nielsen
