With more than 60 million views under the #hikinglife hashtag on TikTok and a 200 per cent increase in searches for the term ‘hiking holidays UK’ in the past 90 days, there’s no doubt that Brits want to make the most of the season by lacing up their walking boots and hitting the trails.
Hiking often goes hand-in-hand with caravan and motorhome holidays. There’s nothing quite like taking in the great outdoors in all of its glory. With that in mind, the experts at holidaycottages.co.uk have highlighted some of the best autumn walks, with a mix of those more suited to the #softhiking group and some highly challenging trails.
Sarah Pring, PR manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, said: “Britain has fantastic walks at every corner, that suit a range of needs and abilities. We wanted to create a helpful tool where people can enter a postcode and see all nearby walks to their holiday accommodation.”
To use the interactive map, simply head over to the website and enter your postcode to see trails near you, with the option to filter based on distance, difficulty and other factors.
1. Heddon Valley, Devon
From the wooded valley to rocky beaches, this trail’s diverse landscape makes it a perfect walk for an autumn day. On the easier side of the scale, this two-mile stretch is ideal for beginners, or for more experienced walkers looking for a casual stroll.
2. Tintern Abbey and Devil’s Pulpit, Wye Valley
This moderately difficult, 7.5-mile path takes visitors through the breathtaking ruins of the 12th-century Cistercian abbey. When the leaves scatter throughout the grounds, it makes for a superb sight for experienced hikers, or beginners looking to push themselves a bit further.
3. Beatrix Potter Walk, Lake District
For fans of literature as well as hiking, a stroll around Windermere and the villages of Near and Far Sawrey and Hawkshead will transport you into the world of Beatrix Potter.
At 13 miles, this walk is ideal for those who would like a challenging hike on a brisk autumn day, while learning more about the history of one of Britain’s most celebrated authors.
4. Blakeney Freshes, Norfolk
Set against views of the stunning Norfolk Coast Path, this is a straightforward, three-mile walk with stunning scenery across the sea, marshes and Blakeney National Nature Reserve.
Bird lovers might be particularly interested in this one, with an abundance of wildlife waiting to be spotted. On a cold autumn morning, you’ll notice the mist rising and some lucky hikers will see the golden plovers.
5. Corfe Castle, Dorset
The National Trust’s Corfe Castle is one of the UK’s most iconic remnants of the English Civil War and makes the list of Britain’s most photographed sites. The beauty of walking here is that your route can be adjusted to suit however long or short you’d like it to be.
For a longer stroll, head from Corfe Castle Square up to Kimmeridge Bay on the South West Coast Path. If a shorter hike is what you’re after, you can simply walk around the village and up to the castle.
Photo credit: Tatiana Syrikova / Pexels
