Walking Tours

We will enable your group to visit the most pristine, ancient, and significant of all remaining parts of the parks. Highlights of this adventure include exploring some of the largest and last remaining stands of ancient, old growth redwood forest. Get a real sense of the enormity of these beautiful specimens, and learn why the Redwoods thrive most here.

All our tours can be completely customized to meet your interests and abilities, let us do the planning for you! Tours can be either half-day (3 hours) or full-day (6.5 hours). Private Tours available.

Let our wonderful naturalists create an unforgettable experience for you!

This is the secret Lake District of the Caldbeck Fells - John Peel country - an area that sees few visitors, yet its wild and beautiful fells offer superb walking with panoramic views of the Scottish hills across the Solway estuary, as well as the familiar peaks of Central Lakeland observed from a unique vantage. We provide details and maps for several walk options from easy to challenging. Centred on the traditional villages of Hesket Newmarket and Uldale the walks vary from wanders along quiet bridleways and country lanes, taking in local pubs along the way, to ascents of the main Caldbeck Fells of Carrock, High Pike, Knott, Great Sca Fell and Great Cockup. Be different and visit the lesser known ‘Secret Lake District’ of the Calbeck Fells.

Custom routes from 50km (3 days) to 250km (10 days)

EasyWays are pleased to announce a new tour for 2020 that embraces the islands off the west coast of Scotland. The tour offers the opportunity to experience Arran, Islay, Jura and Gigha along with parts of the Kintyre and Argyll Peninsulas in a combination tour that provides something for everyone. The islands have reasonable public transport access from Central Scotland and the terrain offers a good mix of coastal and hill walking.

With the EasyWays package just advise what locations you would like to visit and your preferred dates for walking and let us construct a tour that encapsulates all on a bespoke itinerary utilising public transport connections throughout thereby keeping the price to optimum level. All tours include baggage transfer and ferry travel including detailed advice on how to get to and from the start and end points on your chosen route.

Choose from any of nine segments—follow the link or contact Encounter Walking Holidays for more information.

From towering cliffs to hidden coves, ghostly tin mines to lush wooded creeks. One minute a dramatic rock theatre hewn out of the cliffs, the next a prehistoric fossilised forest. On the South West Coast Path you re-trace the footsteps, histories and lives of old tin miners, fisherman, smugglers, wreckers and of the customs men who chased them.

The full path snakes a staggering 630 miles, but is more commonly broken up into nine shorter sections. Encounter Walking Holidays will happily tailor a route to your preferences—get in touch now for more information.

Hadrian’s Wall Path is an epic 84 miles in total stretching from sea to sea through the beautiful and rugged borderlands between Scotland and England.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is Europe’s largest surviving Roman monument and steeped in history, as well as being a popular location for films and television shoots. It was the northern frontier of the Roman Empire and took a force of 15,000 men 6 years to build.

If you want to see the best preserved parts of the Wall with museums and forts then our Highlights of the Wall walk may be for you. This 41 mile walk between Chollerford and Carlisle is where the Wall can be seen at its best. You will see fine examples of the forts, turrets and milecastles, stay in hand-picked accommodation, visit the historic Border City of Carlisle to see the castle and museums and learn about the “Cursing Stone’, a curse made against the Reivers – robbers, blackmailers and highwaymen – who blighted this area 500 years ago.

Beginning with your feet in the Irish Sea and ending with a dip (optional) in the North Sea, Wainwright's 190 mile Coast-to-Coast walk will take you through some of England's finest scenery as you traverse three National Parks and cross the Pennine spine of the country, literally from Coast to Coast. This is England's most famous long distance path and a simply outstanding journey.

The Anglesey Coastal Path is over 125 miles long and runs through some of the finest coastal scenery in Wales. Much of the Anglesey coastline is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) (one of 5 areas in Wales). This Coast Path walk offers a varied walking holiday crossing sandy dunes, wide estuaries, rocky cliffs and rolling farmland.

From many points along the walk there are fantastic views over to the Snowdon hills and the Llyn Peninsula. On clear days you can see as far as the Isle of Man and even the mountains of Ireland. There is abundant wildlife, including many sea birds and seals and you may be lucky enough to see dolphins.

73 miles (117.5 km) ~ 6 days walking

Also available in shorter segments or as a custom itinerary - get in touch for more information.

The Great Glen Way stretches from Fort William in the shadow the mighty Ben Nevis to the Highland Capital of Inverness crossing a breath-taking landscape of lochs, hills and forests, with glorious views over Loch Ness.

The Great Glen Way offers a great introduction to Highlands long distance walking and although mostly on low-level terrain there are some challenging sections alongside Loch Ness. On leaving Fort William you will first encounter Neptune’s Staircase, a series of eight locks linking sea Loch Linnhe to the Caledonian Canal built by the Victorian Engineer, Thomas Telford in the early 19th Century.

Continue on past beautiful Loch Lochy and Loch Oich to the world-famous Loch Ness, home of myths and legends, overnighting in iconic highland villages of Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit where the best selection of Scottish food and drink is on offer before reaching Inverness Castle, the end point of the route.

The Northumberland coast is best known for its sweeping sandy beaches, rolling dunes, high rocky cliffs and isolated islands. The special qualities of this coastal landscape led it to being designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1958 recognising that the Northumberland coast is one of the finest landscapes in the country.

This 64 miles walk takes in probably one of the finest sections of coastline in England. Part of the 'North Sea Trail' you will follow the Northumberland Coast Path from Cresswell in the South to Berwick upon Tweed in the North.

The route follows the coast in most places with an inland detour between Belford and Holy Island. Most of the route is on footpaths and bridleways but in some places beaches, minor roads and permissive paths are used.

The route is generally level with very few steep climbs and makes for a superb walking holiday in Northumberland.

Self-guided Walking Holiday along the Northumberland Coast Path From Cresswell to Berwick-upon-Tweed over 7 days giving you plenty of time to explore some of the sights on route.

Walk the best preserved sections of Hadrian’s wall, beginning in the market town of Brampton, and continuing to historic Corbridge Roman Town. Visit world famous forts and museums: Vindolanda, Birdoswald, Housesteads, & Chesters. Admire the architectural splendor of Aydon castle, Thirlwall castle and Lanercost Priory. Spot the famous Robin Hood’s Tree at Sycamore Gap. Travel through the centuries walking along Hadrian’s Wall, the best-known frontier in the Roman Empire.

Highlights

• Walk the best preserved sections of Hadrian’s wall, beginning in the market town of Brampton, and continuing to historic Corbridge Roman Town.
• Visit world famous forts and museums: Vindolanda, Birdoswald, Housesteads, & Chesters.
• Admire the architectural splendor of Aydon castle, Thirlwall castle and Lanercost Priory.
• Spot the famous Robin Hood’s Tree at Sycamore Gap.
• Travel through the centuries walking along Hadrian’s Wall, the best-known frontier in the Roman Empire.

This 10 day Winchester to Eastbourne South Downs Way walk is the perfect choice if you want to take things at a slow pace with no long days. Choosing this 10 day holiday will allow you to really enjoy your surroundings and have some time to explore places of interest along the way.

Return to Nature and the English Countryside on an 11-day, 10-night tour tracing the full length of the rolling Cotswold hills. 102 miles of magical walking from Chipping Campden in the North to Bath in the South, leading you from one breath-taking view to the next, immersing you in the Cotswolds’ iconic history and heritage and championing England in all its glory.

Journey on foot, at your own pace, in your own time. We take all the hassle out of walking by including all luggage transfers, organising and booking all accommodation, providing maps, GPS instructions, and recommending incredible iconic palaces, castles, estates, ancient sites and more to visit along the way. Walk through the Cotswolds along canals, rivers and meadows into our incredible towns and cities.

Step back in time on one of our idyllic walks through the heart of the English countryside, along routes used since prehistoric times, winding through villages, tracing ridgelines, down into woodlands and valleys, and with panoramic views around every corner. These linear journeys are the perfect way to discover England at its finest.

Freycinet Experience Walk is an eco certified, fully inclusive walking tour in Tasmania. Over four days, you will cover the entire length of the Freycinet Peninsula, including the iconic Wineglass Bay. Spend your days taking in stunning coastal vistas and the beauty of Tasmania’s flora and fauna. By night, dine on freshly prepared Tasmanian produce before resting your head at the sustainably built Friendly Beaches Lodge in the heart of Freycinet National Park.

If you prefer to organise your own accommodation we can arrange a convenient and reliable door-to-door baggage transfer service at unbeatable rates. Prices below are based on sectors of less than 20 miles and travelling west to east. If you are doing more than 20 miles per day or walking/cycling in the other direction please contact us. The maximum permitted weight per bag is 20 kgs.

• £23 per transfer for 1 bag
• £28 per transfer for 2 bags
• £33 per transfer for 3-4 bags
• For 5 bags or more contact us for a special rate

Our most popular Full Day Tour. Experience ancient and enormous Sequoia sempervirens, uncrowded beaches, and other treasures of the Redwood Coast. This is a great adventure to get a true sense of the beauty that makes up the North Coast of California. On this adventure, we combine a mixture of old growth forest with stunning coastal zones. Where we visit strongly depends on the desires and interests of each group, our experienced Naturalists adjust the routes group to group for the right adventure experiences!

All our tours can be completely customized to meet your interests and abilities, let us do the planning for you! Tours can be either half-day (3 hours) or full-day (6.5 hours). Private Tours available.

To get the most of this experience, consider a Full Day Tour! Though this is an option for Half Day Tours as well, we can have many more options and flexibility with our destinations on the Full Day experience!

Our Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour is your opportunity to enjoy one of Australia’s most spectacular views at the perfect time of day. The scenic journey in our bus along the Great Ocean Road is a highlight in itself and the perfect prelude to the main event. Idyllic coastal scenery, mysterious local history, and world-famous sights, the essential ingredients for an unforgettable Great Ocean Road one day trip.

The best way to explore one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations. On this Phillip Island day tour, meet and view local wildlife at a multi-award-winning conservation park before reaching the highlight of the tour – the nightly Penguin Parade.

While the Yarra Valley is a world-renowned wine growing region, wine is only half the story of this gourmet wonderland and our tour provides a fine blend of the very best of the region’s wines and other gourmet produce. Sample expertly made cheeses, chocolates, wines, and more on this Yarra Valley day tour in foodie heaven!

Created and developed by Cornishman Frank Squibb in the spring of 1994 this is Cornwall’s best and most challenging coast to coast walking route and for experienced walkers.

The Smugglers Way takes you down forgotten drove roads and ancient lanes mixed with testing sections of wild and open moorland walking. Either side of Bodmin Moor deserted, hidden river trails follow stunning and unspoilt forested valleys and pasture as you follow the waters gushing off the high ground and charging down to the sea.

Not everyone has the time to walk a full week on the South West Coastal Path, you may want to fit in a short section of walking within a longer sightseeing holiday or if it’s your first time on a walking break you may want to play it safe and try a taster trip over two or three days.

Encounter Walking can provide this for you! We can operate a short section on any part of the South West Coast Path so if you are particularly interested in one area just contact us and tell us where you want to be and we will come up with the options.

Walk Britain’s most spectacular mountain pass. The 18 mile route through the Lairig Ghru was used by drovers, thieves and soldiers. It cuts right through the heart of the high Cairngorm splendour. From the high point its sides rise sheer for another 1500 ft to 4 of the 5 highest peaks in Britain – awesome scenery and a worthy challenge.

Make the most of your walking holiday from a single base, your home to home while you’re in Pembrokeshire. Turn up, unpack your bags, and unwind in one of our hand-picked B&Bs and hotels. Each one is a gem. The Stay, Relax & Explore option is an ideal choice for self-guided walkers who prefer:

• A single base from which to explore local landscapes and views.
• Shorter walks with the option of being able to go back to the comfort of their room at any time.
• A slower-paced walking experience that offers the opportunity to really get to know their holiday location.
• Going car-free.

We will tailor each day’s walking to your needs. You can choose from half day walks (three to five miles), full day walks (from seven to 12 miles), or a mix of days and half-days.

When you’re planning your holiday it’s also worth adding in a rest day, or half-day. That way you have time to really get to know Pembrokeshire whatever your interests might be, from learning about the area’s distinctive heritage and culture, or sampling the excellent range of local food and drink.

Get in touch now for more details.

The Sandstone Trail walking holiday follows this way marked trail, along the low sandstone ridge from Beacon Hill at Frodsham, through Delamere Forest. From here it goes past Beeston Castle and over the Peckforton Hills to Grindley Brook near Whitchurch on the Shropshire border. The ridge divides the low plains of the River Dee to the west and the River Weaver to the East and has great views over the Cheshire Plain to the Welsh Hills.

The ridge is characterised by rocky sandstone outcrops and wooded areas, finally giving way to rolling farmland towards Whitchurch. Total walking distance is 30 – 35 miles depending on overnight stops. The walk is relatively gentle with some more moderate hilly sections and makes an ideal short walking holiday.

Enjoy a break in the Yorkshire Dales with the walking experts; we have all the ingredients for your perfect self-guided escape. Newfield Hall, in beautiful Malhamdale, is geared to the needs of walkers and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy hearty local food, detailed route notes, and an inspirational location from which to explore this beautiful national park.

Highlights:

• Use our Discovery Point, stocked with maps and walks directions, for exploring the local area
• Head out on any of our walks to discover the varied landscape of the Southern Yorkshire Dales on foot
• Enjoy magnificent views from impressive summits
• Admire green valleys and waterfalls on riverside strolls
• Marvel at the wild landscape of unbroken heather moorland and limestone pavement
• Explore quaint villages and experience the warm Yorkshire hospitality at its best
• Choose a relaxed pace of discovery and get some fresh air in one of England's most beautiful walking areas
• Explore the Yorkshire Dales by bike
• Ride on the Settle to Carlisle railway
• Visit the spa town of Harrogate

This short Two Day Eastbourne Circular walk is ideal if you have limited time. It makes a perfect South Downs Way weekend walking break, incorporating some of the most spectacular scenery on the route.

Take a self-guided walking holiday along the Cleveland Way, a walk of stunning contrasts. Beginning in the old market town of Helmsley, the Cleveland Way traverses the western escarpment of the North York Moors to the coast at Saltburn-by-the-Sea, before following the Cleveland Heritage Coast to the Victorian town of Filey.

While walking through the Moors, the trail traverses woodland, green dales and heather moorland. This section is packed with historic interest, including the iconic White Horse of Kilburn. The coastal section then follows high cliffs, sandy bays and wooded wykes. Picturesque fishing villages pepper the trail, as well as the famous port of Whitby. Overall, the Cleveland Way is an incredible walking trail filled with intrigue and beauty.

There are multiple options on this trail—follow the link or get in touch for more information.

Possibly England's best kept secret, the 73-mile Cumbria Way plots a course from the market town of Ulverston overlooking Morecambe Bay, right through the mountain heart of the Lake District, to Carlisle close to the Solway Firth. The Cumbria Way passes through a remarkable variety of scenery ranging from the ordered pastoral landscapes of its beginnings, the mixed woodland of the lake shores, dramatic peaks in central Lakeland and the wild reaches of the northern Caldbeck fells, before finishing in the historic Cumbrian city of Carlisle.

This short walking break takes in the scenic central section of the Great Glen Way National Trail, travelling 22 miles from Fort Augustus to Drumnadrochit.

Woodland tracks part to deliver the trail onto the shore of Loch Ness, where there are plenty of waterfalls, open views to distant mountains, and the imposing Urquhart Castle to enjoy on the way. Local history and hospitality are abundant throughout the walk, particularly in Invermoriston, as well as at Drumnadrochit where this walking holiday ends.

This tour is perfect for those keen to explore the wonders of the Scottish Highlands within a short space of time. With a wealth of amazing views, mythical history and immersive culture, the Great Glen Way Taster Break boasts something for every walker.

From beautiful limestone valleys, to spectacular scenery on the gritstone edges, the Peak District is home to a superb contrast of landscapes. With a choice of walks each day, your holiday can be as relaxing or adventurous as you choose. Our Guided Walking holidays will introduce you to the best of the national park.

Highlights

• Head out on guided walks with our experienced leader to discover the varied beauty of the Peak District on foot
• Enjoy panoramic views from gritstone edges
• Admire stunning limestone dales
• Visit classic viewpoints, timeless villages and secret corners
• Look out for wildlife and learn about the 'Peaks' history
• A relaxed pace of discovery in a sociable group keen to get some fresh air in one of England's finest walking areas

The Isle of Wight is a world away from the bustle of the mainland. On our Guided Walking holidays you'll discover the best of the island’s glorious 85-mile coastline of unspoilt sandy beaches and dramatic white cliffs, as well as panoramic walks over the flower-rich chalk downland.

Highlights

• Head out on guided walks with an experienced leader to discover the varied beauty of the Isle of Wight on foot.
• Admire panoramic views from dramatic cliff top coastal paths or along the lush Undercliff.
• Visit enchanting villages and beautiful unspoilt beaches.
• Look out for wildlife, find secret corners and learn about the Island's history
• A relaxed pace of discovery in a sociable group keen to get some fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland
• Evenings in our country house where you share a drink and re-live the day’s adventures

St Davids to St Dogmaels. Approx. 60 miles.

The crescendo at the end of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, this is wild, wild and wilder walking as you head north around a series of high volcanic headlands sitting above almost inaccessible coves and inlets. A run of tiny coastal hamlets clinging to this boulder strewn cliff run is broken up by the welcome facilities and shelter of two historically significant towns at Newport and Fishguard Then a final push around one of the most remote sections of the Wales Coast Path at Cemaes Head to emerge into the golden sands and shelter of the beautiful Teifi Estuary and a return to habitation at St Dogmaels and Cardigan.

The 84-mile Hadrian's Wall path is a superb Roman coast-to-coast walk. Stretching from the mouth of the Tyne in the east to the Solway Firth in the west, the Hadrian's Wall path follows the greatest relic from the Roman occupation of Britain which lasted 400 years. During a walk along the Wall you will pass the sites or remains of the 16 Wall Forts, plus numerous milecastles and turrets, plus original and partly restored sections of Hadrian's Wall itself. The wall can be walked in either direction, and in a variety of lengths and durations.

Blessed with breathtakingly beautiful beaches, Cornwall has more miles of coastline and more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in England. On a Guided Walking holiday at St Ives you'll discover the fantastic coastal path in all glory, from hidden coves to rugged headlands.

Highlights

• Our guided walks will take you to rugged granite headlands and glorious sandy beaches
• Also exploring off the beaten track to peaceful corners, hidden coves and sleepy fishing villages
• Let our leaders bring classic routes and offbeat areas to life
• Enjoy evenings in Chy Morvah where you can share a drink and re-live the days adventures

If you haven’t got time to do the whole of the South Downs Way, this Winchester to Amberley route is ideal to do over a long weekend. It will give you a good taster and you’ll definitely want to come back to complete the rest of the South Downs Way! The first 2 days are both long so you’ll need to bit fit and used to walking long distances.

Experience all the highlights of the spectacular Great Ocean Road and Grampians regions in this action-packed overnight tour. Visit sights like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, as well as exploring the trails and impressive views of Grampians National Park. See the variety of geographical formations and wildlife in Victoria.

The Peddar’s Way and Norfolk Coast Path in fact starts in Suffolk at Knettishall Heath Country Park, to then follow the route of the old Roman road to Holme-next-the-Sea on the north Norfolk coast. At Holme the Peddars Way merges into the Norfolk Coast Path, which runs from Hunstanton to Cromer. This is easy walking through fascinating countryside full of contrasts between rolling open farmland, salt marshes, sandy beaches, cliffs, dunes and of course the Brecks (a unique landscape of forest, open heathland and agricultural land, and home to many unique or distinctive birds, plants and animals).

This break is ideal for those seeking a short getaway in the Welsh countryside. Beginning at Llanidloes, the trail encounters a mixture of woodland, farmland and open moorland, and visits a number of historic landmarks such as the old lead mines at the foot of Llyn Clywedog.

The valleys and hilltops on this walk offer fine viewpoints at which to take in the gorgeous scenery, with some areas offering views as far as southern Snowdonia.

The settlements along the way are also worth exploring, such as Machynlleth and the walk's finishing point of Llanbrynmair, along with plenty of other charming little villages and hamlets.

Amroth to Milford Haven (or Pembroke). Approx. 67 miles.

The first section of The Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers perhaps the greatest variety of the whole trail. From the rounded hills, pastoral wooded bays and sheltered coastal resorts at Tenby and Saundersfoot through to the wild and remote Limestone Stacks, Caves and blow holes at Stackpole Head and Castlemartin.

Milford Haven to St Davids. Approx 56 miles.

Tranquil backwater creeks and tidal causeways lead the walker out of the Cleddau Estuary to reach the Atlantic Ocean at dramatic St Anne's Head. Wild coastal headlands and offshore islands contrast with stretches of long golden sands and deep fjord like inlets all the way to the holy city of St Davids. Overnight stops exclusively in small coastal hamlets and hidden fishing villages.

Our Llŷn Short Break begins in the charming seaside town of Aberdaron before following the coastal path past the impressive stretch of sand known as ‘Hells Mouth’ and entering the hamlet of Llanengan, home to the oldest church on the Llŷn. Continue to the popular coastal town of Abersoch where you spend the next two nights. You take in stunning headland and also have the opportunity to explore the charming village of Llanbedrog with its colourful beach huts. Add extra nights to summit Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales – well worth the effort!

Whether you are familiar with James Herriot or not, you cannot but be captivated by these beautiful Dales, steeped in history and tradition and still unspoiled in spite of the world-wide fame they have now achieved. In four days you will visit the small town of Hawes, home of Wensleydale cheese, and typical Dales villages such as Reeth and Askrigg ('Darrowby' in the Herriot series). Natural attractions include Aysgarth Falls and Hardraw Force, the highest single drop waterfall in England, and the magnificent views from spots such as Great Shunner Fell. The people of the Dales will offer you a traditional welcome and warm hospitality.

St Cuthbert's Way follows the story of a 7th century saint who travelled through Scotland and northern England, spreading the Gospel and performing healing miracles. Beginning at Melrose, where the saint started his ministry, and ending at Holy Island where he ended his days, the trail passes through scenery of great variety and beauty.

The walk takes in heather-clad hills, tranquil riverbanks and old Roman roads, visiting attractive villages and border towns along the way. Particular sites of interest include the ruin of Dryburgh Abbey, Cessford Castle, St Cuthbert's Cave and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, complete with its ruined abbey and spectacular castle.

We offer multiple holiday options along this trail—follow the link or get in touch for more information.

The Speyside Way offers the chance to experience so much of what Scotland has to offer visitors. The route takes you through all types of countryside from the open coastlands, through farm and forest in the Spey valley (which, with its tributaries, provides the clear water for making whisky), and over high mountain passes towards the wilderness of the Cairngorm Mountains. Each part of the walk has its own distinct wildlife and points of interest, and it perfectly suits walkers who want to build up gradually from gentle walking to more strenuous climbs. Some of the points on the route are some distance from the best farmhouse or bed and breakfast accommodation, so we arrange for you to be collected and dropped off on the route. Staying with local families in their homes is all part of the experience, and you will always receive the warmest of welcomes. There is the chance to visit distilleries which produce the famous Speyside malt whisky. As an added bonus, the holiday includes a free visit to the famous Glenfiddich Distillery.

The Offa’s Dyke Path walking holiday follows this National Trail which is 177 miles long. This path follows the line of the original Offa’s Dyke from Chepstow on the Severn estuary, to Prestatyn on the North Wales coast. Offa’s Dyke was built by King Offa in the 8th century to mark the border between Wales and England. A walking holiday along Offa’s Dyke Path offers varied walking and scenery, with views over some of the most spectacular mountains and valleys in Wales. It passes through many interesting towns and villages, like Chepstow, Hay on Wye, Kington and Knighton. You can see parts of the original 8th century Offa’s Dyke earthworks along the trail.

The North Downs have acted as a highway since before Neolithic times, but became busier following the murder of Archbishop Becket in 1170. By the eighteenth century the term 'Pilgrims Path' referred to ancient trackways in the south of England used by pilgrims journeying to Becket's shrine. Although these routes radiated from Canterbury they did not include the path taken by Chaucers' pilgrims in the Canterbury Tales but were prehistoric tracks used by pilgrims travelling to or from the continent via Dover along the Via Francigena. The principal pilgrim route ran between Winchester and Canterbury, much of which is now busy with traffic and therefore is no longer a viable walking route. Nonetheless, our route, a section of the North Downs Way, does coincide with some of the places that Chaucer's pilgrims visited and parts of the Pilgrims Path marked on maps. Overall, this is a walk through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with beautiful views below you across the 'Garden of England'; as well as a historic route leading to England’s most eminent Cathedral City.

The Hadrian's Wall trail is quite simply a walker’s paradise with its stunning landscapes and sense of history, from the bloody border feuds of the Border Reivers to being home to Europe’s largest surviving Roman monument, Hadrian's Wall.

May 2003 saw the opening of the Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail, an 84 mile unbroken walk from Wallsend (Segedunum) in the east to Bowness-on-Solway (Maia) in the west. It passes through some of the most beautiful parts of England, from rolling fields and rugged landscapes to the vibrant cities of Newcastle and Carlisle. The walk skirts a number of fascinating Roman sites including Birdoswald Fort, Walltown Quarry, Great Chesters Fort, Steel Rigg, Vindolanda, Housteads Fort, Brocolitia Fort, Chesters Fort and Segadunum, as well as numerous Roman turrets and milecastles.

Although the earlier and latter sections of the walk are relatively flat with some undulations, the middle section can be quite demanding with some steep gradients and uneven ground. You will need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker.

Shepherds Walks Holidays offer a range of self-guided and guided walking holidays along Hadrian's Wall National Trail from a 6 day short break on the highlights of Hadrian's Wall right through to a fully guided trip along the full length of the trail. We also deliver 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 day self guided trips so you can walk the trail at your own pace.

This self-guided walking holiday captures the classic English Village lifestyle. Take in the beauty of the charming honey coloured Cotswold cottages and the dignified manor houses. Explore ancient wool churches and quintessential English countryside followed by relaxing in a traditional English Pub.

Walking the Pennine Way will take you through England's finest countryside. In terms of scenic grandeur, from the Dark Peak of its Debyshire beginnings, through the spectacular limestone of the Yorkshire Dales, the Teesdale Valleys and high fells of Alston, along Hadrian's Wall and over the Cheviots, all the way into Scotland, the Pennine Way has it all.

This five-day walking itinerary from Amberley to Eastbourne allows you to cover the second half of the South Downs Way at a relaxed pace. If you only do one half of the South Downs Way, this is the half we’d recommend. The scenery gets more and more spectacular as you go on, culminating in the climax of the spectacular Seven Sisters and Beachy Head.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path walking holiday follows the fabulous West Wales coastline from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south. Pembrokeshire beaches have been voted 2nd best in the world by the National Geographic. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path, one of the National Trails has also been voted one of the best long distance walks in the world, ahead of the Inca Trail.

The remote Kintyre Peninsula has all the usual Highland ingredients – magnificent scenery, abundant wildlife, and a wealth of history and famous whisky distilleries – with the added attraction of being one of the least-explored corners of Scotland. The Kintyre Way winds through heather moorland, tranquil glens, deserted beaches and sparkling lochs, and the views from the trail are breath-taking. From the west coast you’ll spot the islands of Jura, Islay, Cara, Gigha and Ireland itself, while the east coast showcases the superb heights of Arran’s craggy mountains. Grey seals bask on inshore rocks, and over 400 species of birds have been recorded on the peninsula, including cormorants and golden eagles.

The Borders Abbeys Way is a gentle circular walking trail in southern Scotland which links the ruined abbeys of Jedburgh, Melrose, Dryburgh and Kelso. It also includes the Roxburghshire town of Hawick and the county town of Selkirk. This part of the country gives the feel of stepping back in time away from fast busy dual carriageways and huge retail parks. The pace of life is somewhat slower allowing the visitor to relax and enjoy walking through a countryside steeped in history. The rural nature of this area gives you good opportunities to observe the diverse wildlife, with the wildflowers being particularly enjoyable in the spring.

Take in Scotland’s finest scenery on a long-distance walking holiday through the Highlands, past Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and along the shore of Loch Ness.

The Great Glen Way National Trail follows the route of the Caledonian Canal, which links the enormous lochs of the Great Glen all the way from the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea. Open moorland, tree-lined towpaths, and towering, heather-clad hills are staple views, alongside castles and forts that have witnessed some of the most bloody scenes of Scotland’s turbulent history.

We offer multiple holiday options along this trail—follow the link or get in touch for more information.

This simply superb Lake District self-guided walking holiday will take you through the heart of the Lakes from the southern capital of Ambleside to the northern capital of Keswick. In between you will stay in the beautiful Langdale Valley, the perfect base from which to explore the best mountain walking the Lake District has to offer. We arrange comfortable accommodation in en-suite rooms at hotels and accredited guest houses on your route and we transfer your luggage between each of the three bases for this tour. On this holiday you can choose to spend 2 or 3 nights in any or each of the three locations.

65 miles (105 km) ~ 6 days walking

The Arran Coastal Way is a magnificent circular walk around the perimeter of the beautiful Island of Arran, often described as ‘Scotland in Miniature’ because it compresses the best of Scottish scenery into its petite size of only 20 miles long by 10 miles wide.

The north of the island is ruggedly mountainous, with granite peaks and deep glens, resembling the Scottish Highlands, whereas the south is more gentle with low-lying farmland, wood and moorland.

Although mostly at low level, it includes some occasional rock scrambling and an optional climb over the island’s highest peak, Goatfell (874 m). Explore a fascinating mixture of seaside paths, forest trails, tidal beaches and rolling hills with all around spectacular views across the Firth of Clyde to the east and the Kintyre Peninsula in the west.

The Peak District in the county of Derbyshire is like an upland Cotswolds. It is an area of immense variety and importance, rich in wildlife where dramatic moorlands contrast sharply with lush valleys and stunning limestone gorges; where centuries-old stone villages and market towns have been as much a part of the environment on the landscape itself. The contrasting landscape is never more apparent than in the High Peak to the north, where you’ll find the Derwent Valley’s historic ‘Dam Busters’ dams and the caverns in the picturesque village of Castleton, where there is also an interesting castle. And at Baslow is Chatsworth House, one of the finest great houses in Britain.

The Yorkshire Wolds Way travels through a tranquil corner of England that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. This landscape of softly rounded chalk hills and flower-filled hedgerows is alive with butterflies, birds, and villages nestled in wooded dells.

Between England’s most famous deserted medieval village at Wharram Percy, views across the Humber Bridge to the towers of Lincoln Cathedral, and the quaint seaside resort of Filey, there’s plenty to catch your attention on this peaceful walking holiday.

The Dales Way is a delightful 78 mile walk through the Yorkshire Dales from the moors of Ilkley through the wonderful limestone country of Wharfedale and Dentdale and then skirting the Howgill Fells as you head west into south Lakeland to finish at the charming town of Bowness-on-Windermere, the largest lake in England's premier National Park.

78.5 miles (126 km) ~ 7 days' walking

Also available in shorter segments or as a custom itinerary - get in touch for more information.

Thurso, the northernmost town on mainland UK, is the base for the first three nights on the North Highland Way from where you will explore this remote area of Scotland beginning in the eastern section of John O’ Groats, Duncansby Stacks and Dunnet Head with an optional day trip by ferry to the Orkney Islands, famous for their rich Viking Heritage.

Further stages include Strathy, Bettyhill and Tongue where, during the summer months the puffin bird colonies will be active. Continue west to Durness, with a ferry trip across the Kyle and walk to the iconic Cape Wrath where the lighthouse built in 1828 and is a Category A listed building offering wonderful views all around over the open sea.

A further optional extra of a day walk out to the magnificent beaches at Sandwood Bay on the dramatic Atlantic coastline is also available from Kinlochbervie. Walk out past the hamlets of Blairmore, Batrick and Shegra to be rewarded by your arrival with a mile of golden sand dunes enclosed by rocky cliffs and a giant sea stack to complete the dramatic scene.

Custom routes and shorter itineraries available

Taking in much of the county’s best countryside, the Shropshire Way is a long-distance route covering some 200 miles. The route explores the north and south of the county, centring on Shrewsbury. Our trek features the southern route, which follows much of the original Shropshire Way conceived by the Ramblers Association in the 1980s. Discover some of England’s best kept secrets as you wander through the unique landscape of the Shropshire Hills. Cross the rocky crags of the Stiperstones to the summit of the Clee Hills and Wenlock Edge before reaching the magnificent Ironbridge Gorge. Our route features the charming towns and villages of Church Stretton, Bishop’s Castle, Clun, Ludlow, Much Wenlock and Ironbridge. From ancient hill forts to unique geological features and spectacular views, walking the Shropshire Way allows you to discover far more of this spectacular county.

Bob Graham was a Keswick guest house owner and keen fell runner who set out in 1932 to make a continuous round of 42 peaks (one for every year of his age) in his beloved Lake District during a single 24 hour period. His incredible feat set a record that remained unbeaten for 28 years despite many attempts. Today many people have completed the 24 hour round but it still remains one of the most demanding challenges available to athletes or mountaineers. At Wandering Aengus Treks we have taken this gold standard event and turned it into a remarkable mountain walking holiday.

96 miles (154 km) ~ 7 days walking

Also available in shorter segments or as a custom itinerary - get in touch for more information.

The West Highland Way is Scotland’s premier walking route linking the Central Lowlands to the Highlands on a wonderful journey that encounters lochs, moors, glens and mountains.

The Way begins at Milngavie passing through Mugdock Country Park and over Conic Hill to follow the shores of Loch Lomond. Continue north past Ben Lomond, Glen Falloch and over Rannoch Moor to atmospheric Glencoe and the Devil’s Staircase before descending to Kinlochleven. The final day of the walk is across Lairigmor into Glen Nevis to finish at Gordon Square in Fort William, end point of the route.

The West Highland Way is an experience like no other.

With three different start points, at Yarmouth, Cowes or Ryde, the Isle of Wight’s 73-mile coastal footpath visits all the main beaches and seaside towns, together with some amazing unspoilt estuaries and countryside. From the iconic landscape of the Needles in the west of the island to the atmospheric Bembridge Harbour with its quirky houseboats and amazing coastal birdlife in the east, the Isle of Wight coastal path takes you through a breathtaking landscape showcasing the island's iconic geology, and history. Be prepared to walk an extra mile or so each day, as you may find it irresistible to explore the beaches, rock pools and other natural and historical features along the way.