The promise of adventure that a long-distance backpacking trail has to offer is considered to be one of the most reassuring outdoor activities one can do in a lifetime.
The chance to meet like-minded hikers and come across some special wildlife while covering the diverse terrain gives a true feeling of accomplishment and achievement. These seven extraordinary trails offer the opportunity to experience an unforgettable journey over hilltops and through the forests of the UK in 2024.
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St Oswald’s Way
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This is another long-distance walking route that can be done in September linking the important places associated with St Oswald, the erstwhile ruler of Northumbria during the seventh century. Divided into six sections from north to south the route follows the stunning Northumberland Coast before heading towards the Hadrian’s Wall to the south.
On the way, you will come across lovely river valleys, ancient castles, quaint villages, farmlands, and dense forests on your hike. The hike is 97 miles in entire length from Lindisfarne to the old town of Rothbury before culminating at the World Heritage Site of the Hadrian’s Wall. The Hadrian’s wall walk is more or less easy, with the highest elevation of 900′ and is rich with wildlife, rare butterflies, and a wide variety of birdlife.
The Lake District
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If there is any place in northern England where one can take part in any conceivable outdoor activity, then it has to be the prime adventure location of the Lake District. The undulating mountains and the extensive bodies of water(some of them the largest in Europe) are full of scores of hiking trails that deserve to be covered every inch to enjoy the beauty of the region.
Some of the key walking routes are adjacent to Keswick, where trails lead to the top of such iconic peaks like the Blencathra and Skiddaw from where you can marvel at the surreal scenery of Derwentwater along the Langdale Pikes far below. Although the days are short and the night temperatures tend to dip a little, surprisingly, November is actually considered to be the best time to visit the Lake District. The scenery, too, is at its most unique and picturesque at this time of the year. Be sure you wear your best hiking boots for this unique walk.
The Cotswolds
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The month of October promises a vivid change in landscapes with the colors of Autumn lending their golden glow to the surroundings. This period gives an ideal chance to hikers who want to escape the crowds and walk short distances in complete silence. The Cotswolds is packed with events in 2021 and the short October breaks are just right to enjoy some coziness before the onset of the winter.
The Cotswolds, in particular, are stunning in October as the entire countryside from Moreton-in-Marsh to Bourton-on-the-water is awash in the colorful light of the season. The sound of the birds and the sight of wildflowers make the Cotswold Round Cheltenham Circuit or the Moreton-in-Marsh Circuit a hiker’s dream as they walk through nature reserves and sites of special scientific interest.
Herriot Way
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This is a four-day circular walk that can be undertaken in October from Aysgarth which gives a chance to enjoy the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, the market town of Hawes, and other picturesque Dales villages of Reeth and Askrigg. The highlight of this moderate hiking trip is the visit to the highest single-drop waterfall in England, Hardraw Force as well as the triple drop Aysgarth Falls.
All along its length, the Herriot Way traverses beautiful valleys, moorland, and high open fells apart from vast tracts of open wilderness which have been laid bare by incessant mining. This beautiful four-day hike through James Herriot country also covers the world-famous Wensleydale and the scenic Swaledale.
Snowdonia National Park, Wales
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Known the world over for Welsh culture, rugged landscape, and the highest mountain in Wales, Snowdon or YrWyddfa, the Snowdonia National Park has much to offer to every type of walker. That said, most of the walks here are from hard to strenuous and require a bit of planning before a visit. Apart from hiking, Snowdonia attractions include a tour on a narrow-gauge railway train through the stunning countryside, while the more adventurous ones can try their hand at whitewater rafting.
Castles erected by warring tribes in the 13th century dot the region, with Harlech Castle easily being the most spectacular of all the castles built for King Edward. The castle was constructed by James, a Frenchman, as part of Edward’s plan to conquer Gwynedd, the Welsh Principality. The park is situated at an elevation of 3560′ and is a prime destination for many hikers. The most popular route is Llanberis Path, which is a 9-mile walk along the mountain railway track and takes about six hours to complete.
The Jurassic Coast, England
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From Exmouth in East Devon to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage in Dorset, the Jurassic Coast walk extends for a distance of 95 miles and is England’s only natural World Heritage site known for its landforms, rocks, and fossils. Collecting fossils tumbling down to the beaches from the cliffs can be an exciting activity to discover a piece of the earth’s history. This area is considered to be one of the richest heritage sites for prehistoric remains.
The South West Coast Path runs over the entire length of the Jurassic Coast and provides the best opportunity to view some amazing landmarks along the dramatic coastline of this area of Dorset. There are several guided walks based around the towns of Regis, Lyme, and Charmouth which are sought-after stomping grounds for fossil hunters and which educate visitors about the skills of fossil collecting.
South Downs Way, England
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The 1600 square kilometers South Downs National Park to the south of the country may be a lesser fancied destination as compared to the other prominent walks but it offers the best chance to experience the typical English countryside while stopping at pubs and exploring castles on the way. For the ultimate challenge, walk all the way from the cathedral city, Winchester, to Beachy Head at Eastbourne over a couple of days.
The South Downs Way happens to be the first bridleway National Trail of England and the only trail to lie within a National Park. On any clear day, you can spot buzzards soaring in the thermals above you before heading for a rest at flintstone house villages to enjoy a pint. The diverse habitat of this region supports plants, birds, fish, and a number of small mammals.
