Planning to take a break from your hectic routine? Walking solo allows you to slow down and explore local regions, culture, geography and landscapes. The UK offers a wide choice of walking holidays.
From the rocky terrain of the Scottish Highlands to the coastal towns of South West England, there’s plenty to explore on foot. Whether you want an easier route or a multi-day hike, you can find a walk that suits you. Mickledore offers self-guided walking holidays in the UK, making it easier for solo travelers to plan a trip at their own pace.
Here are six routes to consider.
The West Highland Way is a 96-mile route from Milngavie to Fort William. It takes walkers through lochs, glens, forests, mountains and open Highland landscapes.
There are hotels, bed and breakfasts, inns and guesthouses along the route, so you don’t need to camp. You’ll also find pubs and local restaurants where you can stop after a day’s walking. The route finishes in Fort William, beneath Ben Nevis.
Hadrian’s Wall Path is a good choice if you want to combine walking with history. The route follows sections of Hadrian’s Wall through countryside, rolling hills, farmland and historic sites.
The path is well marked and has accommodation and places to eat along the way, making it practical for solo travelers.
The 110-mile Cleveland Way starts in Helmsley and ends in Filey. It crosses the North York Moors before reaching the Yorkshire coast, giving you two distinct landscapes in one trip.
Along the way, you can explore places such as Helmsley and Whitby. Guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, country inns and hotels provide accommodation, while village cafés and pubs offer plenty of places to stop for a meal.
The South Downs Way runs for 104 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne. Its open landscapes and well-marked path make it an appealing option for a first walking holiday.
The route follows long stretches of chalk downland with countryside views. Winchester has plenty of accommodation and places to eat before you set off, while Eastbourne makes a convenient place to spend an extra day at the end. The Seven Sisters cliffs are nearby.
The Thames Path stretches for 185 miles from the river’s source near Kemble to the Thames Barrier in London. It is mostly flat and can be walked in shorter sections, making it a flexible choice for solo travelers.
The trail passes through countryside, villages and historic places including Oxford and Windsor. Accommodation, riverside pubs, cafés and restaurants are available along much of the route. You can also add a day or two in London after finishing.
The Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path is a 133-mile circuit around the island. Its scenery changes from cliffs and beaches to dunes, rocky coves and sea stacks.
The quieter stretches offer plenty of time to enjoy the coast at your own pace. Guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, inns and hotels provide alternatives to camping, and there are opportunities to stop for local food along the way.
