Whether you’re a keen hiker or a casual stroller, the north of England is the perfect location for a walking holiday. From untouched rural landscapes to historic industrial cities, the north offers a diverse range of trekking trails and terrains that are suited to every kind of hiking break.
There are many benefits of a walking holiday, and choosing an active holiday this year is not only good for your health, but will help you experience the beauty of nature.
If you’re looking for hiking holiday ideas this year, check out Feet Do Travel’s list of the most popular trails in the north of England before putting on your walking boots!
There are many benefits of a walking holiday, and choosing an active holiday this year is not only good for your health, but will help you experience the beauty of nature.
If you’re looking for hiking holiday ideas this year, check out Feet Do Travel’s list of the most popular trails in the north of England before putting on your walking boots!
The Pennines: Spread across the northeast, northwest England and the Yorkshire and Humber regions, the Pennines uplands are naturally suited to walking holidays. In particular, the North Pennines are packed with a range of diverse walking trails, including the famed long-distance Pennines Way National Trail. If you feel like taking a less challenging ramble through this famed area of outstanding natural beauty, there are more gentle routes on the trail that are perfect for beginners.
Ilkley Moor Walks: Some people may only know Ilkley Moor from the traditional folk song On Ilkla Moor Baht’at, however this charming West Yorkshire location is in fact one of the best walking spots in the whole of the UK - the good news is, you can reach Ilkley from Leeds in less than 30 minutes by train. You’ll find four circular routes to should suit any level of walker - these include Ilkley Moor Cow, Calf Rocks and White Wells Walk (3.7km), Hebers Ghyll Waterfall and Moorland Views Walk (4.4km), Twelve Apostles and the Eastern Ilkley Moor Walk (5.7km) and the Peak of Ilkley Moor and Twelve Apostles Walk (11.5km).
Leeds and Liverpool Canal: Constructed between 1770 and 1816, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is one of the best-preserved monuments to Britain’s proud industrial past. Considering that the Canal stretches for around 127 miles, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of walking routes along the way, none more picturesque than the famed Skipton to Saltaire trail, where you’ll find remnants of northern industry mixed with stunning Yorkshire scenery.
Yorkshire Dales: Stretching from the Vale of York to the Pennine watershed, the Yorkshire Dales’ diverse and scenic terrain makes for a vast hiker’s paradise. From limestone caves and windswept valleys to dramatic waterfalls and untouched woodland, this beautiful area of the north is well served by popular hiking trails - some of the best include the Hawes to Sedbusk trail and James Herriot Way.
Thinking of an Outdoors Trip this year? Here's more inspiration:
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