10 romantic trails
A romantic walk is surely an aphrodisiac, so make your partner weak at the knees at these 10 enticing locations…
1 THE PERFECT SUNSET Camusdarach Beach, Arisaig, Highland
Take a coastal walk north from the West Highland village of Arisaig and you may think you’ve taken a wrong turn and landed in the Caribbean (unless, that is, you decide to take a dip). This shoreline is a place of idyllic white-sand beaches lapped by azure seas and Camusdarach is a particular highlight – an ideal spot to walk handin-hand and watch the sun sink behind the Hebridean islands of Eigg and Rum, and the jagged Cuillin Ridge of Skye.
2 MR DARCY’S PEMBERLEY Lyme Park, Cheshire
Jane Austen fans: have you ever wanted to see Mr Darcy’s house and the lake where Colin Firth melted all those hearts in the mid-nineties? Lyme Hall, south of Stockport, was used as Darcy’s home, Pemberley, in the iconic BBC series of Pride and Prejudice. A walk around this National Trust property lets you re-live the most romantic Elizabeth and Darcy scenes. The surrounding deer park has plenty of hideaway copses, and Paddock Cottage, to the southwest, has expansive views north towards Greater Manchester.
3 CORNISH HIDEAWAY Lantic Bay, Cornwall
How do you find the quietest, most romantic beaches in Cornwall? Choose ones you can only reach on foot – like Lantic Bay. This white shingle cove lies sheltered by cliffs on the county’s southern coast, and is reached by a path across the fields. After relishing wide bay views, a steep descent takes you down to the secluded shore. Make a circular walk by climbing back up the cliff and taking the South West Coast Path to the fishing village of Polruan and returning via Pont Pill, or drop in on a 12-mile epic from Looe to Fowey.
4 BRITAIN’S MOST BEAUTIFUL STREET? Lower Slaughter, Cotswolds
Don’t let the name put you off: Lower Slaughter is a jewel, with its old cottages of Cotswold limestone. And Copse Hill Road, running beside the River Eye as it flows through the village, was once voted Britain’s most beautiful street on a Google poll. A walk from Bourton-onthe-Water through Lower and Upper Slaughter, west to Naunton and back via the River Windrush gives a delicious flavour of the area and the honeycoloured hamlets that adorn it. Why not stay in the The Slaughters Manor House to make a romantic weekend of it?
5 ROMANTIC POETRY Grasmere, Lake District
William Wordsworth described Grasmere as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found,’ which may explain why the Romantic poet made it his home. Gorgeous walks twine out from the village in all directions, and you can enjoy striking Lakeland scenery from one of his favourite walks, on the moderate climb along Loughrigg Terrace and around Rydal Water, with wide views along the dale. The short, sharp ascent to the impressive rocks at the top of Helm Crag is also thoroughly rewarding and the two together make the perfect romantic weekend.
8 THE HOME OF LOVE... ACTUALLY! Walberswick, Suffolk
Imagine a picture-postcard village with a beach, pubs, tea rooms, and a glorious village green. And if that’s not romantic enough, it’s where Richard Curtis, who wrote and directed the Christmas staple romcom Love Actually, chooses to live. A loop around the village leads through a tempting smorgasbord of habitats – along the Suffolk Coast Path, beside the River Blyth, and across the heath of Walberswick Common. In summer, a rowboat ferry runs across the river to Southwold, where you can tuck into some of Britain’s finest fish and chips.
6 SPA TREATMENT City of Bath
Treat your loved one to a luxurious trip to the spa city of Bath. Kick off with a walk around its skyline, treading scenic paths across wind-tickled downland, enjoying sumptuous views of its Georgian streets, and visiting the attractive folly of Sham Castle. Back in town, restore tired legs with a trip to Thermae Bath Spa with its steaming rooftop pool. And don’t forget to visit Gravel Walk close to Royal Victoria Park, where Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth enjoyed a very romantic moment in Jane Austen’s novel, Persuasion.
9 ISLAND GETAWAY Lindisfarne, Northumberland
What could be more romantic than an island? How about one with a castle? That you can walk to? Twice a day the tide recedes to let people cross to Lindisfarne – most drive the causeway, but there’s a pilgrim path marked by posts across the bay (and refuges for those caught by the racing tides – always check times carefully). It’s an atmopsheric walk through a liminal world of sand, sky and a skim of seawater. Once on Holy Island, you can circuit its perimeter and stay the night too, when the day-trippers leave and all is quiet. NB: Castle closed ‘til April 2018.
7 MOUNTAIN SNUG Llyn Arenig Fawr, Snowdonia
For the more frugal romantics among you, a night at a bothy in the hills might be just your cup of tea. These buildings are free to use, though very basic, and are often found in the most scenic of spots. This one is tiny – just big enough for two – and as it’s only a mile from the road you can carry a few extras, like a bottle of bubbly, extra pillows and firewood. Arenig Fawr towers over the bothy, and a steep stony path leads to a summit with views across much of Snowdonia. Enjoy an evening by the lake and a night snuggled by the fire. See www.mountainbothies.org.uk.
10 MUNRO MASTERSTROKE Ben Lomond, Highland
Climbing Britain’s most southerly Munro should get your blood pumping. Ben Lomond is one of the most achievable of these Scottish mountains over 3000 feet, and your efforts will deliver magnificent views over its namesake loch and far across the southern Highlands, and a sweet, shared moment of summit triumph too. Time your walk to return to the shores of Loch Lomond at sunset for extra wow factor. Find full route guides for all these walks at www.livefortheoutdoors.com/bonusroutes