Perfect time to take the roads less travelled G
Avoid the staycation stampede and get away from it all at quieter locations
one are the days when staycations were easily dismissed as being too close to home.
As lockdown restrictions ease, hotels and attractions are preparing to open in the UK and Ireland, and many people will hit the road.
But there are fears of overcrowded beaches and overrun national parks.
Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives to the obvious honeypots. For those prepared to search a little harder, here are some quieter, more remote locations to explore…
West Highlands, Scotland
A tumble of rugged mountains and glassy lochs largely unfettered by human habitation, the Highlands is the UK’s wild corner. Popular spots Ben Nevis and Glencoe will inevitably attract crowds once restrictions lift but there’s no one around at Assynt and Coigach in the West Highlands.
Waves crash against sea stacks and golden sands; inland, remote mountain Suilven rewards climbers with astounding views.
Wilderness Scotland (01479 420 020; wildernessscotland.com) offers the six-night Wilds of Assynt tour from £1625pp (two sharing), starting and finishing in Inverness. Departs August 1 or September 26, 2020.
Ceredigion, Wales
Imagine having the idyllic beaches and captivating wildlife of Pembrokeshire all to yourself? Visit neighbouring Ceredigion, which shares the same superb scenery. With no motorways and few rail links, it’s harder to reach, but the journey along winding roads is an adventure in itself. Walk the Ceredigion Coast Path, looking out for dolphins, or explore the sandy beach at National Trust-owned Penbryn.
Close to rural coastal village Llangrannog, Great Tree House is a six-person holiday cottage specially adapted for those with disabilities. Book it for a multi-generational break. Quality Cottages (qualitycottages. co.uk; 01348 837 871) offers seven nights in August from £1706 per week.
Wicklow Way, Ireland
Most tourists are tempted by Ireland’s
Wild Atlantic Way but a quieter option is a hike along one of the Republic’s greatest walking trails, the Wicklow Way. Dublin day-trippers often head to sections straying from the city but venture a bit further and any sign of human footprints disappear.
Explore ruined monastic city Glendalough, or marvel at the dark waters of Lough Tay, dubbed the Guinness Lake. Wilderness Ireland (wildernessireland.com; +353 (0)91 457 898) offers a six-night Hiking The Wicklow Way tour from £1870pp (two sharing).
Northumberland National Park, England
The title of least-visited National Park in the UK, is an accolade to be proud of in these crowd-dodging times. Even better, with only 2000 residents, the 405-square-mile park is the leastpopulated protected beauty spot too.
Sat below the Borders, it’s spliced by Hadrian’s Wall, and neighbours Kielder Water & Forest Park, a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park, where stars sparkle like gems. A sprawl of woodlands, streams and a rocky gorge, College Valley is one of the most remote areas to explore.
Sleep in 14th century Langley Castle (langleycastle.co.uk; 01434 688 888) where doubles start from £94 per night.
Even though it’s only a short hop across a bridge to this island offshore from Portsmouth, life slowly unfurls in its own holiday bubble. A popular seaside resort in the 1930s, it still has several holiday parks. A funfair and golf course provide entertainment, although farmland and nature trails occupy most of the secluded spot. Highlights year-round are the Blue Flag beaches and breezy Solent water, ideal for sailing and windsurfing.
A three-night caravan stay (sleeps six) at Parkdean Resorts Holiday Park (parkdeanresorts.co.uk; 0330 123 4850) costs from £199.
When it comes to sunny summer breaks, crowds head south, but it’s a mistake to leave other areas in the shade. Although often associated with its industrial past, the northeast has a wild, unspoilt coastline of towering cliffs and dunes. Ramble along the coast, looking for kittiwakes, cormorants, bottlenose dolphins and minke whales.
Set in the village of Murton, OYO The Village Inn (oyorooms. com) has doubles from £30 per night in July.
Rutland, England
England’s smallest county offers picturesque trails, quaint pubs and historical attractions. Rockingham Castle is a fine example of Norman architecture, while Rutland Water and Rutland Water Nature Reserve offer water sports and wildlife viewing in the otherwise land-locked region. Visit the fairy-tale Normanton Church, which appears to float on water.
The Wisteria Hotel (wisteriahotel. co.uk; 01572 722 844) in Oakham, completed a £150K refurb just before lockdown. Rooms from £65 per night.