Put a spring in your step
Sarah Marshall checks out some great British walks
There’s arguably no prettier season than spring, and one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty on our doorsteps is on foot. These are some fine trails to try...
North Norfolk
The new England Coast Path is set to become the longest coastal trail anywhere in the world at 2,800 miles. Inntravel recommend their self-guided Seascapes of North Norfolk itinerary, which provides walkers with an opportunity to witness some excellent birdlife, with breeding species including marsh harriers.
How: A six-night trip costs from £975pp (two sharing), including B&B accommodation, three dinners, luggage transfers, route notes and maps. Visit inntravel.co.uk.
The Gower Peninsula, Wales
Designated the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956, the peninsula stretches from the south’s limestone scenery of Worms Head and Oxwich Bay to the saltmarshes and dune systems in the north. Discover the area’s most scenic parts on a six-day tour.
How: Headwater’s Highlights of the Gower Peninsula Walk costs from £1,049pp (two sharing), including B&B accommodation, GPS route directions and maps, luggage transfers and services of a local rep. Visit headwater.com.
Ullswater, Lake District
A host of golden daffodils inspired William Wordsworth to write one of his most famous poems. Walk through similar displays along the shores of Ullswater, where daffs parade in the spring. Eco-holiday park The Quiet Site is the starting point for several hikes, such as the Ullswater Way – a 20-mile circular trek around the lake. Alternatively, take a shorter stroll to the 70-foot Aria Force
waterfalls.
How: From £55 per night for up to two adults and two children. Visit thequietsite.co.uk.
Yorkshire Dales
Woods brimming with bluebells can be found scattered across the
Dales. More adventurous trekkers should attempt the Howgill Fells, which Alfred Wainwright likened to a herd of elephants basking. Recharge at the Black Bull, a 17th century hotel in nearby Sedbergh. How: Rooms from £125 per night. Visit theblackbullsedbergh.co.uk.
Dartmoor
After a long hike, there’s nothing more refreshing than a dip – and Dartmoor has one of the best natual pools in the country, the Sharrah. It’s close to luxury property Bovey Castle, where guests can also join a deerkeeper for a tour of the estate. How: Rooms from £325 per night with breakfast (two sharing). Visit boveycastle.com.
Suffolk
Birdsong provides a soundtrack to the seasons, reaching its crescendo in the spring breeding season. Identify some of the key performers on an early morning walk with the National Trust through Dunwich Heath, an area of big skies and fields carpeted in heather. A 90-minute walk including a bacon sandwich or vegetarian breakfast costs £14 for adults and £8 for children, with departures on April 5 and 19.
How: Stay at the Westleton Crown, where B&B rooms cost from £100.80. Visit westletoncrown.co.uk.