Pathway to a happier life
WALKING is Britain’s most popular outdoor leisure pursuit and thanks to a superb network of public footpaths and bridleways we’re lucky enough to all live within easy reach of a good hike, whether in idyllic countryside, along the coast or beside urban rivers and canals.
In England andwales there are around 140,000 miles of public rights of way and 9,300 miles in Scotland, with
Northern Ireland also well-served with scenic footpaths.
So, if you’re in the market for a move don’t just investigate nearby schools and supermarkets, make sure you find out about the nearest long-distance paths and areas of Outstanding natural Beauty as well.
Here are a few of Britain’s best-loved paths with details of some lovely properties nearby.
ENGLAND COAST PATH
Due to be completed in 2020, its 2,795 miles will make it the world’s longest managed and way-marked route, taking in beaches, cliffs and historic sites.
National Trails (nationaltrail.co.uk) is in charge with a website featuring interactive maps. Much of the path, including the spectacular Southwest Coast Path, is already open.
The 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset through Devon and Cornwall to Poole Harbour in Dorset, is practically on the doorstep of Grade Ii-listed barn conversion The Bolt Hole, in the south
Fancy a move and enjoy a good hike? There are plenty of homes ideally placed to keep you active, as DEBORAH STONE discovers
Devon village of Noss Mayo.the two-bedroom, architect-designed barn is part of Rowden Court on the Victorian-built Membland Hall estate and was converted for full residential use in the 1980s, when the estate was redeveloped and sold off to private owners.
Located on farmland just half a mile from the sea, beach and cliff-top coast path,the Bolt Hole has a stable-style front door into an open-plan bespoke fitted kitchen and living room, with exposed wooden beams. The two bedrooms and a contemporary family bathroom are upstairs.
Residents also have access to communal gardens and tennis court, while the main road to Plymouth is a few miles away.the Bolt Hole is for sale at £250,000 leasehold, with an annual management fee of £1,430 (01752 872417; luscombemaye.com).
WALES COAST PATH
Wales was the first country in the world to have a footpath along its entire coast – this runs 870 miles and connects to the England Coast Path.
The website (walescoastpath.co.uk) features everything from multi-day treks to simple strolls such as the mile-long path around Cardiff Bay and the Cardigan Bay route from the beach resort of New Quay, where you can often see porpoises.
Thevale of Glamorgan attracts fewer tourists but its section of the path is ruggedly scenic and the coast here has the second highest tidal range in the world after