Wanderlust Travel Magazine (UK)
Ask the experts
Exploring the newly opened England Coast Path in Kent, Scotland’s Highlands and Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland and Cumbria – our experts offer advice on great walks in the UK
Wild UK walks are the hot topic on our experts’ agenda this month
DISCOVERING THE KENT COAST ON FOOT
QWe’ve tackled many of the classic sections of England’s South West Coast Path and were considering something a bit more easterly next, perhaps in Kent? What would we find a good two or three day coastal stretch?
Nicola Miller, via email
A2020 is going to be a great year for coastal walks. Natural England has announced new routes along 2,800 miles of England Coast Path, and what’s exciting is that the project includes walks we’ve never had access to before, such as Kent’s Sandwich peninsula along the River Stour.
Sandwich is on 25 miles of path between Ramsgate and Dover. That’s about the distance I like for a three-day hike. Slow, with time to look, taste, smell and touch.
After exploring the historic port at Sandwich, walk out to the remote dune pastures and, during spring, watch out for butterflies – seals also come to sunbathe at low tide.
Then head six miles south to Deal. This east coast is peppered with castles, including Walmer Castle, once the home of the Duke of Wellington. Wander around the gardens here, dip toes in the sandy bay and enjoy a cuppa at the Sea Café at The Strand.
Afterwards, it’s on to Dover. To walk in from St Margaret’s Bay along the white cliffs is breathtaking. Nothing beats breathing in those rare sea views and clean air after a long walk. Apart from… some great food. Treat yourself at the end to a seafood platter at Cullins Yard.
Stephen Neale
HIKING AND HAVING FUN ALONG HADRIAN’S WALL
QWe’d like to spend a long weekend walking a section of Hadrian’s Wall. Where would be good for a moderate trek (nothing too hard), with convenient stay options along the way and interesting things to see?
Robin Grindley, via email
AStick to the middle section of the Wall, between Chollerford in the east and Walton in the west. The scenery is at its most epic and wild here, as the Wall stretches along the top of the Whin Sill, a natural rocky ridge. The walking is also at its most delightful and invigorating along this section, and it’s the part of the path with both the highest and longest unbroken stretches of original Roman wall.
The actual walking, however, is only part of the appeal of the Hadrian’s Wall Path, and this 28-mile hike is also blessed with attractions such as the Roman Army Museum at Carvoran and several Roman forts including Birdoswald, Chesters, Housesteads and the Vindolanda fort, renowned for its outstanding archaeological finds.
Other reasons to choose this part of the trail? Well, there are some characterful pubs and restaurants in the vicinity, including the remote Twice Brewed (at the tiny hamlet of Once Brewed) and the Old Vicarage in Walton – both of which, coincidentally, are attached to breweries. Happy days! Henry Stedman
BEDDING DOWN IN A BOTHY IN SCOTLAND’S HIGHLANDS
QI’m intrigued by the idea of staying overnight in a bothy. Where’s a great place to start?
Hayley Donovan, via email
AI’d recommend Uags Bothy on the southern tip of the Applecross peninsula in Scotland’s Highlands. The walk is a six-mile round trip across open moorland along a well-trodden footpath, and on a clear day there are views over to Rasaay and Skye’s Cuillin Hills.
The bothy is an old stone cottage perched on a rocky promontory above the tide line, which formed part of a crofting community. Otters are often seen down by the shore and porpoises out in the Sound, and if you’re very lucky you may glimpse a golden eagle.
Bothies are open shelters with no booking system or wardens. Just turn up with the items you’d take camping, plus candles, and fuel to add to the fire. Bothies have no facilitates (gas, electricity or a tap), but can become a cosy home from home, especially if you bring some fine food and perhaps a wee tipple.
Be ready to welcome other bothy goers, and leave it clean and tidy.
Geoff Allen