WITH the weather set to stay clear and dry this week, we’re encouraging readers to make the most of the sunny rays with a hike.
So grab those walking boots and head for the hills.
We’re encouraging readers to make the most of the sunny rays with a hike[/caption]
These hiking-themed staycations are perfect for spring, when nature is in full bloom and before the heat ramps up in summer.
Sophie Swietochowski picks six of the best.
COTSWOLDS
The Wheatsheaf Inn, Northleach is a great rest stop[/caption]
For something more challenging than a stroll but not so tough you need all the gear, the 6.8km Northleach and Hampnett circular route is a great choice, passing rolling Cotswolds hills and a gorgeous 15th century church.
Reward yourself with a post-hike pint at The Wheatsheaf Inn in Northleach, a traditional country pub where stone floors are kept toasty by roaring fires.
The 14 bedrooms upstairs boast just as much character, with roll-top tubs taking pride of place in the larger rooms. Dogs are welcome, too.
GO: B&B rooms cost from £165 per night.
YORKSHIRE
The unspoilt views across the North York Moors[/caption]
The North York Moors National Park is a bird spotter’s paradise, and many birds can be seen soaring over the reeds and unspoilt landscape.
The 7.4km Nawton and Pockley circular walk will guide you along the edge of the park and down quiet paths bordered by craggy, twisted trees.
Less than a ten-minute drive from Nawton, where the walk starts and ends, is one of the best hotels in the area, The Pheasant.
This historic collection of buildings overlooking a duck pond once comprised a blacksmith’s, village shop and barns.
It now features tweed-laden rooms with four-poster beds and floral wallpaper.
GO: B&B rooms cost from £120 per night.
See thepheasanthotel.com.
ST ALBANS
Hilly hikes in the leafy Herts city are a dream for any history lover.
The 10.5km ramble from Hatfield across the disused railway, known as the Alban Way, leads into St Albans city centre, where Roman ruins and a grand cathedral await.
Rest those weary limbs in the heated pool or sizzling sauna at Sopwell House’s Cottonmill Spa, tucked away in 12 acres of countryside.
The charming bedrooms feel cosy, thanks to the old-fashioned decor, while the reception is kept warm with a roaring log burner.
Make sure to pop into the hotel’s Omboo restaurant for sharing plates of sushi, hot, sticky chicken and truffle spring rolls.
GO: B&B rooms cost from £279 per night.
See sopwellhouse.co.uk.
NEW FOREST
Throughout the woodland and green fields of the New Forest, wild ponies are allowed to roam freely.
You may even notice some munching on the grass outside a pub or strolling along the narrow country roads.
Nature enthusiasts should take the challenging, but tranquil, Lyndhurst to Brockenhurst Loop.
It winds 16km through tree-dense forests and past quaint village tea shops.
Book one of the 13 dog-friendly rooms at The Huntsman in Brockenhurst, which recently had a facelift and now features cottage-style furniture and shiny bathrooms in rich green and blue.
Try the Sunday roasts loaded with meat and flavour-packed gravy.
GO: B&B rooms cost from £169 per night.
See thehuntsmanofbrockenhurst.com.
CORNWALL
Boscastle harbour in Cornwall[/caption]
Coastal cliff paths overlooking golden sands and choppy waves are in abundance here.
Pack your binoculars and stroll the St Nectan’s Glen, Tintagel Castle and Rocky Valley circular route to spot foxes, deer, woodpeckers and kestrels.
The 11.7km trail is popular so head out early if you want to soak up the scenery all to yourselves.
Post-hike, order a local ale at the refurbished Wellington in the nearby town of Boscastle.
It’s one of the oldest coaching inns in the South West.
Along with an excellent restaurant serving refined pub and coastal classics, there are 14 rooms and three apartments, each decorated in a castle theme.
GO: B&B rooms cost from £145 per night.
See wellingtonhotelboscastle.com.
SOUTH WALES
The breathtaking Four Waterfalls trail in the Brecon Beacons is one of the most beautiful hikes in the South Wales area.
This 8.5km loop can be challenging at times due to the steep and rough terrain, so pack proper hiking boots and come prepared.
The climb is well worth it though for the view of four rip-roaring waterfalls tumbling down jagged rocks.
Embrace nature even more with a stay at the Waterfall Country Pods.
The wooden glamping pods sleep up to two adults and two children and come with a decking area.
The rooms are basic but you’re there for the prime location, just a short walk from the falls.
GO: Pods cost from £90 per night on a self-catering basis.
See waterfallcountrypods.co.uk.
- For detailed walking instructions, see alltrails.com.
