The most beautiful places to walk and the spas to stay at

The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) wrote this month: "the United Kingdom has unique advantages in supporting well-rounded wellness living. The country boasts spectacular areas of natural beauty and scenic coastal views that are never more than a few hours away."

Meanwhile, Time magazine reported on a series of studies highlighting the often overlooked merits of walking. Quoting Dr. Marie Kanagie-McAleese, a paediatric hospitalist at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, says: “First, walking improves the health of our cardiovascular system [...] With improved oxygen delivery to our organs, we see a decrease in the risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.”

They also go onto say that "a 2023 meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine concluded that doing moderate-intensity physical activity—like brisk walking—for just 11 minutes a day is enough to lower the risk of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and a number of cancers."

Meanwhile, the UK has over 140,000 miles of public footpaths, bridleways, and byways considered part of the nation's shared heritage, and making up our public rights of way network. Whether you fancy a walking holiday or a walking challenge, it's a free opportunity to get out and explore, exercise and connect with nature, but where should you go? Here are a few favourite National Trails.

Walking the South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path is said to be the UK's longest and National Trail, covering 630-miles from Minehead in Somerset along the coastline of Exmoor, into North Devon, Cornwall, South Devon and Dorset before ending at Poole Harbour. It takes you along beaches and clifftops, past historic sites and spectacular landscapes providing opportunities to see wildlife in abundance and nature at its most dramatic.

Walking the South Downs Way

An expansive 100 miles of walking territory, the South Downs Way is a national trail that follows old routes and driveways from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex. Hike along the chalk escarpment and ridges of the South Downs and stop to rest and restore at cosy pubs, inns, and of course spectacular spa hotels.

Walking The Pennine Way

The Pennine Way is steeped in history, a national trail that follows mountain tops along the so-called backbone of England. A total of 268 miles of upland walking, it takes you from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders, and holds the crown as the very first National Trail, opened on 24th April 1965. It's said you can do the whole thing in 16 to 19 days, but most people prefer to do shorter stretches at a time - all the more reason to return time and again.

Walking the Hadrian’s Wall Path

A chance to walk in the footsteps of Romans, Hadrian’s Wall Path spans 84 miles of trails, stretching from coast to coast across northern England. It begins at Wallsend at Newcastle upon Tyne and takes you all the way to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria on the west coast. Famously following the line of the Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site, it takes you through rolling fields and rugged borderlands as well as vibrant cities such as Newcastle and Carlisle, offering a feast of opportunities to learn, explore, and marvel at the world around you.

Walking the Norfolk Coast Path

Running from Hunstanton in west Norfolk round to Hopton-on-Sea on the east Norfolk coast, the Norfolk Coast Path provides 84 miles of walking opportunity, across dramatic landscapes, seaside towns, and beaches. Explore the dramatic landscape of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and see areas rich in wildlife such as the salt marshes near Brancaster and the Holkham National Nature Reserve as you roam.

Walking the Thames Path

Following perhaps the UK's most famous river, the Thames Path is 185 miles long, starting at the source of the Thames in the Cotswolds, and ending at Woolwich in London. A unique experience that passes through water meadows, historic towns and cities, it's mostly flat, unlike many of the other UK trails, and is especially pretty in the autumn.

Walking the Cotswold Way

Taking in more than 100 miles of Cotswolds countryside, The Cotswold Way takes you from the beautiful Cotswold market town of Chipping Campden in the north, to the World Heritage City of Bath in the south. Traverse through chocolate box villages and heritage sites, the Neolithic burial chamber at Belas Knap, Sudeley Castle near Winchcombe, Hailes Abbey and more, it offers long lengths and pretty circular loops to explore.

Walking the Wales Coast Path

The Wales Coast Path is unique in that it's a continuous coastal footpath stretching across the entire length of the Welsh coastline. It's 870 miles long and while you can pick your starting point, it officially begins on the border with the English city of Chester and ends at Chepstow in the south. At the halfway point you will find a commissioned sculpture overlooking the harbour and wishing travellers good luck. There's no end to its opportunities as it links to other popular paths, and spans popular stretches at the Isle of Anglesey, Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and more.