10 wonderful walking routes in the UK

Walking is one of the best ways to experience all the beautiful landscapes the UK has to offer.

Getting out and about on foot is also a fun way to keep fit and meet new people.

With an extensive system of footpaths and campsites, you can explore everywhere from the rugged scenery of the Isle of Skye, to the architectural marvel that is Hadrian’s Wall and on to the quintessential English villages of the Cotswolds.

Owning a motorhome is the perfect base from which to explore and gives you fantastic flexibility in your plans. Just check you have your motorhome insurance in place before setting off.

Whether you fancy a challenging multi-day hike across rough terrain or a pleasant afternoon ramble, we’ve found some great locations for you.

So, pull on your walking boots and get ready for a countdown of 10 wonderful walking routes in the UK.

 

1. The Lizard coastal walk

Nestled in the far South West of England and Britain’s most southerly point lies the stunning Lizard Peninsula.

With nature reserves and award-winning beaches galore, this is a great place from which to discover secluded coves and quaint fishing villages.

During spring and midsummer the area’s mild climate encourages a whole host of rare fauna and flora.

One of the most visited stretches of the 630-mile South West Coast Path starts off in the pretty town of Porthleven, before heading right round the peninsula to the lovely village of Helford on the idyllic and navigable Helford River.

Walking around 12 miles a day it will take you three days to complete.

Just inland from Porthleven at Helston is the cute and motorhome friendly Teneriffe Farm Campsite. The perfect getaway for those in need of a dose of Cornish coastal charm.

Remember that Cornwall is infamous for its network of narrow country lanes that criss-cross the county.

So, you’ll want to get good motorhome insurance in place – and a suitable motorhome sat nav – before you head out.

2. The Cotswold Way

The 100-mile Cotswold Way runs along the scenic western edge of the Cotswold hills from Bath to Chipping Campden, linking two of the most popular tourist destinations in England.

It takes between seven and 10 days to complete and is a walk through England’s history.

You’ll pass prehistoric hillforts and burial mounds, Saxon and Civil War battlefields, Roman remains, fine stately homes and much more.

Apart from the rolling green hills and picture-postcard villages, one of its best assets is the huge number of delightful pubs along the route, meaning a pint and a good meal are never far away.

A short but sweet alternative is Bourton & the Slaughters. This easy 12-mile circular walk will take you through honey coloured villages and farmland, over rolling hills and beside riverside meadows.

Set in beautiful parkland just south of Bath, the Longleat Caravan and Motorhome Club site is perfectly located in the midst of the Longleat Estate, with its gorgeous Manor house, fine gardens and Safari park.

 

3. Pembrokeshire Coast Path

A challenging trail through Britain’s only coastal national park. Towering cliffs, wide sandy beaches and birdlife abound in one of Europe’s best kept wildlife secrets.

With 186 miles of spectacular coastline to explore, it’s the perfect trek for hikers of all levels.

Frequent steep ascents and sheer cliff faces characterise the section beginning in St Dogmaels.

If that sounds a bit daunting, there’s an easier route between the dramatic rock formations of Stack Rock and The Green Bridge of Wales to St Govan’s Chapel.

A great day out walking can also be had on the Preseli Hills Circuit where you can follow in the footsteps of Neolithic settlers and Celtic kings.

The highest landmass in West Wales, the views from the summits are exceptional – as far as the Gower Peninsula in the south east and to the mountains of Snowdonia in the north.

On very clear days you might even glimpse the Wicklow Hills in Ireland!

When you’re done with walking, the National Trust’s nearby Gupton Farm is a simple and rustic spot from which to plan a wildlife spotting trip to the stunning Skomer Island or even some outdoor activities such as the adrenalin pumping coasteering.

This unique adventure activity was invented near here, so it's the ideal place to take to the water and explore the Pembrokeshire coastline further while doing some scrambling and sea-jumping with a guide.

If you do decide to take the plunge then remember to check if you need any extra personal insurance to complement your motorhome insurance.

 

4. South Foreland Lighthouse Walk

It might not be the longest or the most famous of the walks on this list but it goes to show how lucky we are to have such a range on our doorsteps.

If you’re based in the South East of England this walk is well worth a day trip.

Taking in one of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks the White Cliffs of Dover, this four-mile walk ends with a climb up to the Victorian South Foreland Lighthouse and its stunning coastal views across the English Channel to France.

If the sight of France has you yearning for a trip to Europe, remember to update your motorhome insurance. Our policies come with unlimited EU cover so talk to the team before setting off.

 

5. The Pennine Way

A designated National Trail, the 268-mile Pennine Way may not be the easiest walk but it is certainly worth it for the eye-catching views.

Snaking from the Peak district all the way through the Yorkshire Dales and on up to the Scottish Borders this walk offers a huge variety of walks and scenery.

From comfortable limestone valleys up to high, remote boggy moorland.

If we had to choose then the very first section of the Pennine Way connecting the villages of Edale and Crowden would be our favourite.

Both scenic and challenging it takes walkers through the rugged, untamed beauty of the Kinder Plateau and affords spectacular panoramic views of the Peak District.

Middlehills Farm is a good family-run place to hook up your motorhome in Edale while you are out and about.

If you fancy a bit of outdoor adventure away from the walking path then remember that motorhome insurance can also include cover for your bikes, sporting and camping equipment.

 

6. Coniston Round

If you want to take in the breath-taking lakes and rugged mountains offered by the Lake District then the Coniston Round might be for you.

The picturesque lakeside village of Coniston is the perfect place to start this circular route which lets you explore the Coniston Fells and the ever-popular peak of Coniston Old Man.

The walk also takes you to the remote and less visited Grey Friar peak and Dow Crag (a haven for climbers).

Be sure to charge your camera before leaving as the summit of Coniston Old Man provides jaw-dropping views of the surrounding hills and fells.

The Lake District National Park has many spots suitable for motorhomes. Several are run by the National Trust including Low Wray Campsite at Ambleside on the shore of Lake Windermere.

You could try the unbeatable Pier Cottage Caravan Park in Coniston itself. If you’ve ever read Swallows and Amazons then you’re already part the way to imagining the storybook charms of this location.

 

7. Hadrian’s Wall Walk

This fascinating six-day walk along one of the finest Roman remains in Britain will take you from Tyneside on the east coast to Bowness-on-Solway on the west coast.

A real coast-to-coast journey. As well as historic sites, the 84 miles will take you through modern-day Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Carlisle and miles of wild moors and atmospheric countryside.

March in the footsteps of Roman legionnaires and look out upon this austere landscape that has stayed largely unchanged for millennia.

An award-winning touring, camping and glamping site, Herding Hill Farm is based near the market town of Haltwhistle and just a short, one-mile trek from the Wall.

 

8. West Highland Way

This ever-popular, 96-mile route starts just outside Glasgow at Milngavie before leading walkers on a surprisingly navigable yet breathtaking walk.

You’ll gaze upon the tranquil beauty of Loch Lomond, the remote wilderness of Rannoch Moor before finishing at Fort William.

Looking up at Britain’s biggest and most famous mountain Ben Nevis you’ll have worked up a hearty appetite!

While wild camping is possible in Scotland, there are lots of options for motorhomes to hook up for the night.

Try Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park near Fort William. And if you feel like you need an even bigger dose of Scottish beauty then carry on up the Ben Nevis route – it should take you between six to eight hours to complete.

 

9. Fairy Pools

The rugged Isle of Skye has hundreds of great walks that vary in both terrain and difficulty. At the foot of the fearsome Black Cuillin Mountains near Glenbrittle lie the Fairy Pools.

These beautifully crystal-clear blue pools on the River Brittle are deemed one of the most magical places in Scotland.

Visitors are enticed by their charms from all over the world. And they make for great wild swimming for those brave enough to enter the cold waters.

Voted one of Britain’s 100 favourite walks by ITV viewers, the less adventurous will still get some fantastic photos.

While it’s a short walk around the pools, routes can easily be extended into the surrounding hills and mountains.

There are some stunning motorhome sites on the Isle of Skye but Glenbrittle Campsite is the one that’s closest to the Fairy Pools.

Sat on the shores of Loch Brittle, it’s perfect if you want to have a wild camping experience with the added advantage of award-winning facilities.

 

10. Causeway Coast Way

A trip to Northern Ireland will bring you to the 33-mile Causeway Coast Way in County Antrim. The perfect route to discover Northern Ireland’s dramatic, rugged north coast.

This route takes you from Portstewart to Ballycastle and passes through the Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage site and several Areas of Special Scientific Interest.

Soak up the views of geological wonders and stunning natural beauty and be sure to visit the National Trust-owned Carrick-a-rede rope bridge.

With fantastic views of Benbane Head, the sea and surrounding countryside, Craig House Campsite and Caravan Park is a great place to stay to continue your exploration.

What to pack for a walking holiday

Whether you decide on one of these or any other walking route be sure to come well-prepared with the following:

• Strong walking boots and several pairs of quality socks.
• Waterproofs – both top and legs are worthwhile.
• Backpack and a waterproof cover in case it rains.
• Base layers (remember to wear layers when walking).
• Long-sleeved tops and a fleece.
• Trousers/shorts – make sure they’re comfortable to walk in and don’t rub against your skin.
• Hat and sunglasses (to keep the sun off).
• First aid kit with the necessities (including plasters, blister treatment, sun lotion and insect repellent).
• Walking poles if you use them.
• Camera (with charger or spare batteries and spare memory cards).
• Mobile phone (with charger).
• Good quality maps and/or sat nav.
• Compass and binoculars.

Make sure you check your motorhome insurance to see if expensive items like cameras and binoculars are covered.

 

Have a carefree trip with motorhome insurance

Careful planning is the route to enjoying a relaxing and successful trip, so make sure you do a final equipment and maintenance check before you roll out onto the open road.

Whatever the trip you’ve got planned, the specialist team at Motorhome Protect will make sure your motorhome is protected should something happen that is covered by your policy.

Cover from our panel of leading insurers can come with a great range of benefits including:

• Unlimited EU cover
• Unlimited mileage cover
• Up to £3,000 of cover for your camping personal effects
• Value up to £150,000

Fill out our online quote form for a call back, or call us on 01865 818341.

Get a motorhome insurance quote from Motorhome Protect today.

Policy benefits and features offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.