FELL wandering – to give it its romantic name – has become a must-do for walkers the world over. Yes, there are magnificent locations across the globe – the Inca Trail, the Great Wall of China to name just a couple – that are known for their stunning landscapes and culture-soaked stopovers. But it’s actually the fells, mountains and dales in the North of England that are considered among the most beautiful and serene on the planet.
Some visitors are happy to set off with a guidebook and a map to spend just a few hours among the heavenly Lakeland fell tops. However, many are now choosing to lace up their boots and set off on a bespoke walking holiday in the area – lasting anything from a couple of days to a week and a half or more. With the lovely Dales Way, the stunning Cumbria Way and Alfred Wainwright’s famous
Coast to Coast walk – there are miles upon miles of established yet secluded trails with which to get acquainted.
With a walking tour, visitors can enjoy the enchanting scenery of the region at their own pace while the hard work of seeking out the best farmhouse B&Bs and guest houses – the hidden gems known only to those who have ventured to the area before – is done for them. The 84 beautiful miles that make up the Dales Way wind their way from Ilkley, on the eastern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, through steeply sided valleys strewn with sheep, dry stone walls and delightful hamlets, to the bustling village of Bowness-on-
Windermere, in the Lake District.
The Cumbria Way pushes northwards from the cobbled market town of Ulverston, on the edge of Morecambe Bay, through the beating heart and soaring heights of the Lake District to the country’s most northern city of Carlisle. The Coast to Coast walk – which traverses the North of England from St Bees on Cumbria’s West Coast to Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire – keeps devotees returning
to the area as they complete its 190 miles in enjoyable and relaxed stages.
It’s commonly known that walkers are always dreaming of where their next adventure on foot might take them. But it’s worth remembering that you don’t have to travel too far to feel like you’re a million miles away from everything … So do take up fell wandering and enjoy slow travel at its very best!
This article is brought to you by Mickledore Travel Ltd, specialists in creating bespoke walking holidays around Britain.
From Ross Corbett:
Hi Zoë, my first ever comment on your delightful blog. I will be stopping by often for sure.
I very much enjoyed reading this as we really do have a very beautiful country. I have been meaning to do more walking and this is another reminder to get out and about this summer.
Just need to find my walking boots
From Zoë Dawes:
Cheers Ross – welcome to my quirky world! Hope you find those boots … Happy wandering.
From Jane Hafren:
Thanks Zoe,
It’s lovely to be reminded of all the long distance paths in Cumbria and elsewhere in the north of England.
I love the tone of the article, and mentions of enjoyable and relaxed walks. Yes they are, when you’re fit, but we all have to start somewhere, so taking it easy to begin with and building stamina and walking muscles bit by bit is always a good idea. So, if someone is walking for the first time in a while, like Ross Corbett (and I’m sure he knows this… they’re quite likely going to feel a bit stiff, have some aching muscles until they build their fitness. After that, the only thing they’ll have to worry about is maps, routes, good all weather gear and a welcoming hostelry at the end of a long walk…
I also loved being reminded that you don’t have to go far to feel you’re miles from anywhere… often you’re not it just feels like it!
I love walking the fells, and I miss them. Haven’t walked in Yorkshire for a long time, but that’s gorgeous too.
But – I am currently enjoying the challenge of the South West Coast Path now…
Thanks for sharing some excellent travel tips, Zoe…
Jane xx
From Zoë Dawes:
Excellent advice and encouragement Jane. What is so enjoyable about walking is that, as you say, we can all start at our own level and develop slowly. it’s suitable for just about anyone at any age and you hardly need any equipment. Good luck with your walk along the South West Coast Path – maybe you could write us a quirky log post when you have finished day
From Alvina:
As you know Zoe, the tops of our hills are amongst my favourite places on earth, but I haven’t yet done any of the ‘long walks’. The Cumbria Way looks like it may be a good one to start with.
Alvina
From Zoë Dawes:
Me neither Alvina – as you say, Cumbria Way is an excellent one to choose I hear. Look forward to reading more of your travels someday soon.