Step out for National Parks Week

With National Parks Week (July 22-29) highlighting plenty of reasons to step out and explore the many secret coves, historic hillforts, ancient forests and tranquil stretches of beach that make up the UK’s 15 National Parks, why not do exactly that with original small group walking holiday experts, Ramblers Walking Holidays.

With an excellent selection of walking, encompassing some of the country’s most outstanding areas of natural beauty within the National Parks, enjoy a choice of carefully graded ‘leisurely’, ‘moderate’ and more ‘challenging’ walking holidays. Ranging from three night lakeside breaks on Buttermere to more adventurous ridge way hikes in the Lake District to blustery coastal ambles along the Pembrokeshire Coast, there is also a number of special interest holidays such as Navigation & Hill Skills and Women’s Activity Week to help you on your way.

Enjoy Top Walks in the UK’s Oldest National Park – Best of the Peak District (Grade 5, Moderate)

Based in the 200 year old Willersley Castle Hotel, a grade II listed building designed by Sir Richard Arkwright, overlooking the River Derwent, explore the beauty of the Peak District with walks through steep sided limestone gorges, strips of broad leaved woodland lined banks and open grassland with views of dry stone walls and picturesque villages.  With the opportunity to walk the High Peak Trail, an old railway line with impressive views, and ascend the rocky precipice of High Tor, just above the Derwent Gorge, there are also visits to the picturesque towns of Bakewell for the famous tart and Ashford-in-the-Water.

Ramblers Walking Holidays The Best of the Peak District 2 or 5 night holiday starts from £200/person and £479/person respectively, including half board en suite accommodation, all transport to and from walks and the services of a dedicated tour leader.  Departs 23 September 2018.

Stretch Yourself in the Yorkshire Dales – Pilates & Walking in the Dales (Grade 5, Moderate)

Taking in a mixed landscape with hikes along heather moorland, the river Wharfe and across dramatic limestone pavements, Pilates & Walking in the Dales combines walking in rolling Yorkshire countryside with daily late afternoon Pilates classes and rewarding relaxation sessions in the evening. Highlights, such as the natural rock amphitheatre of Malham Cove and Gordale Scar, are well rewarded throughout with fresh country air, breath-taking vistas and an uplifting sense of good health.

Ramblers Walking Holidays Pilates & Walking in the Dales 4 night half board break starts from £490/person including all Pilates classes, the services of a dedicated tour leader and local transport to/from walks. Departs 1 October 2018.

Score a National Park hat-trick walking Wainwright’s Coast to Coast – Wainwright’s Coast to Coast (Grade 6, Moderate)

Hike across the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North Yorks Moors National Parks, from St Bees on the Cumbrian coast to Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea shore, covering a challenging 194 mile walk across the wilderness of northern England. Devised by author and illustrator Alfred Wainwright over 45 years ago (1973), take in one of Britain’s most famous walk. Starting with a spectacular walk along the red cliffs of St. Bees Head overlooking the Irish Sea, it then heads inland towards Ennerdale, the first of many tranquil lakes in the natural watery wonderland that is the Lake District National Park. Having experienced some of England’s best high level hikes, lake shore walks and stunning vistas, the trail continues into the stone walled valleys of Yorkshire Dales before crossing the heather-covered plateau of North Yorkshire Moors and descending into the characterful small fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay.

Ramblers Walking Holidays 17 night Wainwright’s Coast to Coast starts from £1979/person including accommodation in hotels and B&Bs, breakfasts and dinners each day, the services of a dedicated tour leader, transport between accommodation and daily walks and baggage transport between accommodations. Departs 1 September 2018.

Be Mindful in the Lake District – Mindfulness in the Mountains (Grade 4, Moderate)

Escape to the Lake District to replenish diminished energy by giving yourself time to contemplate life and develop some tried and tested coping strategies.  On the shores of Buttermere with enthralling lake and mountain views, Mindfulness in the Mountains provides the opportunity to live in the moment through a programme of walking and reflection in restorative countryside.   Following trails such as Haystacks and Rannerdale knots, some walking is done in silence with targeted activities to help connect with the National Park surroundings and yourself.  With resources to help familiarise yourself with techniques and theoretical concepts, there is also be gentle yoga and short meditations sessions.

Ramblers Walking Holidays three or four nights Mindfulness in the Mountains starts from £229/person or £319/person, including accommodation at Hassness Country House, breakfasts and dinners taken at Hassness Country House (with the exception of dinner on Tuesday night), packed lunches on the three walk days, services of a dedicated tour leader, local transport to and from the trailheads and meditation and yoga sessions.  Departs 6 & 10 October 2018.

For more details on Ramblers Walking Holidays, click here.