From wind-scoured wildernesses to shimmering lochs, and from picture-perfect seascapes to magnificent mountain ranges, we in the UK are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding upon a beautiful landscape in which to hike.
With Christmas and the New Year a distant memory by now, your thoughts might be turning to your first walking break of 2015. Look no further: here we have chosen a selection of the very best 2015 UK hikes, guaranteed to deliver on challenge, satisfaction and breathtaking beauty.
A magical trail of just over 100 miles, the Cotswold Way meanders from the delightful wool town of Chipping Camden in the North, to the historic city of Bath in the South. The route, which follows the edge of the Cotswold ridge, will take you through an area of outstanding natural beauty, with picturesque villages, gorgeous woodland, splendid valleys and sparkling streams.
The sense of achievement at reaching Bath is immense and this fantastic city has so much to offer, with its Roman pump house and baths: why not stay an extra few nights?
This exhilarating walk around the island's coastline is satisfying and varied; on the way round you will encounter expansive golden beaches, towering chalk-white cliffs, rugged rock faces and marshlands teaming with wildlife. East or West Cowes is a good starting point and most people can expect to complete the circuit in 4-5 days.
Crossing three National Parks, the Coast to Coast walk undoubtedly offers some of the most varied and picturesque scenery in England.
Beginning at the pretty seaside town of St. Bees on the Irish Sea, you will first cross through the glittering lakes and awesome mountain peaks of the Lake District. From there, you will pass into the glorious rolling hills and valleys of the Yorkshire Dales, followed by the wilder, more rugged landscape of the North York Moors. The route ends at the charming picturesque fishing village of Robin's Hood Bay. The commonest way of walking this 192 mile route is to make a two-week holiday of it, and let's face it - the scenery is more than deserving!
The Speyside Way follows the magnificent course of the River Spey up to Aviemore in the Cairngorns. Beginning at the coastal town of Buckie on the Moray Firth, this 60 mile hike offers some of Scotland's most spectacular and unspoilt scenery.
It is overlooked by some of the country's highest mountains and grandest forests and you can even look out for dolphins in Spey Bay! However, the highlight of hiking in this particular area has to be the chance to go and visit some of Scotland's most famous whisky distilleries on the way! What could be better than that?
If you have any walking routes that you can't wait to go on in 2015 then please let us know on Facebook or Twitter!
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It’s a great time to get outside and enjoy the beauty that’s all around us. Planning a scenic hike through nature if you live in a city can be tough, so Winfields has picked out some great outdoor walks in and near UK cities.
