Discover charming villages in the Cotswolds while winding your way through the English countryside. Photos: Supplied.
If walking coupled with overseas travel is your passion, here’s a curated collection of hiking holidays with shorter distances on offer from Walkers’ Britain. This active holiday specialist recommends a perfect blend of exploration, relaxation and cultural discovery.
The new Taste of Trips range puts the focus on comfort and character, with handpicked accommodation offering a touch of local style. Food and drink take centre stage, highlighting regional flavours and culinary excellence, ensuring the holiday is as much about taste as it is about travel.
According to Walkers’ Britain chief product officer Fiona Marshall, these signature trips mark the official launch of the Taste of Trips collection.
“Designed to offer an immersive yet time-efficient way to experience the best of British landscapes and culture, each trip is a perfect introduction to the highlights of the region,” Ms Marshall said.
“Whether it is a weekend getaway or a short escape, the trips deliver incredible value and unforgettable moments. Perfect for a first-time walking holiday or a quick escape to some of the UK’s most iconic and beloved destinations, they promise a taste of the extraordinary.”
Soak up the stunning view over St Ives in Cornwall, England.
Designed by an expert team for walkers seeking bucket-list experiences without the time commitment, these trips are no more than six days long, showcasing some of the UK’s most iconic locations. From gentle walks through classic landscapes to exploring cultural treasures, the new itineraries feature carefully crafted routes with shorter distances and abundant opportunities to savour the journey.
The inaugural collection features:
- A Taste of the South Downs Way
- A Taste of Cornwall on Foot
- A Taste of the Lake District on Foot
- A Taste of the Cotswolds on Foot
- A Taste of the West Highland Way
- A Taste of Hadrian’s Wall on Foot.
Highlights include:
- Gentle hiking routes: Maximum daily distances are 16-19 kilometres and elevation changes are kept manageable (typically under about 27 metres), with most trips’ difficulty level graded one or two (‘‘easy’’ and ‘’easy to moderate’’ level). Flexible itineraries include transfers where required and offer options for shorter, easier walks whenever possible. Rest days allow time to recharge where longer sections are unavoidable and fully savour the experience.
- Memorable accommodation: You will stay in style with well-furnished, comfortable rooms set in characterful buildings, from charming inns to iconic lodges that reflect the essence of their location. The stays feature modern comforts, excellent facilities and private bathrooms. With many trips including two nights in one place, you will have time to unwind, explore at your own pace or simply enjoy the unique charm of your surroundings.
- Unforgettable dining options: Food and drink are integral to these trips, offering a true taste of the destination. From savouring regional specialities to discovering hidden culinary gems, every trip highlights local flavours and traditions. Enjoy visits to local breweries, vineyards, distilleries and charming cafes and tearooms, highlighting special restaurants to elevate your dining experience.
Follow Hadrian’s Wall over rolling hills as you immerse yourself in Roman history in northern England.
As well, to mark the launch of the new partnership with the Cotswold Way Association, Walkers’ Britain offers some of the best trips to take in England’s ”largest area of outstanding natural beauty”.
These comprise:
- Complete a National Trail: The Cotswold Way
- The NEW Option: A Taste of the Cotswolds on Foot
- The Short Walking Break: Exploring the Cotswolds.
With the addition of the new trips, there are more than 70 distinct itineraries across the British Isles, giving travellers the opportunity to “explore one of the most exciting destinations in Europe on foot, by bike but also by boat”.
However, Australians who have previously enjoyed visa-free travel to the UK for less than six months now need a new pre-travel pass to visit. As of 8 January, 2025, visitors must apply for a digital permit to enter England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Smartraveller advises tourists and business travellers require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to go to or transit through the UK. The ETA must be applied for and completed online, and the application approved before boarding a flight to the UK. Those planning to stay longer than six months need to apply for a visa.
