Six of the best: weekend walks

By Jo Tweedy, TravelMail

Last updated at 15:46 21 May 2003


The fresh air, the scenery, the exercise... exploring on your own two feet remains one of the best ways to see the UK.

Following a well-trodden path is as inexpensive as it is rewarding. Get a good pair of walking boots and a rough idea of where you're heading and the options are limitless.

The latest survey from statisticians ICM reveals 77% of us walk for pleasure at least once a month and 62% of us walk for more than two miles when we do.

Furthermore, wherever you are in Britain there's a National Trail - an officially recognised route signposted especially for walkers - within 50 miles of you.

Mike Dawson, Editor of www.go4awalk.com points out that a walk doesn't cost the earth and has cultivated universal appeal.

'Walking is something that endears itself to everyone and anyone can do it. All you need is a decent waterproof jacket and some sturdy boots - whether you're rambling through countryside or frog-marching up the Pennine Way'.

Countrywide, the UK's longest established walking tour operator, has been specialising in guided rambling holidays since 1891, when the Rev T A Leonard decided walks were preferable to the less wholesome activities favoured by some of his 19th century congregation. Well over 100 years later, business is still booming.

'With the current risk of SARS, DVT and terrorism, we've noticed a definite increase in tourists keen to stay closer to home. People forget the range of scenery there is in the UK, from rugged mountains to big sandy beaches,' says Simon Clarke, Activities Controller at Countrywide.

'Walking is moe popular than ever. By March this year, our Channel Island trips were already two/thirds full compared to a much lower figure last year at that time.'

We round up a diverse mix of the UK's best walks should you wish to go a-wandering:

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