Calling all those strolling solo, families exploring by foot and friends catching up on the coast path. Here’s our guide to keeping you occupied – and cottages to stay in – to make the most of your walks this summer.
Oh, hiking through the UK countryside in the summertime is just heavenly. Whether you’re stomping across open fields, meandering along clifftops, or trekking up flower-filled hills – try out these easy activities for all walkers to stay entertained and on track this season…
Play games
Nothing puts a spring in your step like a bit of healthy competition! Here’s some favourite pastimes for all ages to play on the go:
20 Questions: One person thinks of an object, human or place and the others ask questions – with yes or no answers – to guess what it is. If everyone fails to solve it in twenty questions or under, then they’ve won! If someone guesses correctly, it’s their go next. Great for large groups.
Categories: Choose a category like dog breeds or Cornish pubs. Now pick a letter. Then take it in turns to name things in the category beginning with that letter. When someone gets stuck, they’re out. The person who names the most wins. Simple, yet surprisingly addictive.
Keep track
Choose something to count while you’re walking, like tallying up how many horses or oak trees you see. Or bring a bag to collect keepsakes like special stones or four-leaf clovers. A lovely one to give little ones the will power to keep walking!
Get creative
Exploring a place with beautiful scenery? Pack a notebook with pens, crayons or paints. Find a spot where you feel particularly inspired and take some time out to write, journal or draw what you’re seeing. Find a fallen leaf, a bit of bark or strand of seaweed to sketch, rub or stick onto your creations. Truly embrace your surroundings.
Head out with headphones
Looking for some alone time? Plug in your headphones and catch up on your favourite podcast or put on some music to compliment your surroundings. And relax…
Name what you notice
Nothing is more satisfying than knowing the name of the bird taking flight in front of you. From buzzards to kestrels, cormorants to shags, cow parsley to elderflower. Get to know nature with a pocket guidebook, handy app or taking pictures to research when you get home.
Take a map
Plot your walk with an old-school Ordnance survey map. Then use a compass to navigate your way round. Don’t forget to pack snacks and a phone just in case you get lost!
Plan a pitstop
Aim to get to a beach and start a fire, prepare tasty sandwiches to munch midway, or end at the pub for a well-deserved pint after a long hike. Planning a pitstop on your walk is always a good idea.
Here’s some glorious, summery places to stay where you’ll be itching to get your walking boots on as soon as you arrive:
Botloes Farm Barn
Nr Newent, Gloucestershire | Sleeps 4
Best for: Peaceful, short strolls in beautiful woodland
A walker’s heaven nestled near the Wye Valley, the beautifully converted Botloes Farm Barn is set in seven acres of woodland with ponds to wander around to your heart’s content. The land even has its own orchard to pick fruit from along the way.
Pheasant Cottage
Tealby, Lincolnshire | Sleeps 2
Best for: Countryside walks with village pub pitstops
Set in the picturesque village of Tealby in the Lincolnshire Wolds, charming Pheasant Cottage has many countryside walks all leading from the village. Then a top pub, one of the oldest thatched pubs in the country, and a tearoom to choose from when you return.
Tidal Waters
Nr Fowey, Cornwall | Sleeps 5
Best for: Waterside hikes right from the garden gate
The stunning Tidal Waters sits right beside the banks of Penpol creek. Once you’ve meandered around the beautiful walks next to the house, hike on the coast path to find ferry rides and incredible views taking you to trendy Fowey.
The Baggarah
Nr Brampton, Cumbria | Sleeps 4
Best for: Exploring Hadrian’s Wall and the epic Cumbrian countryside
This stylish escape is the perfect place to rest your weary legs after trekking along Hadrian’s Wall. With beautiful vintage and antique pieces, The Baggarah offers a wonderful place to return to after a long day out on the trails.
A summer's walk: a video story
A short video guide to making the most of your walks this summer. Those fun, little moments that make it a special day out!
Feeling inspired to get out there? Explore our collection of holiday cottages and get ready to explore...
