If you’re looking for a walking holiday, you need look no further than your own home country, as Britain has some of the most beautiful and diverse walking holidays in the world. I’ve outlined three of the best with a brief description of each and links to more information and booking lines.

Wainwright coast to coast – Getting its name from the well-known travel writer Alfred Wainwright, this self-guided walk, although not an official trail, is one of the most popular walking holidays in the UK. Starting at St. Bees on the west coast of Cumbria and extending to Robin Hoods Bay in the north of England, this walk stretches through three national parks: the Lake District NP, the Yorkshire Dales NP and the North Moors NP. The trek covers 190 miles of impressive terrain, which can be covered comfortably in 14 days. There are also many alternative routes that are available if a two week walking trip is more than you are looking for in one go. Most of the hike itself is not particularly demanding on this terrain, however it does have some challenging areas along the way. Normal hiking precautions should be taken, maps and compasses will be needed, and a moderate level of fitness will be required.

the way of the valleys – Crossing the Yorkshire Dales from east to west, the official starting point for this walk is Ilkley. From here the walk runs the length of Wharfedale (many say the most beautiful of the Yorkshire Dales). However, this is just one of the many magnificent sights to be seen on this walk, as it crosses the Pennine Basin with views of the Three Peaks, passes through picturesque Lakeland, and ends at Lake Windermere. If you live near Leeds, Bradford or Harrogate, there are links to the Dales Way from all these cities which may be more convenient for you. This trek can be comfortably completed in 9 days and requires a moderate level of fitness. More information can be obtained at: http://www.thedalesway.co.uk.

The Cumbrian Way – The third of my three chosen beautiful walking holidays starts in Ulverston and runs through Cumbria. Passing through many of the Lake Districts most famous and spectacular scenery, this walk breaks up nicely into 5 manageable stages of approximately 14 miles each. This is the shortest of my three selected ‘must do’ walking holidays in the UK, but you’ll still find some of the most picturesque scenery and diverse terrain.

Some of the spectacular scenery you’ll find includes the famous Tarn Hows beauty spot, the thundering cascade of Slelwith Force, the enchanting Lake Elterwater and the remarkable Langdale Pikes. Before finishing in the historic frontier town of Carlisle, you’ll walk through the valley to Derwentwater, passing through the picturesque village of Caldbedk. This trek can be comfortably completed in 7 days and requires a moderate level of fitness.

More information can be obtained at: http://www.thecumbriaway.info.