In 2020, unsurprisingly, many of us began to explore those hidden gems in our own back yard – and why not. At Exodus, we’re proud to live in a nation that’s steeped in layers of tradition, fascinating legends and centuries of remarkable history. And we believe that one of the best ways to enjoy our own unique cultures, charms, and distinct local flavours each part of the United Kingdom has to offer is on a walking holiday. This is why we’ve decided to introduce some new Guided walking holidays across England, Scotland and Wales so you can continue to explore further and travel safely on a trip that’s closer to home.
Ride the South Wales Coast
On this week’s cycling adventure enjoy exploring the spectacular South Wales coast by riding from the shores of Swansea to St Davids, the smallest city in Britain. Begin by cycling across the Gower Peninsula towards the quaint seaport village of Pen-Clawydd, before riding through the scenic wetland conservation area of Llanelli. Brimming with wildlife, it’s not uncommon to spot a huge variety of waterbird species including marsh harriers, merlins, kingfishers and British Steel Hides on your visit.
After passing the charming village of Saundersfoot and the beautiful pastel-hued harbour town of Tenby, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Freshwater East Beach, the famous rock formations at Elegug Stacks and the beautiful stone circle at Devil’s Quoit. Your route returns to the rugged coast once more, where you cycle along Newgale Sands, arriving at your final stop, St David’s where you can tuck into crispy cod and chips straight out of the box.
Walk the North Highland Way
Few places stir the soul and the imagination quite like the mysterious Scottish Highlands. This all-encompassing walking trip is perfect if you’re looking to explore close to home at the beginning of 2021. Our Walking the North Highland Way trip takes you on exhilarating walks along the remote and wild North Atlantic Way, where you can admire some of the country’s finest cliff-top views, smooth sandy beaches, and misty mountain trails.
A fantastic day trip to the Orkney islands offers opportunities to see puffin colonies (in season) and a chance to delve into its fascinating Viking heritage and ancient Neolithic UNESCO sites dotted around the islands. With visits to Dunnet Head Lighthouse, you’ll also get the opportunity to taste some of the finest Scottish whiskies in the famous Wolfburn Distillery, Scotland’s first and last mainland whisky distillery. Afterwards, enjoy wandering across the picturesque Sandwood Bay, before ending the day swapping hiking tales with locals over crackling fires in traditional pubs nearby. You’ll soon find this trip is nothing short of enchanting.
Walking in Cornwall
On this walking trip in the ancient Celtic kingdom of Cornwall, enjoy charming stays on the medieval harbour of Padstow and Charlestown’s Georgian harbour that boast panoramic sea views overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean. With both accommodations offering locally brewed beers, west country ciders and your favourite pub classics every evening, it’s the perfect way to end the day after a couple of hours exploring this enchanting area on foot. Allowing ample opportunities to discover both the north and south coast in Cornwall, this route begins with peaceful strolls along the spectacular beaches of Polzeath and Daymer Bay, before dining on Rick Stein’s famous, quintessentially British and freshly caught fish and chips.
Afterwards, the trip takes you towards the beautiful cliffs at Stepper Point, for awe-inspiring ocean views, as Peregrine Falcons sore overhead. Next, take a visit to the Fowey Estuary and the well-preserved 12th-century Restormel Castle, before re-joining the South West Coastal Path where you’ll wander towards the charming Lost Gardens of Heligan. With plenty of opportunities to enjoy excellent seafood and Cornish local fare along the way, we stop at one of our favourites for lunch, the Kings Arms pub, in the quaint harbourside village of Mevagissey. End the adventure by walking across the coastal path of Carlyon Bay.
Walking the Gower Peninsula
Known for its beautiful beaches and heather-clad moors, the spectacular Gower Peninsula was the first area in the United Kingdom to be designated an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ back in 1956. Since then, it’s beaches, bays and coves have only continued to attract walking enthusiasts who are eager to explore the areas fantastic network of way-marked coastal paths.
Start your Welsh adventure by walking across the Whiteford Burrows Nature Reserve and the Llanrhidian Marsh SSSI, where you may be able to spot Oystercatchers, knots, pintails and golden plovers in the area. Continuing towards Rhossili village, our walking route takes you to the famous “Worm’s Head”, the furthest westerly point on the Gower Peninsula, where you can see the fascinating ruins of the Salt House nearby. With invigorating walks through Oxwich Burrows National Nature Reserve towards the picturesque shorelines of Three Cliffs Bay, this Welsh trip ends with a brisk hike to Mumbles lighthouse, an iconic landmark that guided shipping vessels around the Mixon Sands for over two-hundred years.
If you’d like to find out more about our new Guided UK trips launching in 2021, please click here.
