Are you considering making your next holiday a walking holiday? Or maybe you are more cycling? The Northern United Kingdom is home to a variety of destinations for both walking and cycling routes. You will pass through wetlands and highlands, mountains and heaths and you will see a diverse range of wildlife.
With all the trails available, you may feel a bit overwhelmed in choosing which to embark on your next cycling or walking trip. That’s why this article presents three of the most amazing walking and cycling destinations in the North of the UK.
West Highland Way
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the West Highland Way it starts in a suburb outside Glasgow called Milngavie, and stretches to Fort William in the Western Highlands. This expansive route passes through the Ben Nevis mountain range. You’ll also pass through Lock Lomond, through the Southern Highlands and across Rannoch Moor. Whether you cycle or walk you are in for some unique and breathtaking views!
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When you go
The best time to walk or cycle the West Highland Way is between spring and autumn, usually between April and October. The one month that is most popular is May, when the weather is cool but not cold, and you are not completely devoured by midges. If you go during the spring, you will be treated to the lush greenery that can only bring the beginning of a new growing season.
Likewise, you can also experience quite unpredictable weather conditions. Some days it can be hot and sunny, while others can be rainy and windy. That’s why May is that perfect time when there are no midges yet, the wild flowers are just starting to bloom and the weather is usually quite comfortable.
If you decide to head to the West Highland Way in summer, you can expect warmer weather, but don’t be surprised if you’re hit with some heavy clouds too. You will also be facing bigger crowds as this is when families with children generally tend to go.
If you are looking for a time to go when there are fewer people, think September or October. The midges will have died down a bit and the school children will be back in their classrooms.
Other suggestions
Whether by bike or on foot, the West Highland Way is not short. It is about 96 miles long, which may seem a bit overwhelming at first. But keep in mind that thousands of people, many for the first time, complete the route every year. If you think you might need some help along the way, consider visiting a tour operator like www.mickledore.co.uk and let the experts plan your trip, so you can just focus on enjoying it.
Despite the popularity of this route, the paths can be quite uneven. Technical skills are not required, but since it is a long distance, a lot of endurance will be required. In order to prepare, you should start a walking routine a few months ahead of time.
If you cycle the West Highland Way, make sure you have a mountain bike with noble tires that provide good traction. The suspension is also a plus for uneven terrain.
Coast to Coast
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Retrace the steps of the writer Alfred Wainwright by embarking on the Coast to Coast Walk. It starts on the coast of Cumbria and the Irish Sea, crosses three national parks and ends in the North Sea at Robin Hood’s Bay. Be sure to keep the tradition of going and picking up pebbles from the Irish sea and placing them in the North Sea when you complete your journey.
When you go
The best time of the year to embark on the Coast to Coast Walk is from April to September. It rains all year round in the North of England, but that being said, you can expect to enjoy the most sunshine in July.
Of course, if you go in the summer you will definitely find yourself with more company along the way. But you probably don’t want to risk going during the off season, even if you want the trails all to yourself, because the wet conditions make the walking surfaces difficult to navigate. And who wants to walk or cycle 182 miles with wet socks?
Other suggestions
You should make sure you feel healthy before you decide to do the Coast to Coast Walk. Experienced walkers with a normal walking routine should not have too many problems, but this walk should not be attempted by those who do not exercise regularly.
This is not to scare you—for thousands of people succeed in doing this every year, but you should definitely make sure that you are trained beforehand. And make sure you start training at least a few months before.
If you are planning to cycle from Coast to Coast, you may find yourself using the original cycle route developed by the charity Sustrans. The cycling route features older roads and off-road bridleways. This route is actually called the “Sea to Sea” route, and stretches from Whitehaven on the Irish Sea to Sunderland on the North Sea. Keep the route differences in mind when looking for walking vs. cycling itineraries.
The Great Glen Way
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The Great Glen Way is 79 miles of walking or cycling path, whichever way you choose to go. It starts in Fort William and ends in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. I can walk in four to seven days, depending on the pace you wish to follow, and it is suitable for all levels of physical condition, as long as you are an established walker.
If you prefer to cycle, you may want to consider The Caledonia Way, which is 234 miles long, and has some challenging stretches, but you can choose to only do some of the shorter sections which are more accessible if you wish. A mountain bike can be used to follow the same trails as the walking route.
When you go
Like the two routes mentioned above, summer is the best time to walk or cycle the Great Glen Way. Summer is the best time to go because the temperatures are warmer and quite pleasant. In addition to the warm temperatures, there are also many fun activities, such as tons of summer festivals, in addition to hiking and cycling that you can join along your route.
In addition, walking and cycling the Great Glen Way in summer means you have a much better chance of seeing Scotland’s diverse wildlife. You can see deer, birds of prey and if you are really lucky, you might see a seal or two.
Once you finish your walking or cycling route in Inverness, you should definitely head to one of the nature reserves to fully take in all the nature and wildlife Scotland has to offer.
Other suggestions
The Great Glen Way is generally for people of all fitness levels, although as with any walking route, you’ll want to have a regular walking routine established at least a few months before your trip begins. It is also considered to be easier than the West Highland Way, so if you are not sure if you are up to the West Highland Way, this is a great option for you.
After you’re done hiking or biking, you might want to consider doing a little sailing. You will paddle along the Caledonian Canal, giving you a totally different experience and view from the same land you were walking or cycling through.
The canoe trail is 60 miles long and will take three to five days depending on your fitness level. You even go through Lock Ness, so watch out for Nessie!
If you’re looking for a spectacular place to walk or cycle (or even canoe), you’ll want to head to the North of the UK. There you will find many trails, three of which, the West Highland Way, Coast to Coast Walk and the Great Glen Way should not be missed by nature lovers. Make sure you go between spring and autumn and watch out for midges and loch ness monsters!