By Parkdean Resorts on 08/05/2017
There’s no better way to experience the great outdoors than by grabbing your walking boots and heading out on a hike. From sweeping coastlines to rugged mountains, Britain is home to some of the most iconic scenery in the world. This May marks National Walking Month, so there’s never been a better time to discover a new and exciting walking route.
To celebrate National Walking Month, we’ve teamed up with local walking enthusiasts to unearth some of the best walking routes around our holiday parks.
Limefitt to Troutbeck Tongue, Lake District
From tranquil lakes to tumbling streams and towering mountains, the Lake District is a walker’s paradise. To discover one of the area’s best walking trails, South Lakes Walking Club recommend a lovely 6 mile walk - beginning at Limefitt Holiday Park.
At the entrance road to the holiday park, take the bridge over Trout Beck and continue towards the Haybarn Inn. Walk along the bridleway behind the inn and continue along the stony track, which will take you above the woodland for roughly 2 miles until you reach the edge of Troutbeck Tongue.
When you reach the edge of the Tongue, pass through both gates then cross Hagg Gill using the footbridge. From here, continue north along a grassy path for around 300 yards, then leave the path and descend to the left of the large rock. Keep left, following the line of the fence below until you reach a point where you’ll notice a solitary tree, and see a gap in the wire fencing. Carefully step over the fence and continue descending past the tree, to the right-hand side of the woodland before you meet Trout Beck near a charming slate packhorse bridge.
From here, turn left and follow the footpath beside the waterfalls, which will take you through the woods. After passing through 3 gateways, the path transforms into a stony track - which will take you to the right of Troutbeck Park Farm. Turn left past the farm house, and continue along the lane over 2 bridges.
When the lane bends right towards Town Head, go straight along the track signed Truss Lane. Before the track reaches the A592, turn left along a field path to a kissing gate, then continue for 200 yards along the roadside to make your way back to the entrance of Limefitt Holiday Park.
Video sourced from sbd101
Hunstanton Cliffs to Holme, Norfolk
The Norfolk Coast is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering plenty of opportunities for those wanting to get out and about and discover the region’s charm. Taking you over cliff tops and through nature reserves, this is one of Kings Lynn Ramblers’ favourite walking routes - and it begins just 5 minutes from Manor Park Holiday Park.
This delightful 5 mile circular route starts at St. Edmunds Chapel in Hunstanton and takes you north east along the Norfolk coast. From the ruins of the chapel, head through the sand dunes, passing the RNLI Lifeboat Station and behind Hunstanton Golf Course towards Holme-next-the-Sea.
Before you reach the far end of the golf course, turn right at the finger post and use the official footpath to cross over the golf course. Exit at the far north east corner of the car park before joining the coastal path boardwalk, where you can soak up the beautiful Norfolk coastline.
Then, drop down across Broadwater Road, which is the western entrance to the Holme Dunes Nature Reserve, and enter Redwell Marsh. The marsh is home to a variety of bird species - including barn owls, sandpipers, spoonbills and marsh harriers. Look to the skies to spot peregrines, sparrow hawks and kestrels circling in the air.
After you’ve finished wildlife watching, continue through the reserve and exit at the other side of the marsh - then follow Kirkgate Street until you arrive at Beach Road. Continue along Beach Road until you reach a finger post, which you’ll see immediately after you cross the River Hun. From here, follow the coastal path which will take you past the golf course clubhouse, through beautiful country lanes and back towards the cliff tops at Hunstanton.
The beautiful sandy beach at Old Hunstanton is a great place to relax after your hike. The beach is sheltered from the elements, and is one of the best places along this stretch of coastline to watch the sunset. Kick off your walking boots and relax on the sand, soaking up the views across the sea.
Video sourced from Brian Sadler
Babbacombe Beach Circular, Devon
From beautiful coastlines to picturesque moorland, there’s lots to discover in the scenic county of Devon. To help you plan your next adventure, we’ve teamed up with South Devon Ramblers to reveal some of the best walking routes in the area.
Under 10 minutes from Torquay Holiday Park, there are miles of coastal paths to explore. Park in Maidenhead, where you can follow the path in either direction to enjoy the highlights of the Devonshire coast. There’s also the John Musgrave Heritage Trail to explore, which takes in South Devon’s wonderfully unique and varied landscape.
To experience some of the highlights of the area, there is a delightful 3 mile circular route to try - which is one of South Devon Ramblers’ favourites. Starting near Babbacombe, you’ll pass a beautiful beach, charming woodland and a peaceful cove.
To begin, park near the Model Village in Babbacombe and from here, ride the cliff railway down to Oddicombe Beach. From the sandy beach, walk south towards the Cary Arms pub and climb the steps to get around the rocks, then cross the wooden bridge.
The pub is set within a charming cove, which is a great place to spot seals who are regular visitors to the waters. After you’ve finished wildlife watching, climb up behind the pub and go through the woodland to reach Walls Hill Down.
After you’ve reached the top, bear right and head back towards Babbacombe. From Babbacombe Downs, take a minute to enjoy the stunning views of the red cliffs at Torbay and the beautiful coastline.
Video sourced from Higher Definition
Cefn Bryn Circular, Wales
There are endless walking opportunities in Wales, and miles of iconic scenery to enjoy. The Cefn Bryn circular route is one of Swansea Ramblers favourite walking routes. Starting just 50 minutes from Trecco Bay Holiday Park, this is a delightful walk where you’ll enjoy open-reaching views across some of Wales’ most-loved landscapes.
For those looking to walk this wonderful trail, you’ll need to park in one of the villages surrounding Cefn Bryn. After you’ve walked to the top of the Bryn, head west past the trig point - which marks the highest part of the hill.
About 100 yards before you reach some electricity poles, turn left down a path where you’ll get a beautiful view across to Stouthall - a large white house which is directly ahead. Cross the road and go down the lane, cross over the fence and then follow the track until it meets the road. From here, keep right until you reach the corner gate, where you will need to turn right and follow the path until you reach a house.
Follow the track along Frog Moor, then turn left and continue along to a second house. Walk along this quiet road for half a mile, until you reach a bend where you’ll see a gate, then turn left. Follow the hedgerow up the hill and continue ahead to a standing stone. Continue onwards, then head towards a gap in the right corner of the next field. Then, turn right and follow 3 fields until you reach a sunken lane.
Bear left at the hedge and continue straight onwards for another 2 fields, then follow the stream and cross over the bridge. Then, turn right, crossing 2 fences and a bridge and continue straight ahead until you reach the road junction. Cross the road and head towards Ryers Down. Go over the roadside stream on the right and head towards the trig at the top of the hill where you’ll be rewarded with stunning 360 degree views over the surrounding landscape.
The path continues downhill to a track, where you’ll need to turn right. Then, turn left onto the Fairyhill Road, take the stile on the left and head towards the top right corner of the field. Follow the hedgerow to Hillend Road, turn left and after you reach the cattle grid, turn right over the stream and follow the broad green track back to the start.
Video sourced from Patrick Homer
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