Contours - Self Guided Walking Holidays & Short Breaks

Self-guided walking holidays and short breaks in Britain and Ireland

Tour Location Map

Spoilt for choice – An unrivalled range of independent walking holidays in Britain and Ireland

England 1 South West Coast Path 2 Tarka Trail 3 Saints’ Way 4 Two Moors Way 5 Dartmoor Way 6 Isle of Wight Coast Path 7 South Downs Way 8 North Downs Way 9 Mendip Way 10 The Ridgeway 11 Thames Path – West 12 Cotswold Way 13 Shakespeare’s Way 14 Cross-Cotswold Path 15 Cotswold Villages Trail (route not shown) 16 Cotswold Round (route not shown) 17 Cotswolds Highlights Trail (route not shown) 18 Cotswolds Short Break (route not shown) 19 South Cotswold Walk (route not shown) 20 Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path 21 Mortimer Trail 22 Wild Edric’s Way

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23 White Peak Way 24 Pride of the Peak Walk 25 Yorkshire Wolds Way 26 Cleveland Way 27 Swale Way 28 Nidderdale Way 29 Six Dales Trail 30 Dales Way 31 Lady Anne’s Way 32 Three Dales Way 33 Herriot Way 34 Furness Way 35 Cumbria Way 36 Cumberland Way 37 Coast to Coast Walk 38 St Bega’s Way 39 North Lakes Short Break (route not shown) 40 South Lakes Short Break (route not shown) 41 West Lakes Short Break (route not shown) 42 East Lakes Short Break (route not shown) 43 Coniston Water Round (route not shown) 44 Ullswater Round (route not shown) 45 Lakelands’s Three Passes Walk (route not shown)

46 Windermere Way 47 A Lakeland Round 48 Teesdale Way 49 Westmorland Way 50 An Alternative Coast to Coast Walk 51 Hadrian’s Wall Path 52 Northumberland Coast Path 53 St Oswald’s Way

Wales and the Welsh Borders 54 Offa’s Dyke Path 55 Usk Valley Walk 56 Three Castles Walk 57 Wye Valley Walk 58 Pembrokeshire Coast Path 59 Ceredigion Coast Path 60 Glyndwr’s Way

61 Anglesey Coastal Path 62 Dee Way

Scotland 63 Borders Abbeys Way 64 St Cuthbert’s Way 65 Fife Coastal Path 66 Ayrshire Coastal Path 67 Kintyre Way 68 Arran Coastal Way 69 West Highland Way 70 East Highland Way 71 Rob Roy Way 72 Cateran Trail 73 Great Glen Way 74 Speyside Way

Ireland 75 Dingle Way 76 Kerry Way

Contents

Welcome Welcome to Contours Walking Holidays brochure.

Within it you’ll find an unrivalled collection of self-guided walking holidays and short breaks in Britain and Ireland.This year there are more options than ever before to tempt you, ranging from gentle rambles to strenuous hikes, from a few days to a few weeks, in Ireland and throughout Britain from Cornwall in the far south of the country to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland in the far north.Whatever your walking ability or interest, our extensive range of walking holidays and short breaks means you’ll be sure to discover your perfect holiday here.

I hope you enjoy reading this brochure and that it will inspire you to explore the beautiful countryside of Britain and Ireland with us.

As always we would be delighted to hear from you if you would like advice or further information.

Mark Townsend, Managing Director

Barton House, 21 North End Wirksworth, Derbyshire DE4 4FG Tel 01629 821900 Fax 01629 821901 Email: info@contours.co.uk Website: www.contours.co.uk

INTRODUCTION 1-4 ENGLAND 5-43 South West Coast Path 5-9 Two Moors Way 10 The Saints’ Way 11 Tarka Trail 11 Dartmoor Way 12 The Ridgeway 12 Mendip Way 13 Thames Path – West 13 Isle of Wight Coast Path 14 South Downs Way 15 Cotswold Way 16 Cross-Cotswold Path 17 South Cotswold Walk 17 Cotswold Villages Trail 18 Cotswold Round 18 Cotswold Highlights Trail 19 Cotswold Short Break 19 Shakespeare’s Way 20 North Downs Way 21 Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path 22 Mortimer Trail 23 Wild Edric’s Way 23 White Peak Way 24 Pride of the Peak Walk 24 Dales Way 25 Herriot Way 25 Lady Anne’s Way 26 Six Dales Trail 26 Three Dales Way 27 Nidderdale Way 27 Swale Way 28 Teesdale Way 28 Yorkshire Wolds Way 29 Cumberland Way 29 Westmorland Way 30 Furness Way 30 Cumbria Way 31 Ullswater Round 32 Coniston Water Round 32 Windermere Way 33 St Bega’s Way 33 Lakeland’s Three Passes Walk 34 Lakeland Round 34 Lake District Short Breaks 35-36 Coast to Coast Walk 37 Alternative Coast to Coast Walk 38 Hadrian’s Wall Path 39-40 St Oswald’s Way 41 Northumberland Coast Path 42 Cleveland Way 43 WALES AND THE WELSH BORDERS 44-52 Dee Way 44 Wye Valley Walk 45 Three Castles Walk 46 Usk Valley Walk 46 Offa’s Dyke Path 47 Glyndwr’s Way 48 Pembrokeshire Coast Path 49-50 Ceredigion Coast Path 51 Isle of Anglesey Coast Path 52 SCOTLAND 53-62 Borders Abbeys Way 53 St Cuthbert’s Way 54 Arran Coastal Way 54 Kintyre Way 55 Ayrshire Coastal Path 56 West Highland Way 57 East Highland Way 58 Great Glen Way 58 Speyside Way 59 Rob Roy Way 60 Fife Coastal Path 61 Cateran Trail 61 IRELAND 62 Dingle Way 62 Kerry Way 62 BOOKING CONDITIONS & FORM See Insert

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Introduction Self-guided walking with Contours A Contours walking holiday is a wonderful way to explore the countryside, walking from one place to another, stopping somewhere different each night. Enjoy the freedom of walking at your own pace, with time to relax and appreciate the views, explore villages, examine sites of historic interest, observe the wildlife or savour a leisurely picnic. We take care of every little detail to ensure that you have a relaxing, worry-free holiday. We arrange your accommodation, provide maps and a guidebook describing the route and transport your luggage between overnight stops, leaving you free to enjoy your walk safe in the knowledge that everything is taken care of.

You can start your walking holiday on any date you want. If you wish you can extend your holiday by adding extra nights to allow more time for sightseeing or relaxing.

The map on page 1 shows the location of all of the walking holidays that we offer in Britain and Ireland. Full details appear on the following pages. Even if you can’t find the time for a walking holiday you can still enjoy some superb walking on one of our short breaks or weekends.

Welcoming accommodation You stay in comfortable family-run hotels, country inns, friendly guesthouses and comfy bed and breakfasts that have been carefully chosen for the warmth of their welcome, the quality of their accommodation and their accessibility to the trail. We always book en-suite rooms with private bathrooms wherever possible, although in remoter areas where accommodation is limited, these may not always be available.

Very occasionally your accommodation may be situated more than a few minutes walk from the trail or you may have to spend more than one night at the same place. Where this is the case we provide transfers between your accommodation and the trail.

Meals Breakfast is included in the tour price. In keeping with the flexible nature of these tours we do not provide lunches or evening meals. Packed lunches are available from your accommodation, although you may prefer to stop for lunch at an inn or café along the trail.Your Tour Pack contains information on places to stop for lunch and where you can buy picnic materials. Evening meals are available from your accommodation or from an inn or restaurant nearby. The options available each night are described in your Tour Pack.

Luggage transfer While you are walking we transport your luggage between overnight stops. All you need to carry on your walk is a light daypack containing whatever you require for the day such as waterproofs, camera and a picnic lunch.

Availability All of our walking holidays, short breaks and weekends are available from spring to late autumn (March – October). Many are available during the winter months as well. The months that each tour is available is specified in the tour description.You can start your holiday on any date you want during that period.

Extra nights for rest days and sightseeing When booking your holiday you can customise your trip by adding extra nights to allow more time for sightseeing or relaxing.

Please contact us if you would like assistance in deciding where to spend an extra night.

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Travel We provide information in your Tour Pack on how to get to and from your holiday by public transport. If you plan to travel by car it is usually possible to leave it at the guesthouse or hotel at the start or the end of the trail. We provide you with details on getting back to your car by public transport.

Equipment The most important items of equipment that you need for a walking holiday are a pair of worn-in walking boots, waterproofs (just in case!) and a small daypack.Your Tour Pack includes a comprehensive list of items that we recommend you take on your holiday. This can also be found on our web site www. contours.co.uk Your Tour Pack All the information you need for an enjoyable, worry-free walking holiday is contained in the Tour Pack that we provide with every booking. In it you will find: • The relevant Ordnance Survey Explorer or Harvey maps • A guidebook describing the route.

• Advice on getting to and from your holiday by public transport.

• A day-by-day itinerary describing each night’s accommodation with either a town plan showing its location or directions to it, together with details of any transfers arranged.

• Recommendations on the best places to get evening meals.

• Information on places to stop for a drink or a meal during the day.

• A list of facilities such as banks, shops, post offices, telephones, inns and cafés along the trail.

• Personalised luggage labels.

• A comprehensive checklist of what to take with you.

• A Feedback Form • Information on what to do and who to contact in an emergency.

Introduction

Group Discounts We offer discounts for groups of three or more people booking a tour together. Please contact us for details.

Dogs You can bring your dog with you on many of the walking holidays described in this brochure. Please contact us for information on ‘dog friendly’ walking holidays, short breaks and weekends.

Tailor-made tours Every year we organise tailor-made tours for clubs, groups and individuals. If you would like us to arrange a walking holiday for you, just let us have the details and we will give you a quotation.

For more information More detailed information about the holidays in this brochure may be found on our web site www.contours.co.uk. If you don’t have access to the Internet please ask for a tour fact file. This contains a day-by-day itinerary showing distances covered and lots of useful information such as how to get to and from your holiday by public transport.

If you have any questions regarding any aspect of our holidays such as the type of terrain that may be encountered, distances covered or likely weather conditions please contact us. Every trail in this brochure has been walked by at least one member of our office team and we are always happy to offer a personal view on any trip and answer your questions.

What’s included in the tour price?

Tour prices are per person, based upon two people sharing a twin or double room. Single travellers are very welcome on all of our holidays and the single room supplement is shown below the tour price.

The tour price includes: • Accommodation in comfortable family-run hotels, country inns, friendly guesthouses and farmhouse bed and breakfasts along the walking route. We always book en-suite rooms with private bathrooms wherever possible, although in remoter areas where accommodation is limited, these may not always be available.

• A traditional cooked or a continental breakfast.

• Door to door luggage transfer (one suitcase per person).

• Any transfers between accommodation and route.

• A Tour Pack containing the relevant maps, guidebook, travel information, itinerary, information on facilities along the route, luggage tags, an equipment checklist and details on what to do and who to contact in an emergency.

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Cornwall, Devon and Dorset Coasts The South West Coast Path The South West Coast Path is a spectacular 630-mile (1,008km) trail around the south-western tip of England. Beginning at Minehead in Somerset it follows the coastline through Devon and Cornwall to Poole in Dorset.We have divided the trail into ten sections to provide a selection of walking holidays ranging in length from three nights to four weeks or more.

North Devon

Cornwall’s Atlantic Coast – North

The South West Coast Path between Minehead and Westward Ho! is astonishingly diverse. It begins with the high ‘hog’s back’ cliffs, purple tinted moors and beautiful coastal oak woodlands of Exmoor. Around Combe Martin the coast softens to one of low cliffs, tiny coves and headlands. These are replaced in turn by sweeping sandy beaches and dunes and then by the shores of the beautiful Taw and Torridge Estuaries. The Valley of Rocks with its jagged sandstone pinnacles; the dramatic gorge of Heddon Mouth; Culbone Church, the smallest complete parish church in England and the delightful villages of Bossington, Porlock, Lynmouth, Combe Martin, Woolacombe and Appledore add to the interest of this splendid walk.

Minehead to Westward Ho!: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour NDEV1 Tour NDEV2 Tour NDEV3

See insert for prices

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87 miles (140 km) Taunton/Barnstaple All year 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 12 nights, 11 walking days

The coastline between Westward Ho! and the little seaport of Padstow is a spectacular one of high cliffs, rugged headlands and secluded little coves. This stretch of the South West Coast Path is delightful. It takes in many notable viewpoints including Gallantry Bower, Hartland Point and The Rumps; passes the tiny inlets of Crackington Haven and Port Quin; visits a number of picturesque fishing villages including Clovelly, Boscastle, Portgaverne and Port Isaac; and explores Tintagel’s dramatic ruined castle, the birthplace of King Arthur.

Westward Ho! to Padstow: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour CACN1 Tour CACN2 Tour CACN3

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79 miles (126 km) Barnstaple/Bodmin All year 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days

Cornwall, Devon and Dorset Coasts

Cornwall’s Atlantic Coast – South The South West Coast Path between Padstow and St Ives takes in a succession of beautiful little bays, rocky promontories, long sandy beaches, dunes, cliffs and dramatic rock stacks like the Giants Stepping Stones of Bedruthan Steps. Little fishing harbours such as Perranporth and Portreath, the sleepy village of Gwithian with its pretty thatched cottages, old tin-mining villages such as St Agnes, with its neat terraces of miners’ cottages, the forlorn ruins of old engine houses perched on the cliffs, Iron Age cliff castles, Bronze Age barrows and ruined chapels add to the charm of this lovely walk.

Padstow to St Ives: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour CACS1 Tour CACS2 Tour CACS3

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66 miles (105 km) Bodmin/St Ives All year 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days 11 nights, 10 walking days

Far West of Cornwall The coastline of the Land’s End peninsula between St Ives and Penzance is one of the most beautiful in Britain. In spring and early summer the rugged granite clifftops are carpeted with a dazzling array of wild flowers. Inland, the moors glow purple and gold with heather and gorse and are littered with quoits, standing stones, stone circles and other mysterious remains. As well as the delightful port of St Ives, with its narrow winding streets and picturesque harbour, the path takes in the pretty fishing villages of Mousehole, Lamorna and Sennen Cove; the tiny hamlets of Porthgwarra and St Leven; the sleepy mining village of St Just; the historic old seaport of Penzance; the melancholy ruins of old tin mines; and the open-air Minack Theatre, perched spectacularly on the cliffs above beautiful Porthcurno Bay. St Ives to Penzance: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour FWC1 Tour FWC2 Tour FWC3 Tour FWC4

41 miles (65.5 km) St Ives/Penzance All Year 4 nights, 3 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days

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Cornwall, Devon and Dorset Coasts

South West Cornwall Linking the historic ports of Penzance and Falmouth, this stretch of the South West Coast Path around the Lizard Peninsula visits the picturesque island of St Michael’s Mount, which is linked by a causeway to the mainland at low tide; the idyllic coves of Kynance and Gunwalloe; the smugglers’ hideaways of Prussia Cove and Coverack; and the pretty fishing villages of Porthleven, Mullion and Cadgwith. The rugged cliffs of red-green serpentine around the Lizard provide a superb contrast to the tranquil woods, creeks and inlets of the Helford River so beloved by Daphne Du Maurier.

From Falmouth to Plymouth the South West Coast Path explores South Cornwall’s more gentle coastline of tranquil estuaries, wooded inlets, secluded coves and rocky headlands which provide glorious views over sandy bays sheltering some of the prettiest villages in Cornwall such as Mevagissey, Portloe, Portscatho and Polperro, where whitewashed cottages jostle for the best view of the harbour. The path also visits the historic ports of Plymouth, Falmouth and Fowey; the impressive coastal defences of Henry VIII and the beautiful Georgian harbour of Charlestown with its magnificent square-riggers.

Penzance to Falmouth: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour SWCO1 Tour SWCO2 Tour SWCO3

Falmouth to Plymouth: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour SCOR1 Tour SCOR2 Tour SCOR3

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South Cornwall

61 miles (98 km) Penzance/Falmouth All year 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days

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76 miles (122 km) Falmouth/Plymouth 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 11 nights, 10 walking days

Cornwall, Devon and Dorset Coasts

South Devon

Tor Bay and Babbacombe Bay

South Devon’s coastline is one of spectacular contrasts. Wavebattered sandstone cliffs and rugged headlands that have claimed countless shipwrecks, give way to tranquil wooded estuaries and inland to lush, rolling farmland with patchwork fields. This section of the South West Coast Path from the historic naval port of Plymouth to the old fishing port of Brixham takes in picturesque Salcombe Harbour, the beautiful old town of Dartmouth with its spectacular sea defences, Burgh Island with its ancient smugglers inn and a string of attractive coastal villages.

Plymouth to Brixham: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour SDEV

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67 miles (107 km) Plymouth/Paignton All year 7 nights, 6 walking days

This short stretch of the South West Coast Path begins with a promenade through the bustling resorts of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay lining Tor Bay; rounds the spectacular headland of Hope’s Nose with its cluster of offshore rock islands and seabird colonies; and then continues around beautiful Babbacombe Bay to The Ness, a tall tree-lined cliff of sandstone at the mouth of the River Teign. After a short ferry journey to Teignmouth, the path continues through Dawlish, a pleasant resort famous for the black swans that paddle around in the stream running through the town, to the village of Starcross and the ferry to Exmouth.

Brixham to Exmouth: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour TOR1 Tour TOR2

27 miles (44 km) Paignton/Exmouth Easter - October 3 nights, 2 walking days 4 nights, 3 walking days

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Cornwall, Devon and Dorset Coasts

East Devon

Dorset

East Devon’s coastline is a colourful one, its red sandstone cliffs contrasting vividly with the lush green of the surrounding countryside. This short stretch of the South West Coast Path from Exmouth to the lovely old port of Lyme Regis takes in the picturesque villages of Budleigh Salterton, Branscombe and Beer, where colourful inshore trawlers are launched from the pebbly beach; the fine Victorian seaside resort of Sidmouth and the famous Axmouth-Lyme Regis Undercliffs National Nature Reserve.

Exmouth to Lyme Regis: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour EDEV1 Tour EDEV2

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30 miles (48 km) Exmouth/Axminster All year 4 nights, 3 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days

Dorset’s coastline is renowned for its dramatic beauty and variety.

Beginning at the old port of Lyme Regis the drama begins with the high cliffs of Golden Cap, which abruptly give way to the pebble ridge of Chesil Beach and the tranquil shores of the Fleet Lagoon.

Then, just as abruptly, high cliffs rear up with sea-sculpted coves, stacks and arches, before dropping down to the white sandy beaches and dunes of Studland Heath and the tidal flats and inlets of Poole harbour. Along the way the path passes famous rock formations including Durdle Door, Old Harry Rocks and Dancing Ledge, visits the attractive old market town of Bridport and explores the picturesque villages of Burton Bradstock, Lulworth, Abbotsbury, with its medieval swannery and the deserted range village of Tyneham.

Book an extra night at Weymouth if you wish to enjoy the circuit of the Isle of Portland (15½ miles/25 km).

This stretch of the coast path goes through the Lulworth Ranges.

These are normally open around Easter, May Bank Holiday, Spring Bank Holiday, most of the summer period and many weekends. Please contact us before booking to ensure they are open.

Lyme Regis to Poole: Rail Stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour DOR1 Tour DOR2

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75 miles (120 km) Axminster/Poole All year 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days

Exmoor and Dartmoor

The Two Moors Way

We also offer the Two Moors Way in two sections giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

The Two Moors Way links the National Parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor. Starting at Ivybridge on the southern edge of Dartmoor and finishing at Lynmouth on Exmoor’s North Devon coast it also crosses some beautiful mid-Devon countryside. It is a walk of stunning contrasts. The southern part of the trail over the wild heather uplands of Dartmoor passes crosses and clapper bridges erected by monks in medieval times and a fantastic number of prehistoric remains, including cairns, kists, menhirs, barrows, stone rows, stone circles and a remarkable Bronze Age village. As well as crossing the high moors past jagged granite tors, the trail meanders through the wooded valleys of the moorland fringes and visits many attractive villages. Between the moors the trail passes through the rich farmland of mid-Devon with its sleepy villages of cob and thatch cottages and square towered churches.

To the north the route crosses Exmoor through an enchanting landscape of steep-sided river valleys, rounded grassy hills and ancient oak woodlands.

Ivybridge to Lynmouth: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour TMW0 Tour TMW1 Tour TMW2

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103 miles (165 km) Ivybridge/Barnstaple March to October 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 10 nights, 9 walking days

Dartmoor section Ivybridge to Morchard Bishop: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour TMWD1 Tour TMWD2

54 miles (86.5 km) Ivybridge/Morchard Road 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days

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Exmoor section Morchard Bishop to Lynmouth: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour TMWE1 Tour TMWE2

49 miles (78.5 km) Morchard Road/Barnstaple 4 nights, 3 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days

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The Devon Coast to Coast Walk The Erme-Plym Trail links the start of the Two Moors Way at Ivybridge with Wembury (14 miles/22.5 km) on the south coast.

It is a delightful route through pastoral countryside dotted with pretty stone and thatch villages. Combining the Erme-Plym Trail with the Two Moors Way creates a wonderful coast to coast walk across Devon (see map above).

Wembury to Ivybridge: Tour code EPTW Rail station:

14 miles (22.5 km) 1 night, 1 walking day Plymouth

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Exmoor and Dartmoor

The Saints’Way

The Tarka Trail

The Saints’ Way or Forth an Syns in Cornish, is an enchanting coast to coast route across Cornwall from the old fishing town of Padstow on the north coast to the historic port of Fowey on the south coast. The trail follows the route used by traders, drovers, missionaries and pilgrims from Wales and Ireland during the Dark and Middle Ages to avoid the treacherous waters around Land’s End. Today, the Saints’ Way is a fascinating walk through Cornish history as it passes barrows, menhirs and hill forts from the Bronze and Iron Ages; ancient granite clapper bridges and stiles; Celtic crosses, holy wells, chapels and monastic settlements; fine medieval churches; and derelict chimneys and engine houses from the tin industry of the 18th and 19th centuries. The Saints’ Way also passes through a wonderfully varied mix of scenery including tranquil estuaries and creeks, secluded river valleys, ancient woodland, windswept moors, rolling pastures dotted with timeless farmsteads and several charming villages and towns.

Padstow to Fowey: Rail Stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour STW1 Tour STW2

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28 miles (45 km) Bodmin Parkway/Par All year 3 nights, 2 walking days 4 nights, 3 walking days

Based on Henry Williamson’s classic novel Tarka the Otter, this charming circular trail traces part of the otter’s journey through the Exmoor National Park and along the Exmoor and North Devon Heritage Coast. It passes through scenery of amazing beauty and variety - rolling pastures, hedgerows, woodland, farms and villages of white cob and thatch, windswept heather moors, steep hillside meadows grazed by sheep, deep wooded valleys, clear-flowing rivers shaded by oak and alder, dramatic ‘hogs back’ cliffs, wooded combes, waterfalls plunging into the sea, lofty headlands, secluded coves and seemingly endless beaches of golden sand.

Highlights of the trail include the village of Landkey, famous for its Mazzard orchards; the picturesque villages of Lynmouth and Lynton linked by a water-powered cliff railway; the fantastic rock formations of the Valley of Rocks; the magnificent oakwoods of Woody Bay; the views from Great Hangman; the pretty thatched village of Croyde and its wonderful beach; the eerily beautiful dunes of Braunton Burrows and the abundant wildlife.

Circular trail beginning at Barnstaple: Rail station: Season: Tour TARK1 Tour TARK2 Tour TARK3

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77 miles (123 km) Barnstaple March to October 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days

North Wessex Downs & The Chilterns

Dartmoor Way

The Ridgeway

The Dartmoor Way sweeps around Britain’s most southerly National Park linking attractive moorland hamlets, villages and towns along its length. The route avoids the wild expanses of the High Moors and concentrates on the moorland fringe of lush river valleys, ancient clapper bridges, steep-sided, thickly wooded gorges, tumbling streams, leafy lanes, meadows, hedgerows, pretty villages of thatch and granite and rolling downland studded with fantastic wind hewn tors of granite. It passes through several historic moorland towns including Chagford, Moretonhampstead, Okehampton, Tavistock and Ashburton; visits many charming villages such as Sticklepath, Sourton, Peter Tavy, Holne, North Bovey and Lydford, an intriguing village dominated by its sturdy medieval courtroom and prison; and discovers a wealth of historical sites ranging from prehistoric settlements and monuments to Norman castles, medieval crosses, tin-mine workings, silver-lead mines and abandoned quarries.

Circular trail beginning at Buckfastleigh: Rail station: Season: Tour DARW1 Tour DARW2

See insert for prices

84 miles (135 km) Totnes March to October 7 nights, 6 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days

The Ridgeway follows part of an ancient track established by prehistoric man that stretched across the country from Dorset to Norfolk. The Ridgeway passes through two distinct landscapes.

The western half of the trail, from Avebury to Goring, runs along crest of the North Wessex Downs, with far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside. The eastern half, from Goring to Ivinghoe Beacon, meanders through the beech woodlands, fertile farmland and pretty villages of the Chiltern Hills. The Ridgeway is famous for it’s prehistoric remains. Highlights include Stone Age long barrows, the extraordinary stone circle at Avebury, and Silbury Hill, the largest man-made mound in Europe. Bronze Age people left the round barrows that litter the route and the Uffington White Horse, one of the most famous hill figures in the country. Grim’s Ditch and the vast hill forts dotted along the route were built during the Iron Age. Avebury to Ivinghoe Beacon: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour RID1 Tour RID2

85 miles (137km) Swindon/Tring All year 7 nights, 6 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days

See insert for prices We also offer The Ridgeway in two sections giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

Wessex Downs Section Avebury to Goring: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour RIDW1 Tour RIDW2

42 miles (67km) Swindon/Goring 4 nights, 3 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days

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Chiltern Hills Section Goring to Ivinghoe Beacon: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour RIDE1 Tour RIDE2

43 miles (69km) Goring/Tring 4 nights, 3 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days

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Mendip Hills / Thames Way West

Mendip Way

Thames Path - West

The Mendips are a ridge of limestone hills that rise abruptly from the flat expanses of the Somerset Levels. The landscape, which has changed little in centuries, is an enchanting mix of sheep pasture, drystone walls, rocky outcrops, caves, sink holes, spectacular gorges and wooded combes.

The Mendip Way traverses the entire length of the Mendips from the old Roman port of Uphill near Weston-super-Mare to the historic market town of Frome. Highlights of the trail include Wookey Hole, one of Britain’s most impressive caves; the glorious views across the Bristol Channel to South Wales; the spectacular cliffs of Cheddar Gorge; Ebbor Gorge Nature Reserve; the many villages of great charm and antiquity; Neolithic earthworks, Bronze Age barrows, Iron Age hill forts, medieval monuments and lead mining remains dating from Roman to Victorian times; the historic market towns of Shepton Mallet and Frome; and Wells, England’s smallest and most beautiful city.

Uphill to Frome: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour MW1 Tour MW2 Tour MW3

50 miles (80 km) Weston-super-Mare/Frome All year 4 nights, 3 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days

The Thames Path National Trail follows England’s most famous river from its source in the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier where the River Thames meets the sea. The western section of the trail offered here follows the river from its source near Cirencester to Pangbourne near Reading, where the Thames changes from a rural river to a major urban waterway. As it traces the development of the Thames from a tree-shaded hollow in a remote Cotswold meadow to a stream and then a navigable river, the route passes through a tranquil landscape of river banks bordered by willow and alder, water meadows grazed by cattle and sheep, fields planted with crops, hedgerows, woodland, and attractive unspoilt villages. The trail also passes through several historic market towns and cities including Lechlade, a beautiful Cotswold town whose wealth, derived from trade on the Thames, is reflected in its magnificent ‘wool church’; Abingdon, one of England’s most beautiful towns with its magnificent County Hall; Dorchester dominated by its great abbey church; and Oxford, all gothic towers, echoing quadrangles, wide streets and beautiful buildings of honey-coloured stone.

Ancient riverside inns, imposing country houses, a wealth of churches and the amazing variety of bridges dating from the 14th century to the present day add to the charm of this wonderful walk.

See insert for prices We also offer the Mendip Way in two sections, giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

West section Uphill to Wells: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour MWW1 Tour MWW2

30 miles (48 km) Weston-super-Mare/Frome 3 nights, 2 walking days 4 nights, 3 walking days

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East section Wells to Frome: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour MWE1

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20 miles (32 km) Frome/Frome 3 nights, 2 walking days

Kemble to Pangbourne: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour TPW1 Tour TPW2 Tour TPW3 Tour TPW4

See insert for prices

88 miles (140 km) Kemble/Pangbourne All year 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days

Isle of Wight

Isle of Wight Coast Path Circumnavigating an island is always a rewarding experience and the path around the Isle of Wight’s spectacular coastline is especially satisfying. The variety of the coastal scenery is amazing, with towering stark white cliffs, the spectacular chalk stacks of ‘The Needles’, the multi-coloured sands of Alum Bay, wooded ‘chines’, golden beaches, sandy coves, dramatic landslipped bluffs, sheltered undercliffs, tidal creeks, estuaries, mudflats, salt marsh, gorse-flecked heath and sheep-cropped grass downland.

Along the trail you’ll find sleepy thatched villages, lively seaside resorts and bustling harbours. Other features of interest include Appley Tower, built to celebrate the sailing of the First Fleet to Botany Bay in 1787; Yarmouth Castle, erected by Henry VIII to defend the port from attacks by the French; Palmerston-era forts like the spectacularly sited Needles Old Battery; a fossil forest; subtropical gardens; St Catherine’s Oratory and ‘Pepper Pot’ lighthouse, built as an act of contrition by a wrecker who unwisely stole a quantity of religious wine from a local shipwreck in 1313; Quarr Abbey, the remains of the island’s earliest Christian relics; and Osborne House which was built in the 1840’s by Prince Albert and Thomas Cubitt as a summer retreat for the Royal Family.

Following Albert’s death, the desolate Queen Victoria spent much of her time here until her death in 1901. Since then the house has remained virtually unaltered, offering a unique insight into Victoria’s family life.

Circular trail beginning at Ryde: Rail station (beginning/end):

Season: Tour IOW1 Tour IOW2 Tour IOW3 Tour IOW4

Isle of Wight Short Break For those with less time available, we also offer two shorter tours covering the spectacular southern coast of the island from Yarmouth to Shanklin.

Yarmouth to Shanklin Tour IOWSB1 Tour IOWSB2

29 miles (46 km) 3 nights, 2 walking days 4 nights, 3 walking days

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67 miles (107 km) Portsmouth Harbour (for ferry to Ryde) All year 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days

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South Downs

We also offer the South Downs Way in two sections, giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

South Downs Way The South Downs Way runs along the length of the chalk downs of Hampshire and Sussex from the cathedral city of Winchester to the white cliffs of Beachy Head above the seaside town of Eastbourne. Although much of the trail meanders along the crest of the Downs, which provides far-reaching views northwards over the patchwork fields, woods and villages of the Weald and southwards to the sea, the route also dips into the river valleys cutting through the Downs, passing through pretty villages with welcoming old pubs, thatched cottages and gardens bursting with flowers.

West section Winchester to Amberley: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour SDWW1 Tour SDWW2 Tour SDWW3

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The route follows tracks established some 5000 years ago when Stone Age man began to mine flint to make tools. Later settlers left Bronze Age barrows; Iron Age hillforts; Roman ‘roads’; Saxon churches; Norman castles and cathedrals; deserted medieval villages; and the dew ponds created as watering holes for the great flocks of sheep that grazed the Downs in the 18th and 19th centuries.

East section

Highlights of the trail include Winchester Cathedral; the many downland viewpoints; the ‘Jack and Jill’ windmills; the Devil’s Dyke; Alfriston’s church, the ‘Cathedral of the Downs’; the Devil’s Jumps; the ‘smallest church in England’; the wildflwers and butterflies; and the spectacular clifftop walk along the Seven Sisters.

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Winchester to Eastbourne: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour SDW1 Tour SDW2 Tour SDW3 Tour SDW4 Tour SDW5

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99 miles (159 km) Winchester/Eastbourne All year 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days 10 nights, 9 walking days 11 nights, 10 walking days

Amberley to Eastbourne: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour SDWE1 Tour SDWE2

52 miles (84 km) Amberley/Eastbourne 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days

South Downs Short Break Beginning and ending in the charming village of Alfriston, this short walk takes in the beautiful Cuckmere River, the smugglers’ haunt of Cuckmere Haven, the dramatic chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head as well as the rolling Downs above Wilmington.

Stone Age flint mines, Bronze Age barrows, dew ponds, the Long Man of Wilmington and the picturesque villages of Litlington, West Dean and Jevington add to the interest of this superb walk.

Circular trail beginning at Alfriston: Rail station: Tour SDWSB

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47 miles (75.5 km) Winchester/Amberley 4 nights, 3 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days

18 miles (29 km) Eastbourne 3 nights, 2 walking days

Cotswolds

Cotswold Way

We also offer the Cotswold Way in two sections, giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

The Cotswold Way runs along the western escarpment of the Cotswold Hills from the beautiful old ‘wool’ town of Chipping Campden to the historic city of Bath. Between the two it follows a meandering course through beech woodland, beside the banks of mill-streams, across upland sheep pastures and along sheltered valleys concealing picturesque villages built from mellow, honeycoloured stone.

Along the way it explores one glorious village after another - each with some memorable feature like the grotesque gargoyles of Winchcombe’s church, the neat rose-covered cottages at Stanton, Stanway’s thatched cricket pavilion and enormous tithe barn, the elegant Pittville Pump Room at Cheltenham or Painswick’s churchyard with its topiary yews and unusual tea caddy and table tombs.The Cotswold Way is also a walk through England’s history.

It passes numerous prehistoric barrows and hill forts, Roman villas, Civil War battle sites, castles and abbeys as well as the grand manor houses and magnificent churches built when England’s wealth was founded on Cotswold wool.

North section Chipping Campden to Painswick: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour COTWN1 Tour COTWN2 Tour COTWN3

46 miles (74 km) Moreton-in-Marsh/Stroud 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days

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South section Painswick to Bath: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour COTWS1 Tour COTWS2 Tour COTWS3

52 miles (83 km) Stroud/Bath 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days

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The Cotswold Way is usually walked from Chipping Campden in the north to the city of Bath in the south. If you would prefer to walk the trail from Bath to Chipping Campden please add the letter ‘R’ to the end of the tour code of your preferred itinerary.

Chipping Campden to Bath: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour COTW0 Tour COTW1 Tour COTW2 Tour COTW3 Tour COTW4 Tour COTW5

98 miles (157 km) Moreton-in-Marsh/Bath All year 7 nights. 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days 10 nights, 9 walking days 11 nights, 10 walking days 14 nights, 13 walking days

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Cotswolds

Cross-Cotswold Path

South Cotswold Walk

The Cross-Cotswold Path (see map on page 16) runs through the heart of the Cotswolds from the historic market town of Banbury to the World Heritage City of Bath. Less demanding than the Cotswold Way, the Cross-Cotswold Path meanders through a tranquil landscape of gentle hills, rolling cornfields, sheep pastures enclosed with drystone walls, water meadows, broadleaved woodland, crystal-clear streams and unspoilt villages and towns. It visits the delightful market towns of Stow-on-the-Wold, Northleach, Cirencester and Tetbury and many of the loveliest hamlets and villages in the Cotswolds including Lower Slaughter, Bourton-on-the-Water, Turkdean, Chedworth, Sherston, Long Dean and Castle Combe. Neolithic Long Barrows, Bronze Age stone circles, Iron Age earthworks, the remains of one of the largest Romano-British villas in the country, an Elizabethan castle, the finest Jacobean manor house in the country, Westonbirt Arboretum with its world famous collection of over 13,000 trees, the Kennet and Avon Canal, the source of the Thames, the Thames and Severn Canal and some of the most exquisite churches in the Cotswolds add to the interest of this charming walk.

The Cross-Cotswold Path was developed to raise public awareness of Macmillan Cancer Relief and to assist in raising funds for this important charity. Contours Walking Holidays will make a £5.00 donation to Macmillan Cancer Relief for every person booking this tour.

Banbury to Bath: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour CCP1 Tour CCP2 Tour CCP3

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86 miles (138 km) Banbury/Bath All year 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days

This delightful circular walk through the some of the least frequented parts of the Cotswolds begins in Cheltenham, an elegant Regency town of handsome squares, colourful public gardens and sweeping terraces of townhouses with intricate wrought-iron balconies and painted stucco facades. It visits the attractive villages of Guiting Power, Naunton, Bourton-onthe Water, the Rissingtons, Windrush, Sherborne, Farmington, Sapperton, Sheepscombe, Birdlip and Bisley; and the delightful market towns of Winchcombe, Northleach, Cirencester and Painswick. Highlights include Belas Knap, one of the best-preserved Neolithic burial chambers In England; Sudeley Castle and its wonderful gardens; Chedworth Roman Villa, with its outstanding mosaics; the quaint two cell lock-up in Bisley; the Thames and Severn Canal; the views of the Vale of Gloucester, the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons from the Cotswold escarpment; and Cirencester’s Corinium Museum, which houses one of the largest Roman collections in Britain. The many fine churches, each with some fascinating architectural or historical detail such as the wonderfully grotesque gargoyles of Winchcombe’s church; the memorial brasses of Northleach’s church; the delightful wall paintings of Hampnett’s church; the magnificent decorative stone pulpit in Chedworth’s church; and the unique “Poor Soul’s Light” in Bisley’s churchyard add to the charm of this wonderful walk.

Circular trail beginning at Cheltenham: Rail station: Season: Tour SCOW1

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77 miles (123 km) Cheltenham Spa All year 7 nights, 6 walking days

Cotswolds Cotswold Villages Trail

Cotswold Round

The Cotswold Villages Trail passes through no fewer than twentyseven of the beautiful towns, villages and hamlets that make the Cotswolds so special. It visits the delightful wool towns of Stow-on-the-Wold, with its mellow stone houses, shops and inns overlooking the medieval cross and stocks in the large market square; Northleach, with its magnificent church, House of Correction, Workhouse, almshouses and immaculate latemedieval cottages clustered around the central square; and Chipping Campden, the loveliest of all the Cotswold market towns. As well as visiting some of the regions best-loved villages like the Slaughters, Bourton-on-the-Water, Guiting Power, Broadway, Stanway and Stanton, it also seeks out little-known villages like Clapton-on-the-Hill with its tiny, but historic church some six spaces wide and eight from door to altar; Naunton, with its splendid 15th century gabled dovecote and Hampnet with its intriguing church. Along the way the trail takes in a number of sites of historic interest including Iron Age hill forts, a gothic folly, a ruined medieval abbey, Sezincote House and Sudeley Castle.

The Cotswold Round takes in many of the best-loved villages and towns of the Cotswolds. Beginning at Moreton-in-Marsh with its large market square surrounded by handsome former coaching inns, the trail meanders through Longborough and Broadwell to Stow-on-the-Wold and then heads through Upper and Lower Slaughter to Bourton–on-the-Water, where several elegant bridges span the crystal waters of the River Windrush as it flows through the village. The trail then heads upstream through the tranquil Windrush valley past Naunton and Guiting Power to Winchcombe, an attractive little town of stone and half-timbered buildings with a fine church adorned with 45 gargoyles, each representing a local character from the 1460s.

Leaving the town along the Pilgrims Way to Hailes Abbey, the trail meanders along the western edge of the Cotswold Hills through Stanway, Stanton and Broadway to Chipping Campden, before returning to Moreton-in-the-Marsh through Broad Campden and the charming village of Blockley, an important centre for the silk industry that flourished in the 18th century.

Circular trail beginning at Moreton-in-Marsh: Rail station: Season: Tour COTVT

Circular trail beginning at Moreton-in-Marsh: Rail station: Season: Tour COTR1 Tour COTR2

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66 miles (106 km) Moreton-in-Marsh All year 7 nights, 6 walking days

51 miles (82 km) Moreton-in-Marsh All year 5 nights, 4 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days

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Cotswolds Cotswolds Highlights Trail Beginning at the beautiful old wool town of Chipping Campden, this delightful circular walk links the ‘show piece’ villages and towns of the northern Cotswolds. It visits Blockley and the stunning gardens of Batsford Arboretum before arriving at Stow-on-the-Wold, a charming town where narrow alleys or ‘tures’ lead off invitingly from the market square, begging exploration.The trail then cuts through the heart of the Cotswolds past Upper Swell, with its attractive old Watermill, to Winchcombe. After exploring this historic little town, it meanders along the western edge of the Cotswold Hills to Chipping Campden through the delightful villages of Stanway, with its opulent Jacobean manor house, enormous tithe barn and curious thatched cricket pavilion perched on straddle stones; Stanton and Broadway, where the picturesque ‘broad way’ of the high street is lined with shops, inns and houses of golden stone with the typical Cotswold mix of tiled and thatched roofs.

Circular trail beginning at Chipping Campden: Rail station: Season: Tour COTH1 Tour COTH2

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43 miles (69 km) Moreton-in-Marsh All year 4 nights, 3 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days

Cotswolds Short Break ~ The Wardens’ and Windrush Ways The Cotswolds Short Break combines two contrasting trails linking Bourton-on-the-Water with Winchcombe to provide a delightful two-day walk through some of the loveliest countryside in the Cotswolds. Starting at Bourton-on-the-Water the route follows the Wardens’ Way through the idyllic villages of Lower and Upper Slaughter, Naunton and Guiting Power before descending to Winchcombe past Sudeley Castle. On the second day the route follows the Windrush Way over the hills past several ‘lost’ medieval villages before following the River Windrush to Bourton-on-the-Water.

Circular trail beginning at Bourton-on-the-Water: Rail station: Season: Tour COTSB

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26 miles (41.5 km) Moreton-in-Marsh All year 3 nights, 2 walking days

Shakespeare’s Way

Shakespeare’s Way William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest dramatist of all time. His plays are marked by extraordinary poetry, a highly inventive use of language, superb plots and vivid insights into human nature – characteristics that have ensured their popularity over the centuries. Shakespeare’s Way follows the route that the poet may have taken on his journeys between his home and birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, where his wife and children lived, and the Globe Theatre in London, where most of his plays were first performed. Passing through the beautiful countryside of the Cotswolds and the Chilterns before following the River Thames into the heart of London, the route links some of England’s greatest attractions: Stratford-upon-Avon, Blenheim Palace, Oxford and London. It also visits many picturesque villages and interesting market towns and passes a wealth of sites of historic interest. You can follow the route in either direction or walk it in sections.

From the poet’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s Way meanders through the Cotswolds past Blenheim Palace and the charming town of Woodstock before following the River Thames into the city of Oxford. Highlights of the Cotswolds section of Shakespeare’s Way include the five houses connected with Shakespeare and his family, his grave in Holy Trinity Church and the Royal Shakespeare Company theatres in Stratford; the attractive villages and bustling market towns; ‘lost’ villages; the churches, each displaying some notable feature; one of the most important stone circles in Britain; Blenheim Palace, presented by a grateful nation to John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough as a reward for military triumph against the French; and the colleges, museums and gardens of Britain’s oldest university.

Beyond Oxford, Shakespeare’s Way crosses the hills and valleys of the Chilterns passing through a succession of pretty villages and marvellous beech woods, before re-joining the Thames at Marlow. Highlights of the Chilterns section include Stonor House, a beautiful Tudor mansion nestling in a fold of the Chiltern Hills; the pretty villages of brick and flint cottages clustered around medieval churches; and the lovely riverside town of Marlow.

Shakespeare’s Way is usually walked from Stratford-upon-Avon to London. If you would prefer to walk the route from London to Stratford-upon-Avon please add the letter ‘R’ to the end of the tour code of your preferred itinerary.

Stratford-upon-Avon to London: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour SHW1 Tour SHW2 Tour SHW3 Tour SHW4 Tour SHW5

146 miles (233.5 Km) Stratford-upon-Avon/London All year 11 nights, 10 walking days 12 nights, 11 walking days 13 nights, 12 walking days 14 nights, 13 walking days 16 nights, 15 walking days

See insert for prices We also offer Shakespeare’s Way in three sections, giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

Cotswolds Section Stratford-upon-Avon to Oxford: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour SHWCO1 Tour SHWCO2 Tour SHWCO3

58 miles (93 Km) Stratford-upon-Avon/Oxford 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days

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Chilterns Section Oxford to Marlow: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour SHWCT1 Tour SHWCT2

38 miles (61 Km) Oxford/Marlow 4 nights, 3 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days

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The final stretch of the trail follows the River Thames through the heart of London to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Highlights include Kew Palace and Kew Gardens; the views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament; Lambeth Palace, the London house of the Archbishops of Canterbury since the 12th century; the array of bridges spanning the Thames; the giant wheel of the London Eye; and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

London Section

Shakespeare’s Way was developed to raise funds for the Shakespeare Hospice, Stratford-upon-Avon. Contours Walking Holidays will make a £5.00 donation to the Shakespeare Hospice for every person booking this tour.

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Marlow to London: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour SHWL1 Tour SHWL2

50 miles (80 Km) Marlow/London 4 nights, 3 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days

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North Downs

North Downs Way

We also offer the North Downs Way in two sections, giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

The North Downs is a long chalk ridge running through South East England from Farnham in Surrey to Dover on the Kent coast. The North Downs Way National Trail follows this natural line through some of the most historic and scenic countryside in southern England. It includes herb-rich chalk downland, sandy heath, large expanses of beech, oak and yew woodland, farmland, apple orchards, hop gardens and vineyards. Part of the trail follows the Pilgrims’ Way, an ancient route taken by countless pilgrims on their way to pray at the shrine of Thomas à Becket in Canterbury Cathedral, immortalised in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. Other sites of historical interest include Prehistoric long barrows, a Roman villa, eight castles, dozens of churches, three cathedrals, three palaces, manor houses, follies, a Napoleonic fort, oast houses, figures carved in the chalk slopes and World War II bunkers.

The route passes through many attractive settlements such as Otford, an attractive village containing the ruin of an archbishop’s palace; historic Rochester, with its handsome High Street lined with old half-timbered buildings, magnificent cathedral and one of the best-preserved Norman castles in the country; the ancient walled city of Canterbury with Roman and early Christian ruins, a Norman castle and a glorious cathedral overlooking a warren of Tudor dwellings; and Dover, with its mighty medieval fortress, that contains the remains of a Roman lighthouse and a Saxon church.The North Downs Way also takes in a number of memorable viewpoints including Box Hill, Reigate Hill, the Devil’s Kneading Trough and the lonely flint-walled church on top of St Martha’s Hill.

Towards the end of the trail, at the village of Boughton Lees, the route divides. One branch heads for Dover via the historic city of Canterbury (130 miles, 208 km); the other takes a more direct line via Folkestone and the celebrated ‘White Cliffs’ (123 miles, 197 km).

Farnham to Dover (via Folkestone): Farnham to Dover (via Canterbury): Rail Stations: Season:

123 miles (197 km) 130 miles (208 km) Farnham/Dover All year

Farnham to Dover (via Folkestone) Tour NDWF1 Tour NDWF2 Tour NDWF3

11 nights, 10 walking days 12 nights, 11 walking days 13 nights, 12 walking days

Farnham to Dover (via Canterbury) Tour NDWC1 Tour NDWC2 Tour NDWC3

11 nights, 10 walking days 12 nights, 11 walking days 13 nights, 12 walking days

West section Farnham to Rochester: Rail Stations: Tour NDWW1 Tour NDWW2

70 miles (112 km) Farnham/Rochester 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days

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East section Rochester to Dover (via Folkestone) 53 miles (85 km) Rochester to Dover (via Canterbury) 60 miles (96 km) Rail Stations: Rochester/Dover Rochester to Dover (via Folkestone) Tour NDWFE1 5 nights, 4 walking days Tour NDWFE2 6 nights, 5 walking days Rochester to Dover (via Canterbury) Tour NDWCE1 Tour NDWCE2

5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days

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North Downs Short Break This charming walk through the ‘garden of England’ links the historic city of Canterbury with its glorious cathedral and the bustling port of Dover with its magnificent castle.

Canterbury to Dover Rail Stations: Tour NDWSB

19 miles (30 km) Canterbury/Dover 3 nights, 2 walking days

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Norfolk

Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path The Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path National Trail combines two contrasting paths, each of which is a superb walk in its own right.

The Peddars Way is a fine country walk from Knettishall Heath near the old market town of Thetford to Hunstanton on North Norfolk’s Heritage Coast. The trail follows the line of a Roman road, built during Rome’s battle against the rebellious Iceni tribe led by the legendary Queen Boadicea. It is an enjoyable mix of country lanes, footpaths and tracks through a varied landscape of open heath and meres, woodland, rich farmland divided by flowerfilled hedgerows and pretty flint and carrstone villages.

The Norfolk Coast Path runs from the Victorian resort of Hunstanton to the busy port of Cromer, the hub of Norfolk’s crab fishing industry, along a coastline that is famous for its remoteness and wild beauty. It is a wonderfully diverse landscape of sweeping sandy beaches, grass tufted dunes, saltings, reed beds, creeks, tidal inlets and unspoilt villages that claim a maritime tradition that saw them send warships to repel the Spanish Armada.

We also offer the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path in two sections, giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

Peddars Way Knettishall Heath to Hunstanton: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour PEDW1 Tour PEDW2

47 miles (75 km) Thetford/King’s Lynn 4 nights, 3 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days

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Norfolk Coast Path Hunstanton to Cromer: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour NCP1 Tour NCP2 Tour NCP3

46 miles (74 km) King’s Lynn/Cromer 4 nights, 3 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days

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Magnificent stately homes, monasteries, medieval castles, traditional windmills that once ground flour or pumped water to keep the fertile fens from disappearing beneath the sea, the spectacular seal colonies at Blakeney Point and the prolific birdlife along the coast add to the charm of this scenic National Trail.

Knettishall Heath to Cromer: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour PWNCP1 Tour PWNCP2 Tour PWNCP3

93 miles (149 km) Thetford/Cromer All year 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days

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Shropshire & the Welsh Borders Mortimer Trail

Wild Edric’s Way

Ludlow, with its beautifully preserved black-and-white half-timbered buildings clustered beneath a huge castle, is one of the most picturesque towns in England. The castle was a stronghold of the Mortimers, powerful Marcher Lords who were given vast estates along the Border Country of England and Wales by William the Conquer in return for guarding the frontier. Beginning at Ludlow the ‘Capital of the Marches’, the Mortimer Trail crosses the peaceful, unspoilt hills and valleys of the Marches to the Saxon town of Kington on Offa’s Dyke, which marked the border with Wales in Medieval times. Delightful little villages, ruined castles, medieval battle sites, Iron Age hill forts, glorious views stretching from the Black Mountains of Wales to the majestic Malvern Hills and a wide variety of wildlife including fallow deer, kingfisher, buzzard, woodpecker, dipper and skylarks add to the interest of this splendid walk.

Ludlow to Kington: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour MORT1 Tour MORT2

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30 miles (48 km) Ludlow/Knighton All year 3 nights, 2 walking days 4 nights, 3 walking days

Wild Edric was a Saxon who resisted the attempts of William the Conquerer to tame the borderland between lowland England and mountainous Wales.This superb walk explores the varied and beautiful scenery of Shropshire’s hill country where Wild Edric fought the Normans.

From the attractive village of Church Stretton Wild Edric’s Way crosses the heathery plateau of the Long Mynd to the sleepy hamlet of Bridges. It follows the rock-strewn ridge of the Stiperstones past the Devil’s Chair, where Edric appears when England is threatened, before descending to the delightful little town of Bishop’s Castle. From here the trail follows a medieval drovers way and a superb section of Offa’s Dyke to Clun, a charming little town dominated by its ruined Norman castle. The route then heads over the spectacular Iron Age hillfort of Bury Ditches to Craven Arms and Stokesay Castle, a unique fortified manor house, before following field and riverside paths to the historic town of Ludlow, the Capital of the Marches.

Church Stretton to Ludlow: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour WEW1 Tour WEW2

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49 miles (79 km) Church Stretton/Ludlow All year 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days

Peak District White Peak Way

Pride of the Peak Walk

The White Peak Way is a circular walk through the spectacular scenery of the Peak District. It explores the limestone country of the White Peak with its steep-sided dales and flower-rich upland pastures edged with drystone walls and the heather-covered gritstone moors and edges of the Dark Peak.

Beginning at the old spa-town of Buxton with its gracious Georgian buildings, the White Peak Way meanders through seven delightfully different dales to Castleton, an attractive village overlooked by the ruin of Peveril Castle, which was built shortly after the Norman Conquest. It traverses the ridge between Mam Tor and Lose Hill with glorious views across Edale to Kinder Scout. From Hathersage, the fabled home of Little John, it meanders along the gritstone edges of Froggatt, Curbar and Baslow before wandering through the beautiful grounds of Chatsworth House to Bakewell, a delightful little market town that is noted for its puddings!

It explores Stanton Moor, which is littered with evidence of pre-historic man, and Rowter Rocks, an intriguing maze of rock chambers, tunnels, steps and seats carved by an eccentric Victorian vicar. From the village of Youlgreave, which like many of the villages in the area, continues the pagan custom of ‘Well Dressing’, the trail follows Gratton Dale, Biggin Dale and Wolfscote Dale to the welcoming hamlet of Mill Dale where it follows riverside paths through spectacular Dovedale beneath caves, spires and cliffs of creamy white limestone to Ilam. It follows the aptly named Paradise Walk through the tranquil Manifold Valley, visits the fine viewpoint of Thors Cave and then explores the attractive village of Hartington. The final stage of this memorable walk follows the banks of the Dove to the village of Crowdecote before winding through Horseshoe Dale to Buxton.

Circular trail beginning at Buxton: Rail station: Season: Tour WPW1 Tour WPW2

The Pride of the Peak Walk was developed to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Peak National Park. It is a delightful circular walk that takes in some of the finest scenery of the Peak District - gentle green hills, drystone walls, crystal-clear streams, wooded dales, attractive stone-built villages and gritstone edges bordering heather-covered grouse moors.

Highlights of the trail include the glorious views from Longstone Moor, Monsal Head, Froggatt Edge and Curbar Edge; the wildflowers in Tansley Dale, Tideswell Dale and Water-cumJolly Dale; the charming little market town of Bakewell, with its ancient five-arched bridge, wonderful church, welcoming inns and fragrant pudding shops; Chatsworth, the ‘noblest house in England’, and its magnificent gardens; the isolated and ghostly remains of the Magpie Mine, the finest reminder of the once great lead industry of the Peak; the huge church of St John the Baptist, the ‘Cathedral of the Peak’; and the villages of Hassop, Wardlow, Calver, Froggatt, Baslow, Litton and Edensor, a pretty village built to house the inhabitants of the villages of Chatsworth and Langley, whose homes were demolished to improve the views from the ‘grand house’.

Circular trail beginning at Bakewell: Rail station: Season: Tour PPW1 Tour PPW2

30 miles (48 km) Matlock All year 3 nights, 2 walking days 4 nights, 3 walking days

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90 miles (144 km) Buxton All year 8 nights, 7 walking days 12 nights, 11 walking days

See insert for prices We also offer the White Peak Way in two sections giving those with less time the opportunity to walk the trail in stages. Please contact us for details.

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Yorkshire Dales

The Dales Way

The Herriot Way

The Dales Way meanders through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales to the shores of Windermere in the Lake District. Beginning at the little stone town of Ilkley, the trail follows the River Wharfe to its source on Cam Fell, past the romantic ruin of Bolton Priory and the pretty villages of Burnsall, Grassington, Kettlewell and Buckden. Beyond Cam Fell, the Dales Way follows the River Dee through the charming village of Dent, with its narrow cobbled streets, to the old market town of Sedbergh nestling beneath the steep slopes of the Howgill Fells. At Sedbergh, the trail leaves the Yorkshire Dales and with the mountains of the Lake District crowning the horizon, heads for Windermere across rolling farmland scattered with farms and isolated villages.

Ilkley to Windermere: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour DW1 Tour DW2 Tour DW3

78 miles (125 km) Ilkley/Windermere March to October 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days

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For those with less time available, we also offer two shorter tours covering the most rewarding section of the Dales Way between the village of Burnsall and the old market town of Sedbergh.

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From the bustling little market town of Hawes, the Herriot Way begins with a visit to the spectacular waterfall at Hardraw before meandering down Wensleydale to Askrigg. After exploring this charming village the trail follows the River Ure past Aysgarth and its famous waterfalls to the imposing bulk of Bolton Castle.

It follows an old miners’ track over East Bolton Moor to the charming village of Reeth, the ‘capital of Swaledale’ and then follows old miners’ tracks over heather moors to the hamlet of Keld at the head of Swaledale. From here it heads down the dale to the pretty little village of Thwaite before following the Pennine Way back to Hawes via Great Shunner Fell, which provides glorious views over Wensleydale and Swaledale. (See map left).

Circular trail starting from Hawes: Rail station: Season: Tour HERRW

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Dales Way Highlights

Burnsall to Sedbergh: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour DWH1 Tour DWH2

This delightful walk around the northern Yorkshire Dales of Wensleydale and Swaledale is based on a holiday taken by James Herriot with his son, which he described in his book ‘James Herriot’s Yorkshire’

41 miles (65.5 km) Ilkley/Kendal 4 nights, 3 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days

52 miles (83 km) Garsdale All year 5 nights, 4 walking days

Yorkshire Dales & North Pennines

Lady Anne’s Way

Six Dales Trail

Anne Clifford was the only surviving child of the 3rd Earl of Cumberland, who owned vast estates in the Yorkshire Dales but left them to her uncle. After 38 years fighting this injustice, Lady Anne won control of the estates and devoted her life to restoring her castles at Skipton, Barden, Pendragon, Appleby, Brough and Brougham.

Lady Anne’s Way retraces the routes she took between her castles. The trail runs from Skipton Castle, where she was born in 1590, to Brougham Castle near Penrith, where she died in 1676.

Highlights of the trail include the beautiful scenery of the Yorkshire Dales, Mallerstang and the Eden Valley; Skipton, Barden, Pendragon, Appleby, Brough, Brougham and Penrith castles; the snug stone-built villages of the Yorkshire Dales and Eden Valley; the market town of Appleby, with it’s delightful treelined main street and many fine buildings including the Moot Hall, almshouses and St Lawrence’s Church, where Lady Anne is buried; Hell Gill, which the highwayman Dick Turpin leapt to avoid capture; Great Ormside’s ancient church with it’s ‘leper’s squint’; and Brougham Hall, the ‘Windsor of the North’.

Skipton to Penrith: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour LAW0 Tour LAW1 Tour LAW2 Tour LAW3 Tour LAW4

100 miles (160 km) Skipton/Penrith March to October 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days 10 nights, 9 walking days

The Six Dales Trail explores some of the most beautiful, yet littleknown countryside in the Yorkshire Dales.

The Six Dales Trail from the ancient market town of Otley in Wharfedale through Washburndale, Nidderdale, Colsterdale and Coverdale to the little market town of Middleham in Wensleydale.

Along the way the trail passes through some delightful Dales scenery – sheep-grazed pastures bordered by drystone walls, ancient stone-built villages, heather moors, broadleaf woodland and landscaped parkland.

Highlights of the walk include the wonderful views across the Dales; bluebell woods; the amazing variety of old stone stiles; riverside paths; the ginnels and cobbled side-streets around Otley’s Buttercross Market; the atmospheric ruin of Jervaulx Abbey, the imposing ruin of Middleham Castle; Leeds Pals Memorial, a monument to the volunteers or ‘Pals’ from Leeds who fought in the Great War; the pretty village of Ramsgill with it’s spacious green surrounded by stone cottages with flower-filled gardens; and the bustling little town of Pateley Bridge.

Otley to Middleham: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour SIXD1 Tour SIXD2 Tour SIXD3

38 miles (61 km) Ilkley/Northallerton All year 3 nights, 2 walking days 4 nights, 3 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days

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Yorkshire Dales

Three Dales Way

Nidderdale Way

This short walk through the idyllic valleys of Wharfedale, Littondale and Malhamdale in the southern Yorkshire Dales passes through some of the finest limestone scenery in the Yorkshire Dales. It visits many charming Dales villages including Burnsall, Grassington, Kettlewell, Arncliffe and Malham as well as the natural wonders of Malham Tarn, England’s highest lake, Malham Cove and Gordale Scar, a gigantic collapsed cave system.

Circular trail beginning at Burnsall: Rail station: Season: Tour 3DW

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32 miles (51 km) Ilkley All year 4 nights, 3 walking days

Little-known Nidderdale, on the eastern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park offers some of the most peaceful walking in the Dales. The Nidderdale Way is a circular walk around this beautiful valley. The route visits several attractive villages such as Middlesmoor, clinging tenaciously to the hillside; Ramsgill, with a spacious green surrounded by stone cottages with flower-filled gardens and an imposing ivy-clad former hunting lodge; and Ripley, a beautiful 19th century estate village rebuilt to resemble a French village. It has a fine medieval market cross with stocks alongside and the churchyard contains a fascinating pre-Reformation ‘weeping cross’: sockets at the bottom cater for the knees of four ‘penitent’ souls. Other attractions include the wind-weathered gritstone ‘sculptures’ of Brimham Rocks; How Stean Gorge, a spectacular limestone ravine; Yorke’s Folly, built to resemble a window arch from a ruined abbey, and Ripley Castle with its deer park and gardens laid out by Capability Brown.

Although this is a low-level route, the way does climb the valley sides to follow gritstone edges and moorland fringes for rewarding views over the dale.

Circular trail beginning at Pateley Bridge: Rail station: Season: Tour NIDDW

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53 miles (85 km) Harrogate All year 5 nights, 4 walking days

Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines

Swale Way

Teesdale Way

Walking the length of a river to its source is always a magical prospect. The Swale Way, which traces the course of the River Swale from its confluence with the River Ure in the Vale of York to its source in the windswept hills above Swaledale, is particularly enchanting.

From the old coaching town of Boroughbridge, the Swale Way follows the Ure to Swale Nab, where the Swale empties into the Ure. Then it meanders through tranquil farmland to Thirsk, an attractive little town which was ‘Darrowby’ in James Herriot’s stories of life as a Yorkshire vet. It visits the magnificent ruin of Easby Abbey; the lovely old town of Richmond, with its magnificent castle, cobbled market place and elegant Georgian buildings; and the charming village of Reeth, with its spacious green overlooked by welcoming old coaching inns. From here, the trail follows footpaths linking pretty stone-built villages dotted along the dale to the hamlet of Keld and the gathering grounds of the Swale, through a landscape of drystone walls, flower-filled meadows and tiny field barns.

Boroughbridge to Keld Rail stations (beginning/end): Season Tour SWAW1

76 miles (122 km) Thirsk/Kirkby Stephen March to October 7 nights, 6 walking days

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Swaledale Short break For those with less time available, we also offer a shorter tour covering the most spectacular section of the Swale Way from the historic town of Richmond to the hamlet of Keld at the head of Swaledale.

Richmond to Keld Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour SWASB

The Durham Dales are less well known than the Yorkshire Dales but they are no less beautiful. Teesdale is especially attractive, with heather-covered grouse moors, Whinstone ‘scars’ and spectacular waterfalls giving way to traditional hay meadows bursting with wildflowers, distinctive whitewashed farmsteads, ancient woodland and picturesque stone-built villages.

The Teesdale Way the River Tees from the windswept hills of the North Pennines , the preserve of grouse, curlew and hardy black-faced sheep, to the pretty village of Gainford , where the river leaves the dale and begins meandering through fertile farmland to the sea.

Highlights include the rare arctic-alpine flora of Upper Teesdale; the dramatic waterfalls of Cauldron Snout, Low Force and High Force, England’s largest waterfall; the traditional dales town of Middleton-in-Teesdale, once owned by the Quaker-run London Lead Company; the charming villages of Egglestone, Romaldkirk and Cotherstone; Romaldkirk church; the Fairy Cupboard caves; Woden Croft, one of the infamous ‘Yorkshire Schools’ described

by Dickens in ‘Nicholas Nickleby; the ruin of Egglestone Abbey; Mortham Tower, an imposing 15th century manor house; the Meeting of the Waters, an idyllic corner immortalised by poets and painters; and the old market town of Barnard Castle, with its fine castle, elegant French-style chateau housing a famous museum and many other fascinating buildings like the octagonal Market Cross, once used as a courtroom and gaol.

Langdon Beck to Gainford Rail stations (beginning/end) Season Tour TEESW

42 miles (67 km) Darlington/Darlington All Year 5 nights, 4 walking days

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34 miles (54 km) Darlington/Kirkby Stephen 4 nights, 3 walking days

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Yorkshire Wolds / Lake District

Yorkshire Wolds Way

The Cumberland Way

The Yorkshire Wolds are a tranquil corner of England that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. It is a landscape of softly rounded chalk hills, secluded dry valleys, rolling fields of crops dotted with bright red poppies, green pastures echoing to the cries of sheep and lambs, flower-filled hedgerows, wooded dells and sleepy little villages with welcoming old pubs. The Yorkshire Wolds Way meanders along the entire length of the Wolds, from Hessle Haven on the banks of the Humber to the quaint seaside resort of Filey on the North Sea coast.

Highlights of the trail include the sweeping views south across the Humber to the towers of Lincoln Cathedral, west across the Vale of York towards the Yorkshire Dales and north across the Vale of Pickering to the North York Moors; the sense of solitude and tranquillity; the abundant wildflowers, butterflies and birds; England’s most famous deserted medieval village at Wharram Percy; the charming villages of Welton, Brantingham, Goodmanham, Londesborough, Huggate and Thixendale; the inn where the long arm of the law finally caught up with the legendary highwayman Dick Turpin in 1739; and the dramatic outcrop of Filey Brigg.

Hessle to Filey: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: YWW1 YWW2 YWW3 YWW4

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79 miles (126 km) Hessle/Filey All Year 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days

In 1974, the ancient Lakeland counties of Cumberland and Westmorland were amalgamated into the larger county of Cumbria. Keeping entirely within the old county of Cumberland, this delightful trail meanders across the Lake District from the Irish Sea at Ravenglass to Eamont Bridge on the eastern edge of the National Park (see map on page 30).

From Ravenglass the route runs across a gentle landscape of farmland dotted with small woods and isolated farmhouses to the sleepy village of Nether Wasdale. It follows riverside paths to the shores of Wastwater and then continues beside the lake to the tiny settlement of Wasdale Head amidst breathtaking mountain scenery: across the lake the awesome Screes plunge 2000 feet into the crystal waters of the lake, whilst ahead the highest peaks in England crowd around the head of the valley. It follows an old packhorse track over Black Sail Pass to the upper reaches of wild and lonely Ennerdale, crosses Scarth Gap and then follows the shores of Buttermere to the village at the foot of the lake.

The route meanders through tranquil Newlands Valley and then continues along the shores of Derwentwater to the attractive little town of Keswick. Then it visits the magical Castlerigg Stone Circle and Aira Force, the prettiest, most romantic waterfall in the Lakes. After taking in the views of Ullswater from one of Lakeland’s most famous viewpoints, the route follows riverside paths to Eamont Bridge on the boundary of the old county of Cumberland.

La’al Ratty, a magnificent 13th century castle, an 18th century corn mill, England’s smallest church, the lands of Mrs Tiggywinkle, the glorious views from Castlehead and the Dacre Bears add to the interest of this exhilarating walk.

Ravenglass to Eamont Bridge: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour CUMDW

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62 miles (99 km) Ravenglass/Penrith March to October 6 nights, 5 walking days

Lake District

The Westmorland Way

Furness Way

Keeping entirely within the old county of Westmorland, this scenic walk through the Lake District begins at Appleby in the shadow of the Pennines and ends at Arnside on the shores of Morecambe Bay (see map right).

From Appleby the route meanders through the pretty red sandstone villages of the Eden Valley to Pooley Bridge at the foot of Ullswater. Then it follows the lakeside path through sheepgrazed meadows and ancient oak woodlands to Patterdale at the head of the lake. From here the route takes an old packhorse track through the fells of the Helvellyn range to the picturesque village of Grasmere. It visits the idyllic village of Elterwater and then follows riverside paths along the Langdale valley to the bustling little town of Ambleside. From here the route follows another old packhorse track to Troutbeck, a delightful village of 17th century farmhouses and barns clustered around a series of wells. After exploring the historic market town of Kendal, with its fascinating yards and ginnels, the route follows paths beside the River Kent and the Lancaster Canal through a string of pretty little villages before following woodland paths to the village of Arnside on the shores of Morecambe Bay. Appleby to Arnside: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour WESMW1 Tour WESMW2 Tour WESMW3 Tour WESMW4

95 miles (152 km) Appleby/Arnside March to October 8 nights, 7 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days 10 nights, 9 walking days 11 nights, 10 walking days

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Furness lies between the mountainous heart of the Lake District and the great sandy estuaries of Morecambe Bay. For centuries it was owned by the monks of Furness Abbey who grazed sheep on the hills, controlled fishing rights, grew crops, planted orchards, made charcoal, smelted iron, dug peat for fuel and manufactured salt. It is an area of low hills, old coppice woodlands, lush meadows, reedy tarns and sparkling rivers.

The Furness Way meanders across this tranquil corner of the Lake District from Arnside on the eastern side of Morecambe Bay to Ravenglass on the Irish Sea (see map above). The route visits the beautiful Lyth, Winster, Duddon and Eskdale valleys; crosses Whitbarrow, Hampsfell and Muncaster Fell, all of which offer breathtaking views of the mountains of the Lake District, the Isle of Man and the Furness coastline; and passes through a succession of attractive villages including Brigsteer, Lindale, Cartmel, Coniston and Boot. It also takes in several magnificent stately homes including Levens Hall, Sizergh Castle and Muncaster Castle.

The magnificent topiary gardens at Levens Hall, Cartmel’s beautiful priory church and gatehouse, the oldest working corn mill in the country, ancient packhorse bridges, a Roman bath house and the narrow-gauge steam railway known as La’al Ratty add to the interest of this delightful walk.

Arnside to Ravenglass: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour FURNW

75 miles (120 km) Arnside/Ravenglass All year 7 nights, 6 walking days

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Westmorland Way Highlights For those with less time available, we also offer a shorter tour covering the most beautiful stretch of the Westmorland Way between Pooley Bridge and Ambleside.

Pooley Bridge to Ambleside: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour WESMWH

28 miles (45km) Penrith/Windermere 4 nights, 3 walking days

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Lake District

The Cumbria Way

Cumbria Way Highlights

The Cumbria Way runs through the heart of the Lake District from the attractive market town of Ulverston on the shores of Morecambe Bay to the historic city of Carlisle close to the Scottish Border. Along the way it passes through some of the finest scenery of this much loved area.

From Ulverston the Cumbria Way heads towards the hills across rolling farmland with the scenery becoming more dramatic with every step. It follows the shores of Coniston Water, beneath the craggy slopes of ‘The Old Man’, visits the famous beauty spot of Tarn Hows and the thunderous cascades of Skelwith Force before heading up the Langdale valley to the pretty little lake of Elterwater, with glorious views up the valley to the towering peaks of the Langdale Pikes.At the end of the valley, the trail crosses Stake Pass, with some marvellous views of the mountains, before descending through the remote valley of Langstrath to the lovely old village of Rosthwaite in the upper reaches of the Borrowdale valley. From here, the trail follows woodland and riverside paths along the valley to Derwentwater and then follows the shores of the lake to the old market town of Keswick.Then it meanders through the remote, rolling hills ‘Back O’ Skiddaw’ to the charming village of Caldbeck, before following riverside paths through rich farmland to the historic Border city of Carlisle.

Ulverston to Carlisle: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour CUMW1 Tour CUMW2 Tour CUMW3

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70 miles (112 km) Ulverston/Carlisle March to October 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days

For those with less time available, we also offer two shorter tours covering the most spectacular section of the Cumbria Way between Coniston and Keswick.

Coniston to Keswick: Rail station: Season: Tour CUMWH1 Tour CUMWH2

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28 miles (45 km) Windermere March to October 3 nights, 2 walking days 4 nights, 3 walking days

Lake District

Ullswater Round

Coniston Water Round

Ullswater is widely regarded as one of the loveliest of all the lakes. Much of its appeal derives from its serpentine shape, from the magnificent mountains surrounding it and from the beautiful shoreline woodlands of native oak, birch and hazel. Amongst the trees, near the shoreline, it was the golden daffodils of this lake that inspired William Wordsworth to write his famous “Daffodils” poem.

Starting at the attractive village of Pooley Bridge at the foot of Ullswater, the Ullswater Round encircles this enchanting lake, breaking the journey with an overnight in Patterdale, a charming village at the head of the lake. Highlights of the walk include the red squirrels of Hallinhag Wood; Aira Force, the prettiest and most romantic waterfall in the Lake District; the views of the mountains surrounding the head of Ullswater from the cairn above Yew Crag, one of the most famous viewpoints in the National Park; the locally made embroidered tapestries in St Patrick’s Church in Patterdale; the black fell ponies roaming over Moor Divock; the views from the Miners’ Path as it winds thrillingly around the head of Glencoyne; the Cockpit, a beautifully preserved stone circle dating from the Bronze Age; and the shoreline path itself, which twists and turns around dozens of delightful wooded bays.

Circular Trail starting at Pooley Bridge: Rail station: Season: Tour ULR1 Tour ULR2

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24 miles (38.5 km) Penrith All year 3 nights, 2 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days

From the high mountains crowding around its head to the gentle rolling hills at its foot, Coniston Water has a beautiful setting.

Arthur Ransome spent his childhood summer holidays here and his vivid memories of sailing on the lake, exploring the gentle hills around the foot of the lake, making friends with the charcoalburners in the lakeshore woodlands and climbing the craggy, mine-riddled bulk of the Old Man of Coniston overlooking the head of the lake surfaced later in his children’s classic ‘Swallows and Amazons’. Peel Island became the ‘Wild Cat Island’ of the book, the River Crake emerging from the lake is the ‘Amazon’, Allan Tarn is ‘Octopus Lagoon’ and the Old Man of Coniston is ‘Kanchenjunga’. The Steam Yacht Gondola, which still provides a passenger service up and down the lake, was the inspiration for ‘Captain Flint’s’ houseboat.

Starting at the charming Lakeland village of Coniston at the head of Coniston Water this delightful walk circumnavigates Coniston Water, breaking the journey at Spark Bridge at the foot of the lake. Highlights of the walk include idyllic Beacon Tarn and the breathtaking views of Coniston Water and the Coniston Fells from Blawith Beacon; Brantwood House, the beautiful home of John Ruskin, the writer, artist, philosopher, social critic and philanthropist; the ‘sculptures in the forest’; the magnificent views from Carron Crag which include the major Lakeland mountains, Morecambe Bay and the Pennines; and the grave of John Ruskin, marked by a beautiful Celtic cross carved from local stone, in the churchyard of St Andrew’s in the centre of the village of Coniston.

Circular trail starting at Coniston: Rail station: Season: Tour CWR

23 miles (37 km) Windermere All year 3 nights, 2 walking days

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Lake District

Windermere Way

St Bega’s Way

Windermere is England’s largest and most famous lake. With its head in the mountains and its foot almost on the coast it is also one of the most picturesque. Its rocky inlets, tree covered islands, secluded bays, grassy banks and wooded heights never fail to delight.

The Windermere Way meanders around the lake, sometimes following lakeshore paths and at other times taking to the heights, which provide wonderful and ever-changing views of Windermere, the coast and the fells of the Lake District. Highlights of the walk include the glorious views from Orrest Head, Jenkin’s Crag, Claife Heights and Gummer’s How; the red squirrels in the woods surrounding the lake; the pretty village of Troutbeck with its lovely old bank-barns and farmsteads gathered around roadside wells; Stock Ghyll Force, a picturesque waterfall which drops 60 ft through a narrow defile; Wray Castle, an amazing house built in the Gothic Revival Style in 1840; High Dam, an idyllic man-made tarn; Stott Park Bobbin Mill, where you can watch bobbins being made on the original Victorian machinery; and Townend, a house built in the 17th century for George Browne, a wealthy yeoman farmer. Remarkably, the house remained in the hands of eleven generations of the Browne family, and the house contents provide a remarkable insight into their lives.

Circular trail starting in Windermere

Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: WINW1 WINW2 WINW3

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45 miles (72 km)/36 miles (58 km) depending on the route options you choose Windermere/Windermere All year 3 nights, 2 walking days 4 nights, 2 walking days 5 nights, 2 walking days

St Bega’s Way meanders through one of the loveliest corners of the Lake District from the Norman priory church of St Mary and St Bega at St Bees on the Irish Sea coast to the pre-Norman church of St Bega on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake.

Bega was the daughter of an Irish chieftain in the mid-ninth century. At an early age she committed herself to the service of God.When her father promised her in marriage to a Viking prince, Bega fled across the Irish Sea and landed at what is now St Bees.

Here she settled for a time as a hermit, living a pious life and healing the sick, then fearing the raids of Vikings, she fled through the mountains of the Lake District to Northumbria.

Highlights of St Bega’s Way include the Norman priory church of St Mary and St Bega at St Bees; the glorious views of Ireland, the Isle of Man, the coastline of Cumbria and the mountains of the Lake District from Dent Fell; the beautiful lakes of Ennerdale Water, Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite; the views of the mountains enclosing Ennerdale; picturesque Borrowdale, with its charming villages, crystal rivers, lush meadows and oak woodlands; the bustling town of Keswick; and the pretty little church of St Bega on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake.

St. Bees to Mirehouse (St Bega’s Church): Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: BEGA1 BEGA2

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36 miles (58km) St Bees/Penrith April to October 4 nights, 3 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days

Lake District

Lakeland’s Three Passes Walk Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to travel from one valley to another because the distance around the mountains was usually very long. This incredibly scenic and atmospheric walk follows old packhorse tracks over three historic mountain passes to create a circular route visiting three of the most famous valleys in the Lake District – Borrowdale, Langdale and Wasdale.

Summit-baggers will be pleased to learn that high-level options are available for each stage, taking in Raise, Thunacar Knott, Harrison Stickle, Scafell Pike, Great Gable, Green Gable, Brandreth and Grey Knots.

Highlights of the walk include the outstanding mountain scenery and atmosphere; the amazing views; some of the finest inns in the District; the wonderful packhorse bridges; England’s smallest church; and the patchwork of fields criss-crossed by drystone walls several feet thick that served as stone dumps when the pastures were first cleared around Wasdale Head.

On this walk we offer two accommodation options – Hotel (staying in the famous Scafell Hotel, the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, and theWasdale Head Inn) or B&B (staying in farmhouse B&Bs).

Circular trail starting in Rosthwaite Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: L3PWH (Hotel option) L3PWB (B&B option)

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22 miles (35 km) Penrith/Penrith March to October 4 nights, 3 walking days 4 nights, 3 walking days

A Lakeland Round The English Lake District is one of Britain’s most beautiful corners, a magical mix of rocky mountains, tumbling waterfalls, lush green valleys, shimmering lakes, isolated farmsteads, sturdy stone-built villages and seemingly endless dry-stone walls clambering up the mountainsides or criss-crossing the valley bottoms to create tiny sheep-grazed fields.

This delightful walk explores the heart of the Lake District. The route follows ancient tracks over the mountain passes linking valley to valley: ways established by drovers moving sheep and cattle, traders leading packhorses and mourners taking their loved ones for burial in consecrated ground. It takes in all of the major valleys in the Lake District, crosses eight mountain passes, visits twelve lakes and explores several attractive Lakeland villages and towns including Elterwater, Coniston, Seathwaite, Boot, Wasdale Head, Buttermere, Keswick, Glenridding, Grasmere and Ambleside.

Highlights of the walk include the exquisite views of Coniston, Windermere, Grasmere, Elter Water, Rydal Water, Wasdale, Wastwater, Eskdale, Ennerdale, Buttermere, Borrowdale and Ullswater; the Castlerigg Stone Circle; the hamlet with the deepest lake, highest mountain, smallest church and biggest liar in England; the most picturesque waterfall in the Lake District; Dove Cottage; a working 16th century mill; and the route of Wordsworth’s last journey through his beloved Lake District Starting and finishing in Ambleside: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour LAKR1

73 miles (117 km) Windermere/Windermere March to October 7 nights, 6 walking days

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Lake District

North Lakes Short Break

South Lakes Short break

During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through Borrowdale and onto Buttermere via the Honister Pass, before returning to Keswick through the Newlands Valley. This short trail through some of the finest mountain scenery in the Lake District is based on their route.

As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large number of poets, novelists and essayists.

This lovely walk through some of the Lake District’s best-loved areas visits many of the places associated with some of its most famous writers.

From the bustling little town of Keswick, the trail heads along the shores of Derwentwater to the famous beauty spots of Surprise View and the picturesque hamlet of Watendlath. From Watendlath, the trail meanders past lily-covered Dock Tarn to the idyllic hamlet of Stonethwaite, where riverside paths lead to Rosthwaite, a lovely old village of whitewashed cottages and farms in the upper reaches of Borrowdale. Then the trail follows the old coach ‘road’ to the top of Honister Pass, before following an old miner’s track that descends beside Warnscale Beck, with breathtaking views over Buttermere and Crummock Water, to the village of Buttermere. The final stage of this delightful trail begins by following a superb footpath that climbs gently between imposing fells to emerge into the tranquil beauty of the Newlands Valley, where woodland, field and lakeside paths lead back through the village of Portinscale to Keswick.

Beginning at Windermere on the shores of England’s largest lake, the route heads for Troutbeck via Orrest Head, which provides breathtaking views of the hills of the Yorkshire Dales, Morecambe Bay and many of Lakeland’s best-known mountains.After exploring Troutbeck, a delightful village of fine 17th century ‘Statesman’ farmhouses grouped around a series of wells, the route heads for Ambleside. It passes Rydal Mount, where Wordsworth spent the last years of his life, before following the route of the medieval coffin ‘road’ above Rydal Water to Grasmere. Wordsworth regarded Grasmere as the “loveliest spot that man hath ever found” and spent nine happy and creative years in Dove Cottage on the outskirts of the village. Other places of interest include the little school where he once taught, now the home of a famous Gingerbread Shop; and St Oswald’s Church, the last resting place of the Wordsworth family. Then the trail visits the spectacular Langdale valley, idyllic Blea Tarn and Little Langdale Tarn before continuing to Coniston. Arthur Ransome spent his childhood holidays here which later surfaced in “Swallows and Amazons” and the village’s most famous resident, John Ruskin, lies buried in the village churchyard, preferring this quiet corner of Lakeland to Poet’s Corner at Westminster Abbey. From Coniston the trail passes through the famous beauty spot of Tarn Hows and Hawkshead, a charming village of whitewashed cottages, cobbled streets, arches and alleys, to Near Sawry. After visiting the tiny 17th century farmhouse of Hill Top, the former home of Beatrix Potter, the trail descends to the shores of Windermere to catch a ferry across the lake to the town.

Highlights along the trail include the island hermitage of a Celtic saint, the Royal Oak’s strange bedfellows, Johnny Wood and its red squirrels, an infamous Border Reivers last stand, Bathar’s Mere, the tale of Fanny Mercer, Lakeland’s highest waterfall, the charms of the ‘Maid of Buttermere’ and the lands of Mrs Tiggywinkle and Squirrel Nutkin.

Circular trail starting at Keswick: Rail station: Season: Tour NLSB

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31 miles (50 km) Penrith All year 4 nights, 3 walking days

Circular trail starting at Windermere: Rail station: Season: Tour SLSB1 Tour SLSB2

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32 miles (51 km) Windermere All year 4 nights, 3 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days

Lake District

West Lakes Short break The western Lake District contains some of the National Park’s most diverse landscapes – the rugged mountain scenery of Wasdale, the lush pastures, swathes of woodland and deeply rural hamlets of Eskdale and the glittering Irish Sea. Beginning at the village of Ravenglass on the Irish Sea, this delightful short walk crosses a gentle landscape of farmland dotted with small woods and isolated farmhouses, to the sleepy village of Nether Wasdale, past the ruin of a Roman bathhouse, a splendid 13th century castle and an 18th century corn mill. From Nether Wasdale the trail heads for the shores of Wastwater and then continues beside the lake to the tiny settlement of Wasdale Head amidst breathtaking mountain scenery: across the lake the awesome Screes plunge 2000 feet into the crystal waters, whilst ahead some of the highest peaks in England crowd around the end of the valley. England’s smallest church lies a few hundred yards from the hamlet, in a patchwork of fields criss-crossed by drystone walls several feet thick that served as stone dumps when the pastures were first cleared. From the church, the trail follows the old ‘corpse road’ over Eskdale Moor, past Burnmoor Tarn to Boot, a pretty little village of whitewashed cottages, pink granite walls, three inns, a sixteenth century corn mill and a quaint riverside church. From Boot, the trail returns to the coast beside the fast-flowing waters of the River Esk, past Stanley Ghyll Force, reputed to be the most beautiful waterfall in the Lake District.

Points of interest along the trail include smugglers tales, an ancient Anglian cross, ghostly galloping horses, traces of Bronze Age man, packhorse bridges and La’al Ratty.

Circular trail starting at Ravenglass: Rail station: Season: Tour WLSB

31 miles (50 km) Ravenglass All year 4 nights, 3 walking days

East Lakes Short Break Wordsworth declared Ullswater, “the happiest combination of beauty and grandeur, which any of the Lakes afford”, a view that still holds true today. Much of its appeal comes from its sinuous shape, wooded shores and the magnificent fells that surround it.

To the west stands Helvellyn with its awe-inspiring rocky ridges, to the east the windswept grassy ridges of the High Street fells.

Beyond them lies Haweswater, the quietest and most remote of all the lakes. This scenic walk explores the shores of both lakes and the fells and valleys surrounding them.

Beginning at the attractive village of Pooley Bridge at the foot of Ullswater, the trail follows lakeside paths through meadows and ancient oak, birch and hazel woods to the hamlet of Patterdale at the head of the lake. From here the route follows a wonderful path that winds up through the hills, with exhilarating views over the surrounding mountains to the fine viewpoint of Kidsty Pike.

It follows the shores of Haweswater to the sleepy little village of Bampton, where the scenery changes from rugged mountains to a pastoral landscape of lush pastures, drystone walls and field barns.

From Askham, a delightful village with a large green surrounded by old cottages and a couple of inns, the trail returns to Pooley Bridge over Heughscar Hill, with glorious views of Ullswater.

Stone circles, the drowned village of Mardale Green, the highest Roman ‘road’ in the country, Lakelands only golden eagles, the ‘Echoes of Ullswater’, tales of Border Reivers and Iron Age hill forts add to the interest of this lovely walk.

Circular trail starting at Pooley Bridge: Rail station: Season: Tour ELSB

32 miles (51 km) Penrith All year 4 nights, 3 walking days

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Yorkshire Dales & North York Moors

The Coast to Coast Walk Created by Alfred Wainwright, the Coast to Coast Walk crosses the North of England from the Irish Sea at St Bees to the North Sea at Robin Hood’s Bay. It passes through some of the most beautiful and varied scenery in the country – the rugged mountains and beautiful lakes of the Lake District, the rolling hills and pretty valleys of the Yorkshire Dales and the expansive heather moorland of the North York Moors.

We have devised seven itineraries for the Coast to Coast Walk so that you can choose the one that most suits your fitness and experience. These range from tour CCW1, a strenuous itinerary that splits the route into the 12 stages proposed by Wainwright when he conceived the trail, to tour CCW7, a leisurely walk taking 18 days to complete the trail, which allows plenty of time for sightseeing.

St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour CCW1 Tour CCW2 Tour CCW3 Tour CCW4 Tour CCW5 Tour CCW6 Tour CCW7

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190 miles (304 km) St Bees/Scarborough April to October 13 nights, 12 walking days 14 nights, 13 walking days 15 nights, 14 walking days 16 nights, 15 walking days 17 nights, 16 walking days 18 nights, 17 walking days 19 nights, 18 walking days

We also offer the Coast to Coast Walk in two sections, giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

West section (Lake District) St Bees to Kirkby Stephen: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour CCWW1 Tour CCWW2 Tour CCWW3

82 miles (131 km) St Bees/Kirkby Stephen 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days

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East section (Yorkshire Dales & North York Moors) Kirkby Stephen to Robin Hood’s Bay: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour CCWE1 Tour CCWE2 Tour CCWE3 Tour CCWE4

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108 miles (173 km) Kirkby Stephen/Scarborough 8 nights, 7 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days 10 nights, 9 walking days 11 nights, 10 walking days

Yorkshire Dales & North York Moors

An Alternative Coast to Coast Walk This alternative to Wainwright’s classic route offers a gentler way to walk across England from coast to coast. The route runs from the genteel Victorian seaside resort of Arnside on the shores of Morecambe Bay to Saltburn-by-the-Sea on the North Sea coast.

Between the two it passes through some wonderful scenery – the limestone hills and ancient woodland of the Arnside and Silverdale, the pastoral valleys and stone-built villages of the Yorkshire Dales and the purple heathery hills and green dales of the North York Moors.

From Arnside, the Alternative Coast to Coast Walk heads for the market town of Kirkby Lonsdale through pastures, wooded hills and sleepy, unspoilt villages. It meanders through the Yorkshire Dales visiting many attractive settlements before reaching Richmond, with its magnificent castle, cobbled market place and narrow wynds lined with fine Georgian buildings. It crosses the rich farmland of the Vale of Mowbray to the pretty village of Osmotherley on the edge of the North York Moors and then follows the western edge of the moors to the seaside resort of Saltburn-by-the Sea past Mount Grace Priory, ancient wayside crosses and the superb viewpoints of Captain Cook’s Monument and Roseberry Topping.

We also offer the Alternative Coast to Coast Walk in two sections. Giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

West section (Yorkshire Dales) Arnside to Richmond: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour ACCWW1 Tour ACCWW2 Tour ACCWW3

132 miles (211 km) Arnside/Saltburn-by-the-Sea March to October 5 nights, 4 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days

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East section (North York Moors) Richmond to Salburn-by-the-Sea Rail Stations (beginning/end): Tour ACCWE1 Tour ACCWE2

58 miles (93 km) Darlington/ Salburn-by-the-Sea 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days

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Highlights include the ‘Devil’s Bridge’; the majestic 24-arched viaduct at Ribblehead, ancient packhorse tracks; the home of Yorkshire’s most famous cheese; the imposing fortress of Bolton Castle, the ‘Cathedral of the Dales’, the waterfalls of Wensleydale, the remains of Swaledale’s lead mining industry, a Benedictine nunnery and England’s oldest theatre.

Arnside to Saltburn-by-the-Sea: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour ACCW1 Tour ACCW2 Tour ACCW3 Tour ACCW4

132 miles (211 km) Arnside/Saltburn-by-the-Sea March to October 9 nights, 8 walking days 11 nights, 10 walking days 12 nights, 11 walking days 13 nights, 12 walking days

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Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall Path In AD 122 Emperor Hadrian ordered the construction of a wall across northern England to hold back the advancing Barbarians.

Despite the depredations of the centuries, it remains the largest ancient monument in northern Europe, and the best way to appreciate it, and the ruggedly beautiful countryside around it, is to walk it, following in the footsteps of the Legionnaires.

Hadrian’s Wall Path begins at Segedunum Fort, the most easterly outpost on Hadrian’s Wall, which stands on the banks of the River Tyne at Wallsend. After exploring the fort’s buildings, including the commanding officer’s house and headquarters, hospital and legionnaire’s barracks, the trail runs along the banks of the Tyne to Heddon-on-the-Wall, where a fine section of Wall remains.The trail continues past Corstopitum Fort, which pre-dates the Wall and stands a couple of miles behind it, to the impressive remains of Brunton Turret. Situated on the outskirts of Corbridge, a delightful village steeped in history, Corstopitum stands on what was, in Roman times, the main road from York to Scotland. The extensive remains include huge granaries, barracks and an enigmatic building that may have been the town Forum. On reaching Chollerford the trail passes the extensive remains of a series of Roman bridges over the Tyne before arriving at the cavalry fort of Cilurnum. Here outstanding remains include an ornate headquarters building, commanding officer’s house, barracks and the military bath-house nestling against the bank of the river.

Soon after passing Brocolita, with its temple dedicated to the sun god Mithras, the trail arrives at the most dramatic stretch of the Wall where it snakes over an undulating ridge above sheer cliffs and lonely lakes. As well as the wall itself, the trail passes milecastles, turrets, Saxon burial cists, medieval shielings, a Roman bridge and the ruin of a medieval castle as well as the impressive forts of Housesteads, with its remarkable latrines

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and hospital; Vindolanda with its superb bathhouse and large mamsio or inn for travellers and Birdoswald with its fine gateways and granaries. Beyond Birdoswold the trail continues past Pike Hill Signal Tower, with distant views of the mountains of the Lake District, to Haytongate, where a track leads down to the picturesque ruin of Lanercost Priory, which was built from stone plundered from the Wall. From here the trail meanders through quiet farmland to Carlisle, a city dominated by its magnificent Norman castle, before following the River Eden through sleepy hamlets to the village of Bowness-on-Solway on the shores of the Solway Firth.

Hadrian’s Wall Path is usually walked from Wallsend on the east coast to Bowness-on-Solway on the west coast because the official guidebook describes the route in this direction. If you would prefer to walk the trail from the west coast to the east coast please add the letter ‘R’ to the end of the tour code of your preferred itinerary.

Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour HWP0 Tour HWP1 Tour HWP2 Tour HWP3 Tour HWP4 Tour HWP5 Tour HWP6

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84 miles (134 km) Newcastle/Carlisle All year 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days 10 nights, 9 walking days 11 nights, 10 walking days

Hadrian’s Wall

We also offer three shorter alternatives to Hadrian’s Wall Path: • The Best of Hadrian’s Wall tour omits the less rewarding stages through Newcastle to Heddon-on-the-Wall at the start of the trail and beyond Carlisle at the end of the trail.

• The Highlights of Hadrian’s Wall tour concentrates on the finest stretch of Hadrian’s Wall between Corbridge and Brampton and the best-preserved forts, milecastles and turrets along the Wall.

• Hadrian’s Wall Short Break takes in the most dramatic section of the Wall between the fascinating fort of Cilurnum at Chollerford and the hamlet of Lanercost past Housesteads, Vindolanda and Birdoswald forts.

Highlights of Hadrian’s Wall Corbridge to Brampton: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour HHWP1 Tour HHWP2

40 miles (64 km) Corbridge/Brampton 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days

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Hadrian’s Wall Short Break Chollerford to Lanercost: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour HWPSB1 Tour HWPSB2

26 miles (42 km) Hexham/Brampton 3 nights, 2 walking days 4 nights, 3 walking days

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Best of Hadrian’s Wall Heddon-on-the-Wall to Carlisle: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour BHWP1 Tour BHWP2

55 miles (88 km) Wylam/Carlisle 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days

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Yorkshire Dales & North York Moors

St Oswald’s Way St Oswald’s Way links three sites associated with Oswald, the 7th century King of Northumbria who converted his people to Christianity – Holy Island where he established the monastery that became the ‘cradle of Christianity in England’; Bamburgh, which was his royal capital; and Heavenfield, where he defeated the Pagan kings of Gwynedd and Mercia to regain his kingdom.

From Holy Island St Oswald’s Way follows the coastline past castles perched on rocky promontories, quaint fishing villages and sweeping strands of golden sand to Warkworth, a beautiful village enclosed in a loop of the River Coquet and dominated by one of the largest and most impressive fortresses in England. From here it follows the River Coquet inland to the old market town of Rothbury, before heading southwards again through heather-clad moors, pine-scented forests, rich farmland and sleepy villages to reach Hadrian’s Wall and the historic site of Heavenfield.

After visiting St Oswald’s church at Heavenfield, the walk follows Hadrian’s Wall Path to reach the village of Chollerford and the Roman cavalry fort of Cilurnum..

Highlights include the ruined priory and Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island; the Pilgrim’s Way across the sands to the mainland; St Cuthbert’s Cave, found on a low ridge that provides spectacular views of the coastline; Bamburgh, a pretty village dominated by its vast castle dramatically poised on a huge crag rising out of the sea; the sandy beaches at Bamburgh, Beadnell Bay, Embleton Bay and Alnmouth Bay; the tiny harbours at Seahouses and Craster; the views of the Farne Islands; the wonderful bird life; the melancholy ruin of Dunstanburgh Castle; the oak-smoked kippers at Craster; the picturesque village of Warkworth and its impressive castle and medieval fortified bridge; the charming Victorian town of Rothbury; the Iron Age hill fort and rock carvings at Lordenshaws; the old Roman frontier of Hadrian’s Wall; and the simple little church of St Oswald at Heavenfield.

Lindisfarne (Holy Island) to Chollerford: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour OSW1 Tour OSW2 Tour OSW3 Tour OSW4 Tour OSW5 Tour OSW6

See insert for prices We also offer St Oswald’s Way in two sections, each of which is an excellent walk in its own right, giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

St Oswald’s Way (Coast) Lindisfarne (Holy Island) to Warkworth: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour OSWC1 Tour OSWC2 Tour OSWC3 Tour OSWC4

46 miles (74 km) Berwick-upon-Tweed/Alnmouth 4 nights, 3 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 7 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days

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St Oswald’s Way (Countryside)

Warkworth to Chollerford: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour OSWI1 Tour OSWI2 Tour OSWI3

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100 miles (160 km) Berwick-upon-Tweed/Hexham April to October 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days 10 nights, 9 walking days 11 nights, 10 walking days 3 nights, 12 walking days

54 miles (86 km) Alnmouth/Hexham 4 nights, 3 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 7 walking days

Northumberland

Northumberland Coastal Path Northumberland’s coast is famous for its wild, unspoilt beauty with long beaches of golden sand, quaint little fishing villages, spectacular castles perched on rocky headlands and abundant birdlife.

Constantly fought over by the English and the Scots, Berwickupon-Tweed changed hands no less than 14 times in 300 years - the massive curtain walls and gateways encircling the town are unique in Britain and are amongst the finest ramparts in Europe.

From Berwick the trail meanders along beaches of golden sand to the tidal causeway linking Holy Island with the mainland. From here there is a choice of routes onto the island to explore the village, priory and castle – over the causeway or barefoot across the sands following a line of barnacle-encrusted poles marking the Pilgrim’s Way. Holy Island has an illustrious history. It was here that St. Aidan founded a monastery that became a major centre of Christianity, learning and artistry, as exemplified by the Lindisfarne Gospels. The monastery had sixteen bishops in all, the most celebrated being St Cuthbert, who travelled widely spreading the Gospel. After his death the island became a place of pilgrimage, until the monks abandoned the island in fear of marauding Vikings.

Lindisfarne Castle was built in the 16th century to defend the island from Scottish raiders. It was restored and converted into a fairytale castle by Sir Edward Lutyens in 1903, with a charming walled garden planned by Gertrude Jekyll.

From Holy Island, the trail follows paths through field and forest to St Cuthbert’s Cave, found on a low ridge that provides glorious views of the coast. After exploring the cave, where the monks of Lindisfarne spent their first night after fleeing the Vikings, the trail descends through Belford to rejoin the coast at Bamburgh, a pretty village dominated by its vast castle dramatically poised on a huge crag rising out of the sea. The castle ramparts provide breathtaking views of the Farne Islands and along the miles of golden sand that lead to the spectacular ruin of Dunstanburgh Castle and the attractive fishing village of Craster. From Craster, the trail continues through the picturesque village of Alnmouth to the historic town of Warkworth, with its impressive castle and medieval fortified bridge.

Berwick-upon-Tweed to Warkworth: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: NCCT0 NCCT1 NCCT2 NCCT3 NCCT4

64 miles (102km) Berwick-upon-Tweed/Alnmouth All year 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days 10 nights, 9 walking days

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Northumberland Coastal Path Highlights For those with less time available, we also offer a shorter tour along one of the most beautiful sections of the trail between Bamburgh and Warkworth. It is a delightful walk along seemingly endless beaches of golden sand taking in a succession of pretty fishing villages and three magnificent castles.

Bamburgh to Warkworth: Rail stations (beginning/end): NCCH1 NCCH2 NCCH3

35 miles (56km) Berwick-upon-Tweed/Alnmouth 3 nights, 2 walking days 4 nights, 3 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days

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The causeway on to Holy Island can only be crossed during low tide.

Please contact us to check the crossing times before booking.

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Yorkshire Dales & North York Moors

The Cleveland Way The Cleveland Way is a horseshoe-shaped route around the edge of the North York Moors National Park. Beginning in the old market town of Helmsley, the trail follows the western escarpment of the North York Moors to meet the coast at Saltburn-by-the-Sea, and then takes in the whole of the North Yorkshire and Cleveland Heritage Coast to finish at the Victorian seaside town of Filey.

The first half of the trail through the North York Moors from Helmsley to Saltburn-by-the-Sea passes through woodland, lush green dales and spectacular heather moorland. Around every corner lies something of interest; a ruined castle, an ancient abbey, the White Horse of Kilburn, an old drove ‘road’, a priory, ancient stone markers and crosses, rocky escarpments with far-reaching views, traces of alum, jet and ironstone mining, prehistoric burial mounds, or a grouse flying across the path.

The second half of the trail from Saltburn-by-the-Sea to Filey follows a rugged coast of high cliffs, wide sandy bays and wooded ‘wykes’. Picturesque fishing villages with steep, winding streets and tightly packed cottages; the old whaling port of Whitby, with its imposing abbey, Captain Cook Museum and St Mary’s Church whose interior was altered in 1612 to resemble the lower deck of a wooden sailing ship, add to the charm of this delightful walk.

Helmsley to Filey: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour CLEVW1 Tour CLEVW2 Tour CLEVW3

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110 miles (176 km) Malton/Filey March to October 8 nights, 7 walking days 10 nights, 9 walking days 11 nights, 10 walking days

We also offer The Cleveland Way in two sections, giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

North York Moors section Helmsley to Saltburn-by-the-Sea: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour CLEVWM

56.5 miles (91 km) Malton/Saltburn-by-the-Sea 6 nights, 5 walking days

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Heritage Coast section Saltburn-by-the-Sea to Filey: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour CLEVWC

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53.5 miles (85 km) Saltburn-by-the-Sea/Filey 6 nights, 5 walking days

Wales

Dee Way The River Dee is one of the most beautiful rivers in Wales. Starting life on the slopes of Dduallt in the mountains of Snowdonia, it tumbles into Llyn Tegid, the largest natural lake in Wales, and then flows along the Vale of Edeyrnion beneath the sheep-studded slopes of the Berwyn Mountains to the old market town of Corwen. From here it rushes through the beautiful Dee Valley to Llangollen, a charming border town surrounded by mountains and rocky escarpments. Overlooked by the ruin of a native Welsh castle, the town lies on the banks of the Dee, spanned by a sturdy 14th - century bridge that is one of the ‘Seven Wonders of Wales’. East of Llangollen, the river flows beneath Thomas Telford’s aqueduct, which carries the Shropshire Union Canal 120 feet overhead, before meandering through the rich farmland of the borderlands to the historic city of Chester and the coast of North East Wales.

We also offer the Dee Way in two stages, giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

East section Flint to Llangollen: Rail Stations (beginning/end): Tour DEWE

57 miles (91 km) Chester/Ruabon 6 nights, 5 walking days

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West section Llangollen to Bala: Rail Station: Tour DEWW

34 miles (55 km) Ruabon 4 nights, 3 walking days

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The Dee Way traces the river upstream from Flint Castle on the shores of the Dee Estuary to Bala on the edge of Llyn Tegid. Along the way it passes through a succession of attractive towns and villages as well as the historic Roman city of Chester. It also takes in many sites of historic interest including Flint Castle; Chester Castle, Cathedral and Roman remains; the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the Shropshire Union Canal; Castell Dinas Bran; Valle Crucis Abbey; the Llangollen Steam Railway; the Iron Age hillfort of Caer Drewyn; and ‘Glyndwr’s Sword’ incised into the porch of the Church of St Mael and St Julian at Corwen.

Flint to Bala: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour DEW

91 miles (146 km) Chester/Ruabon All Year 9 nights, 8 walking days

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Wye Valley

Wye Valley Walk This delightful walk follows the Wye from its source on the slopes of Plynlimon in mid-Wales to Chepstow, where the waters of the river empty into the Severn Estuary. The Wye passes through some of the finest scenery in Wales - it begins by tumbling through the rolling hills and secluded valleys of the Cambrian Mountains, meanders through water meadows, farmland and apple orchards and then sweeps through deep gorges beneath towering limestone cliffs and ancient woodland to reach the sea.

Highlights include historic market towns like Builth Wells, Ross-onWye, Monmouth, Chepstow and Hay-on-Wye, the ‘book capital’ of Britain; Hereford’s magnificent cathedral, whose treasures include the Mappa Mundi and the largest chained library in the world; Gilfach, a unique Medieval Welsh Longhouse; the Monnow Bridge Gate at Monmouth, the only surviving example in Britain of a fortified bridge gateway of a medieval walled town; the parishes of the Victorian diarist, the Rev Francis Kilvert; the romantic ruin of Tintern Abbey; and magnificent viewpoints including Yat Rock and the Eagle’s Nest, which provides views of seven counties.

The Wye Valley is noted for its wildlife. The Wye provides superb fishing not only for wader-clad fly fishermen seeking salmon and trout but also for heron, kingfisher and otter. The ancient broadleaved woodlands bordering the river support deer, squirrel and a wide variety of birds. Nesting peregrine falcons may be seen near Yat Rock and the red kite may be spotted over the hills of mid-Wales.

Rhyd-y-benwch to Chepstow: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour WVW1 Tour WVW2 Tour WVW3 Tour WVW4

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137 miles (219 km) Newtown/Chepstow All year 11 nights, 10 walking days 12 nights, 11 walking days 13 nights, 12 walking days 14 nights, 13 walking days

We also offer the Wye Valley Walk in two sections giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

North section Rhyd-y-benwch to Hay-on-Wye: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour WVWN1 Tour WVWN2

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South section Hay-on-Wye to Chepstow: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour WVWS1 Tour WVWS2

75 miles (120 km) Hereford/Chepstow 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days

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Wye Valley Short Break Starting at the old border town of Chepstow, this short circular walk follows Offa’s Dyke Path along the eastern flanks of the Wye Valley to Monmouth, a delightful market town enclosed on three sides by the rivers Wye and Monnow. From here it follows the Wye Valley Walk back to Chepstow along the western side of the valley.

Highlights include the spectacular viewpoints of Wintours Leap, the Devil’s Pulpit, the Eagle’s Nest and Kymin Hill; Chepstow’s magnificent castle, the first stone-built fortress in Britain; the unique medieval fortified bridge gateway into Monmouth; the romantic ruin of Tintern Abbey; the varied birdlife along the river and ancient woodlands containing the finest selection of native British trees to be found anywhere in the wild.

Circular trail beginning at Chepstow: Rail station: WVSB1 WVSB2

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62 miles (99 km) Newtown/Hereford 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days

34 miles (55 km) Chepstow 3 nights, 2 walking days 4 nights, 3 walking days

Wales

Three Castles Walk

Usk Valley Walk

For four centuries following the conquest of 1066, the Normans sought to subdue the rebellious Welsh, building castles as they pushed further west into Wales. In the borderlands of Monmouthshire they built a triangle of castles to control the routes between England and Wales on this strategically important stretch of border country. The Three Castles Walk is a short circular trail linking the ‘Trilateral’ of Skenfrith, Grosmont and White Castles. The scenery of this secluded corner of the Welsh borders is superb - a lovely patchwork of low hills, hidden valleys, fields criss-crossed with hedgerows and small belts of woodland.

The Three Castles Walk begins at White Castle. Named for its coating of white rendering, this awesome castle stands on a low hill protected by high curtain walls, six drum towers and a deep water-filled moat. The views from the battlements over the surrounding countryside to the Black Mountains and The Skirrid or Holy Mountain are superb. From White Castle the trail follows an ancient track used by the monks of Abbey Dore over the fine viewpoint of Graig Syfyrddin to Grosmont. Picturesquely sited on a hillside above the River Monnow, Grosmont is a charming village with an ancient castle, noble church, miniscule town hall and a welcoming inn. The trail then meanders downstream within the beautiful Monnow valley to Skenfrith Castle, which stands in a loop of the river in the centre of the village. As well as a fine castle, the village also contains a fascinating church – its fortresslike appearance reflecting its use as a refuge for the villagers during times of trouble.

Circular trail beginning at Llanvetherine: Rail station: Season: Tour 3CW1 Tour 3CW2

20 miles (32 km) Abergavenny All year 3 nights, 2 walking days 4 nights, 3 walking days

The River Usk begins life as a peaty trickle on the slopes of Fan Brycheiniog in the Brecon Beacons National Park. By the time it reaches the pretty market town of Brecon it is a sizeable river flowing swiftly along a lush green valley separating the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains. At Abergavenny, a bustling market town dominated by its ruined Norman castle, the river leaves the National Park and meanders past quaint villages and the historic market town of Usk before entering the Severn Estuary at Newport.

The Usk Valley Walk follows the River Usk upstream from Caerleon, just north of Newport, to Brecon. Never straying very far from the river, this easy walk follows field, woodland and riverside paths, forest tracks and the towpath of the Monmouth and Brecon Canal through an unspoilt landscape of rolling hills, patchwork fields and woodland. Along the way it visits several charming villages and little towns including Usk, Abergavenny and Crickhowell; passes a succession of inviting waterside inns; and takes in a wide variety of sites of historic interest such as the extensive Roman remains at Caerleon, the castle ruins at Usk and Abergavenny, Brecon Cathedral and St Mary’s Church at Abergavenny, which has the finest collection of effigies in Britain. Other highlights include the wonderful views of the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains from the canal towpath, the wildflowers along the riverbanks and the birdlife on the river.

Caerleon to Brecon: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour UVW1 Tour UVW2

48 miles (77 km) Newport/Abergavenny All year 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days

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Wales

Offa’s Dyke Path During the 8th century, King Offa of Mercia ordered a great dyke to be built, stretching from sea to sea, to mark the western boundary of his kingdom with Wales. In places it is still visible as a bank up to 25 feet high with a deep ditch alongside.

Beginning at Chepstow on the Severn Estuary, Offa’s Dyke Path follows the course of this ancient earthwork to Prestatyn on the coast of North Wales. It passes through scenery of great beauty and variety ranging from the woodlands of the spectacular Wye gorge to the windswept ridges of the Black Mountains and from the rolling hills and secluded valleys of mid-Wales to the heatherclad Clwydian Hills. Along the way it visits a succession of historic border towns and attractive villages including Monmouth, Hayon-Wye, Knighton, Montgomery and Welshpool.

There is much of historic interest along the trail: Chepstow Castle, the first stone fortress built in Wales; the picturesque ruin of Tintern Abbey on the banks of the Wye, founded in 1131 for monks of the Cistercian Order; the 13th century gatehoused bridge at Monmouth; the imposing stronghold of White Castle with its high curtain walls and deep moat; the castle-like church of St Cadoc’s at Llangattock Lingoed, where villagers sheltered in times of conflict; magnificent Powis Castle at Welshpool; the drum-towered Marcher fortress of Chirk Castle and the hilltop fort of Dinas Bran overlooking Llangollen.

Offa’s Dyke Path is usually walked from Chepstow on the south coast to Prestatyn on the north coast of Wales. If you would prefer to walk the trail from Prestatyn to Chepstow please add the letter ‘R’ to the end of the tour code of your preferred itinerary.

Chepstow to Prestatyn: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour ODP1 Tour ODP2 Tour ODP3 Tour ODP4 Tour ODP5

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177 miles (283 km) Chepstow/Prestatyn All year 13 nights, 12 walking days 14 nights, 13 walking days 15 nights, 14 walking days 16 nights, 15 walking days 17 nights, 16 walking days

We also offer Offa’s Dyke Path in two sections giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

South section Chepstow to Knighton: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour ODPS1 Tour ODPS2 Tour ODPS3

81 miles (130 km) Chepstow/Knighton 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days

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North section Knighton to Prestatyn: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour ODPN0

Tour ODPN1 Tour ODPN2 Tour ODPN3

See insert for prices

96 miles (154 km) Knighton/Prestatyn 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days 10 nights, 9 walking days

Wales

Glyndwr’s Way

Welshpool to Knighton via Offa’s Dyke Path

In the early 15th Century, Owain Glyndwr led an audacious, but ultimately ill-fated rebellion against English rule. This superb walk through some of the finest scenery in Wales visits many of the sites connected with his campaign for an independent Welsh nation.

Glyndwr’s Way begins in the attractive old market town of Knighton on the English border, which, like Welshpool at the end of the trail, was attacked by Glyndwr’s soldiers in the early years of his campaign. From here it heads west across a landscape of rich farmland, rounded hills and hidden valleys sheltering sleepy villages, to the ruins of Abbey Cwmhir, which was destroyed by Glyndwr when he discovered that the monks were supporting the English. Switching north, the trail crosses fields criss-crossed with hedgerows of hawthorn and honeysuckle, forest and windswept hills with far-reaching views, to the friendly little town of Llanidloes.

It follows the shores of Llyn Clywedog, crosses the heather-clad slopes of Plynlimon where Glyndwr raised his standard and won his first victory over the English, and then descends to the bustling little market town of Machynlleth, where Glyndwr established his first Welsh parliament. From Machynlleth the trail turns east towards the Berwyn Mountains and Llyn Efyrnwy across wild and lonely hills with spectacular views across the lovely Dyfi Valley to the brooding bulk of Cadair Idris. Leaving the little village of Llanwddyn on the shores of Llyn Efyrnwy, the trail follows forest tracks and riverside paths to the pretty little village of Pontrobert, before meandering through farmland to the old border town of Welshpool and magnificent Powis Castle.

Knighton to Welshpool: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour GLYW1 Tour GLYW2 Tour GLYW3

133 miles (213 km) Knighton/Welshpool All year 10 nights, 9 walking days 11 nights, 10 walking days 12 nights, 11 walking days

An enticing prospect on reaching Welshpool is to extend the walk by returning to Knighton along Offa’s Dyke Path.

Welshpool to Knighton: Tour ODLP1 Tour ODLP2

30 miles (48 km) 2 nights, 2 walking days 3 nights, 3 walking days

See insert for prices We also offer Glyndwr’s Way in two sections giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

South section Knighton to Machynlleth: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour GLYWS1 Tour GLYWS2

75 miles (120 km) Knighton/Machynlleth 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights; 6 walking days

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North section Machynlleth to Welshpool: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour GLYWN1 Tour GLYWN2

58 miles (93 km) Machynlleth/Welshpool 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights; 5 walking days

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See insert for prices

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Wales

Pembrokeshire Coast Path Pembrokeshire, the ‘Land’s End’ of Wales, is famous for its dramatic coastal scenery of rugged cliffs, spectacular rock formations, secluded coves, beautiful sandy beaches, tiny fishing villages and offshore islands. This magnificent trail runs along the entire coastline of the Pembrokeshire National Park from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south. For much of the time it keeps to the cliff-tops, overlooking sandy beaches, craggy rock stacks and offshore islands with their abundant birdlife. Each turn in the path reveals something different – a little harbour, an attractive fishing village, Neolithic cromlechs, Bronze Age standing stones, Iron Age promontory forts, a chapel built during the ‘Age of Saints’ or a castle built by Norman invaders. During spring and early summer the cliff-tops are carpeted with a dazzling array of wildflowers. Summer finds the heather in bloom and the air heavy with the sweet scent of gorse. In autumn the ancient woodlands are fired with reds, purple and gold. The rugged cliffs, stacks and islands provide a home for a wide variety of seabirds and in early summer are covered with clamouring chicks and frantic parents. Grey seals are common and with luck you may spot dolphins or porpoises.

If you would prefer to walk the trail from Amroth in the south to St Dogmaels in the north, please add the letter ‘R’ to the end of the tour code of your chosen itinerary.

St Dogmaels to Amroth: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour PCP1 Tour PCP2 Tour PCP2 Tour PCP3 Tour PCP4

See insert for prices

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180 miles (288km) Fishguard/Kilgetty All year 13 nights, 12 walking days 14 nights, 13 walking days 15 nights, 14 walking days 16 nights, 15 walking days 17 nights, 16 walking days

We also offer The Pembrokeshire Coast Path in three sections, giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

North Section (St Dogmaels to St Davids) This stretch of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path passes through some of the wildest and most ruggedly beautiful parts of the National Park. Highlights include the Witches’ Cauldron, a magnificent rocky bay; the historic little town of Newport with its Norman castle; the picturesque old harbour of Lower Fishguard; the pretty little fishing villages of Porthgain and Abercastle; Carreg Sampson, one of the finest cromlechs in Pembrokeshire; the golden sands of Whitesands Bay, where legend relates St Patrick set sail for Ireland; the little harbour of Porthclais, where St David was baptised; the ruined chapel of St Non’s and the little city of St David’s with its glorious medieval cathedral and Bishop’s Palace.

St Dogmaels to St David’s: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour PCPN1 Tour PCPN2

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66 miles (106km) Fishguard/Haverfordwest 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days

Wales

Central Section (St David’s to Milford Haven)

Pembrokeshire Coast Short Break

Beginning in the delightful little ‘city’ of St David’s, this stretch of the trail meanders around St Brides Bay with its beautiful beaches to the picturesque village of Little Havenand then winds around the Marloes and Dale Peninsulas to the busy port of Milford Haven, one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Highlights include the superb beach of Newgale Sands; the sheltered bay of Martins Haven, the embarkation point for Skomer and Skokholm islands; Marloes Sands with its multicoloured cliffs; the little chapel at St Anns Head; the attractive fishing villages of Solva, Marloes and Dale; the gothic folly at Monk Haven; and the impressive Victorian fort at Dale Haven.

If you’ve only got two or three days available, the coast path around St David’s Peninsula from Porthgain to Newgale is a beautiful walk along a magnificent stretch of the coastline.

Highlights include the picturesque harbours of Porthgain and Porthclais, the beautiful beach at Whitesands Bay, the splendid views of Ramsey Island, the lifeboat station at St Justinian’s and Solva, one of the prettiest villages in Pembrokeshire. This short break is based in a comfortable guesthouse in the delightful little ‘city’ of St David’s, with transport provided to/from the start/ finish of each days walk.

St David’s to Milford Haven: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour PCPC1 Tour PCPC2

Total Distance: Rail station: Season: Tour SDSB1 Tour SDSB2

48 miles (77km) Haverfordwest/Milford Haven 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days

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26 miles (42km) Haverfordwest All year 3 nights, 2 walking days 4 nights, 3 walking days

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South Section (Milford Haven to Amroth) The south section of the Pembrokeshire coast path takes in the beautiful beaches at Freshwater West, Broad Haven South, Barafundle Bay and Freshwater East, as well as some magnificent cliff scenery such as the spectacular limestone cliffs, stacks and arches of the Castlemartin Peninsula. Distractions along the way include Pembroke Castle, which provides commanding views in all directions; the attractive village of Angle, with its historic church, fishermen’s chapel, dovecote and medieval tower-house; the unique thatched seaweed-drying hut above Little Furzenip; the tiny chapel built into the rocks at St Govan’s Head; the little harbour at Stackpole Quay; prehistoric remains including Iron Age hill forts and Neolithic Cromlechs; the beautiful lily pools at Bosherton; the great Norman castle at Manorbier; and the ancient walled town of Tenby, with its picturesque harbour.

Milford Haven to Amroth: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour PCPS1 Tour PCPS2 Tour PCPS3

66 miles (106km) Milford Haven/Kilgetty 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days

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Wales

Ceredigion Coast Path The Ceredigion Coast Path stretches from Cardigan to Ynys-las along a coastline famous for its wild beauty. It is an amazingly diverse landscape of sweeping sandy beaches, dunes, rock pools, waterfalls, rugged cliffs and pretty villages steeped in history. The wildlife along the Ceredigion Coast Path is just as special. Sea birds commonly seen include herring gulls, lesser black-backed gulls, oystercatchers, ringed plovers, redshank, guillemot, razorbill, kittewakes, fulmars, shags and cormorants. Grey seals may often be spotted basking on rocks and bottlenose dolphin and harbour porpoise are frequently seen close inshore. In summer, the cliff-tops are at their most colourful. Plant life includes thrift, sea campion, common scurvy-grass, sea mayweed, vetch and the sea plantain. There is also much of historic interest along the trail including Iron Age hillforts, medieval churches, early Christian standing stones, medieval castles, medieval fish-traps and limekilns.

Highlights of the trail include the amazing views of the coastline of Pembrokeshire, Cardigan Bay and the mountains of Snowdonia; the seabirds, butterflies and wildflowers; the pretty settlements of Llangrannog, Aberaeron and Aber-arth; and the fantastically contorted strata of the cliff faces.

We also offer the Ceredigion Coast Path in two sections, giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

South Section (Cardigan to Aberaeron) Cardigan to Aberaeron: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour CDGS1 CDGS2 CDGS3

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North Section (Aberaeron to Aberystwyth) Aberaeron to Aberystwyth: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour CDGN1 CDGN2 CDGN3

See insert for prices Cardigan to Aberystwyth: 61 miles (97 km) Rail stations (beginning/end): Aberystwyth /Aberystwyth Season: All year Tour CDG1 4 nights, 3 walking days Tour CDG2 5 nights, 4 walking days Tour CDG3 6 nights, 5 walking days Tour CDG4 7 nights, 6 walking days Tour CDG5 8 nights, 7 walking days Tour CDG6 9 nights, 8 walking days

If you would prefer to walk the trail from Ynys-las in the north to Cardigan in the South, please add the letter ‘R’ to the end of the tour code of your chosen itinerary.

See insert for prices

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33 miles (52 km) Aberystwyth/ Aberystwyth All year 3 nights, 3 walking days Tour 4 nights, 4 walking days Tour 5 nights, 5 walking days

28 miles (45 km) Aberystwyth /Aberystwyth All year 3 nights, 3 walking days Tour 4 nights, 4 walking days Tour 5 nights, 5 walking days

Wales

Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path Anglesey lies off the coast of North Wales, separated from the mainland by the treacherous waters of the Menai Strait. The island’s finest treasure is it’s coastline, which boasts some of the finest and most varied coastal scenery in the British Isles. The Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path encircles this enchanting island, taking in sweeping sandy beaches, expansive dunes, tidal estuaries, rocky headlands and towering sea cliffs. Along the way it visits quaint fishing villages, explores bustling seaports and passes numerous reminders of Anglesey’s long and colourful history. Anglesey is also noted for its abundant flora and fauna. From the spring to the autumn the island is carpeted with flowers of every hue, the sea cliffs and offshore islands provide a home for a wide variety of birds, seals are a common sight and dolphins can often be glimpsed from the shore.

Highlights include the attractive villages of Cemaes, Moelfre and Aberffraw; Amlwch’s lovely harbour; the views from Holyhead Mountain which take in almost the entire island, the mountains of Snowdonia, the hills of the Llyn Peninsula, the Isle of Man and the mountains of Ireland; Thomas Telford’s Menai Suspension Bridge, the world’s first large iron suspension bridge; South Stack Lighthouse; Penmon Priory and Dovecote; the largest Neolithic tomb in Wales; a former royal chapel and burial ground; delightful Beaumaris with its wonderful castle, Jacobean courthouse and Victorian gaol.

Circular trail starting At Holyhead: Rail station: Season: Tour IOA1 Tour IOA2 Tour IOA3 Tour IOA4 Tour IOA5 Tour IOA6

We also offer the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path in two stages, giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

North section Beaumaris to Holyhead: Rail stations (beginning/end) Tour IOAN1 Tour IOAN2 Tour IOAN3 Tour IOAN4

64 miles (102 km) Holyhead/Llanfairpwll 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days

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South section Holyhead to Beaumaris: Rail stations (beginning/end) Tour IOAS1 Tour IOAS2 Tour IOAS3

64 miles (102 km) Llanfairpwll/Holyhead 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days

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128 miles (204 km) Holyhead All year 9 nights, 8 walking days 10 nights, 9 walking days 11 nights, 10 walking days 12 nights, 11 walking days 14 nights, 13 walking days 15 nights, 14 walking days

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Borders/Scotland

Borders Abbeys Way At the start of the 12th century, Scotland experienced a religious revival under King David I. In the Scottish Borders he founded monasteries for the Black Canons of the Augustinian order at Jedburgh, the White Monks of the Cistercian order at Melrose, the White Canons of the Premonstratensian order at Dryburgh and the Black Monks of the Tironensian order at Kelso.

The Borders Abbeys Way is a circular route linking the four great ruined monasteries at Jedburgh, Melrose, Dryburgh and Kelso.

Highlights include Jedburgh’s vast abbey church; the outstanding sculptural detailing of Melrose Abbey; the outstanding domestic architecture of Dryburgh Abbey; the wonderful Borders countryside; Mary Queen of Scots’ House; Jedburgh Castle Jail, an imposing 19th century Howard Reform prison; the views of Floors Castle, a romantic fairytale castle of turrets, pinnacles and cupolas overlooking the Tweed; the shattered remains of Roxburgh Castle, once the strongest fortress in Scotland; the remarkable stained glass windows of Bedrule Kirk; the wonderful viewpoints of Black Law, the Bishop’s Stone and Cauldshiels Loch; and Abbotsford, the delightful “Conundrum Castle” built by Sir Walter Scott on the banks of the Tweed.

Circular tour beginning at Jedburgh: 68 miles (109 km) Rail station: Edinburgh or Berwick-upon-Tweed Season: All year Tour BAW1 6 nights, 5 walking days Tour BAW2 7 nights, 6 walking days Tour BAW3 8 nights, 7 walking days

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Borders Abbeys Way Highlights If you’ve only got two or three days to spare, the Borders Abbey Way from Melrose to Jedburgh is a beautiful walk which takes in all four abbeys.

Melrose to Jedburgh: 32 miles (51 km) Rail stations: Edinburgh or Berwick-upon-Tweed Tour BAWH1 3 nights, 2 walking days Tour BAWH2 4 nights, 3 walking days

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Scotland

St Cuthbert’s Way St Cuthbert’s Way links a number of places associated with the story of a 7th century saint who travelled widely on foot through Scotland and northern England spreading the Gospel and performing healing miracles. Beginning at Melrose in the Scottish Borders where the saint started his ministry and ending at Holy Island in England where he ended his days, the trail passes through scenery of great variety and beauty.

From Melrose, a lovely Borders town with a magnificent 12th century Cistercian abbey, St Cuthbert’s Way heads over the heather-clad Eildon Hills, with far-reaching views over the border country, to the neat little village of Bowden. After following the banks of the River Tweed past the picturesque ruin of Dryburgh Abbey and the village of St Boswells the trail leaves the river and follows the old Roman ‘road’ of Dere Street to cross the River Teviot near Jedburgh, an attractive borders town with another magnificent abbey. Passing Cessford Castle, an imposing fortified tower built by an infamous border reiver, the route continues to Kirk Yetholm sitting snugly at the foot of the Cheviot Hills. Then it passes through the wild and remote Cheviot Hills to the little market town of Wooler. After visiting St Cuthbert’s Cave where the saint’s body was hidden when the monks of Lindisfarne fled to escape the Vikings, the trail descends to cross the tidal causeway onto the beautiful Holy Island of Lindisfarne with its ruined abbey and spectacular castle.

The causeway to Holy Island can only be crossed during low tide. Please contact us to check the safe crossing times before booking.

Melrose to Lindisfarne: 62 miles (99 km) Rail stations (beginning/end): Berwick-upon-Tweed/ Berwick-upon-Tweed Season: March to October Tour CUTH0 5 nights, 4 walking days Tour CUTH1 6 nights, 5 walking days Tour CUTH2 7 nights, 6 walking days Tour CUTH3 8 nights, 7 walking days

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Arran Coastal Way Situated in the sheltered waters of the Firth of Clyde, the Isle of Arran is the most southerly and most accessible of all the Scottish islands. Split in two by the Highland Boundary Fault, the island is often described as ‘Scotland in Miniature’: the jagged peaks, twisting airy ridges, rugged corries and deep glens in the north of the island have a grandeur reminiscent of the best of Highland scenery, while the rolling moorland, forested hills, pastures, wooded valleys and scattered farmsteads of the south are similar to the Lowlands. The coastline of rugged cliffs, spectacular caves, sandy beaches, landslips and boulder fields is also magnificent.

The Arran Coastal Way combines coastal paths, forest tracks, roads and stretches of beach to encircle this enchanting island.

Along the way it passes through some very attractive villages including Lagg, Sannox, Kildonan and Corrie, where whitewashed fishermen’s cottages overlook an exquisite little harbour. It also passes many reminders of Arran’s rich history including Neolithic chambered cairns, Bronze Age stone circles, Iron Age hill forts, the mouldering ruin of Kildonan Castle, the gaunt keep of Lochranza Castle, the warm red sandstone pile of Brodick Castle, surrounded by magnificent gardens, salt pans, ruined crofts abandoned during the Clearances and King’s Cave, where according to legend Robert the Bruce was inspired by the determination of a small spider.

Arran’s rich and diverse wildlife is a special feature of the trail.

Seals are often seen basking on the shores of the island. Red squirrels are common in forested areas and red deer thrive in the mountains of the north. Birdlife in the hills is dominated by golden eagle, hen-harrier, buzzard, grouse, curlew, raven, and wheatear. The coastline supports a wide variety of birds including eider, gannet, cormorant, shelduck, oystercatcher, red-breasted merganser, redshank, red-throated diver and fulmar.

Circular trail beginning at Brodick: Rail station: Season: Tour ACW1 Tour ACW6 Tour ACW2 Tour ACW3

63 miles (100 km) Ardrossan for Brodick Ferry All year 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days

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Scotland

Kintyre Way Famous as ‘Scotland’s only mainland island’, Kintyre has all the usual Highland ingredients - magnificent scenery, abundant wildlife, a wealth of history and famous whisky distilleries - but with the added attraction of being one of the least explored corners of Scotland.

The Kintyre Way begins at Tarbert in the north and crisscrosses this beautiful peninsula to end at Dunaverty Bay on its southern shore. Along the way it takes in heather moorland, rolling hills, tranquil glens, deserted beaches, pine-scented forests and sparkling lochs. It also passes standing stones, burial cairns, shielings, castles, chapels, churches, an abbey, little harbours packed with fishing boats and bustling ports. The views from the trail are breathtaking – from the west coast there are views of the islands of Jura, Islay, Cara, Gigha and Ireland, whilst from the east coast there are views of Arran’s craggy mountains.

Highlights include Tarbert’s pretty waterfront; the ruin of Robert the Bruce’s castle; the carved medieval gravestones at Kilbrannan Chapel; the imposing ruin of Skipness Castle; the home-baked cakes at Skipness Village Stores; the remarkable medieval grave slabs decorated with life-size relief figures of knights at Saddell Abbey; Carradale’s pretty little harbour; the intricately carved Celtic cross in Campbeltown; enjoying a relaxing dram after a tour of Springbank; the beautiful beach at Machrihanish; St Columba’s Footprints, made by the saint in AD 563; and the abundant wildlife.

Tarbert to Dunaverty: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour KIN1 Tour KIN2 Tour KIN3 Tour KIN4 Tour KIN5

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87 miles (139 km) Glasgow March to October 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days

We also offer the Kintyre Way in two sections, giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

Kintyre Way – North section Tarbert to Carradale: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour KINN1 Tour KINN2 Tour KINN3

46 miles (73.5 km) Glasgow 3 nights, 2 walking days 4 nights, 3 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days

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Kintyre Way – South section Carradale to Dunaverty: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour KINS1 Tour KINS2 Tour KINS3

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42 miles (67 km) Glasgow 3 nights, 2 walking days 4 nights, 3 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days

Scotland

Ayrshire Coastal Path The Ayrshire Coastal Path was created by the Rotary Club of Ayr to mark the Centenary of Rotary International in 2005. With a stunning backdrop of Ailsa Craig and the Isles of Arran, Cambrae and Bute across the Firth of Clyde, the route runs from Glenapp to Largs along one of the finest panoramic coastlines in the British Isles.

The Ayrshire coastline teems with wildlife. Seals basking on inshore rocks are a common sight. With luck you may also spot porpoise or an otter. Birdlife ranges from common species such as cormorant, curlew, gannet, guillemot, oystercatcher, razorbill, redshank, shag and terns to rare species like the great northern diver, red-throated diver and the red-necked grebe.

Coastal Ayrshire is also steeped in history. Along the way the path takes in prehistoric cairns and standing stones; the medieval coastal castles of Ardstinchar, Turnberry, Culzean, Dunure, Greenan, Dundonald, Seagate, Ardrossan, Portencross and Kelburn; the imposing ruins of Kilwinning Abbey; smugglers caves; and an iron mortsafe, used to foil body-snatchers. Other points of interest include the attractive little harbours at Ballantrae, Dunure, Maidens and Portencross; old Stinchar Bridge, built in 1776 from the stones of Ardstinchar Castle; and Prestwick, Turnberry and Royal Troon - three of the most famous Open Championship links courses in the world.

Highlights of the trail include the low whitewashed thatched ‘auld clay biggin’ where Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Bard was born on 25th January 1759; ‘Bruce’s Castle’, one of the most famous and frightening golf tees in the world; the wonderful beach walking at Turnberry, Maidens, Culzean, Ayr, Prestwick, Troon and Adrossan; St John’s Church Tower, where King Robert the Bruce held the first Scottish Parliament after the Battle of Bannockburn; the ever-changing views of Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran; and Culzean, a wonderful fairytale castle designed by Robert Adam.

Glenapp to Largs: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour AYR1 Tour AYR2 Tour AYR3 Tour AYR4 Tour AYR5

We also offer the Ayrshire Coastal Path in two sections, giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

Ayrshire Coastal Path – South Glenapp to Ayr: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour AYRS1 Tour AYRS2 Tour AYRS3 Tour AYRS4

44½ miles (71 km) Girvan/Ayr 4 nights, 3 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days

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Ayrshire Coastal Path – North Ayr to Largs: Rail stations (beginning/end): Tour AYRN1 Tour AYRN2

38¼ miles (61 km) Ayr/Largs 4 nights, 3 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days

See insert for prices The mission of the Rotary Foundation is to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.

Contours Walking Holidays will make a £5.00 donation to The Rotary Foundation for every person booking this tour.

82¾ miles (132.5 km) Girvan/Largs All year 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days 10 nights, 9 walking days 11 nights, 10 walking days

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Scotland

West Highland Way From Milngavie on the outskirts of Glasgow, the West Highland Way winds north through some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain to the foot of Britain’s highest mountain at Fort William.

Starting in the lowlands, the route meanders through woodland and rolling farmland to Loch Lomond and then follows its shores to the village of Inverarnan at the head of the Loch. Beyond Inverarnan the trail runs up Glen Falloch past a succession of dramatic cascades and the village of Crianlarich to the Bridge of Orchy. It visits Loch Tulla and then crosses the bleak expanses of Rannoch Moor to the shelter of the Kingshouse Hotel. Continuing past mighty Buachaille Etive Mor, which guards the entrance to Glencoe, the trail climbs the ‘Devil’s Staircase’, which provides magnificent mountain views, before descending to the village of Kinlochleven at the head of Loch Leven. The final stage of this spectacular trail crosses the Lairigmor pass to Glen Nevis and the busy little town of Fort William, with glorious views of Loch Leven, the pinnacled ridge of the Aonach Eagach and the vast bulk of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain.

Milngavie to Fort William: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour WHW6 Tour WHW7 Tour WHW1 Tour WHW2 Tour WHW3

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95 miles (152 km) Milngavie/Fort William March to October 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days 10 nights, 9 walking days

We also offer the West Highland Way in two sections, each of which is an excellent walk in its own right, giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.

West Highland Way – South Milngavie to Crianlarich: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour WHWS1 Tour WHWS2 Tour WHWS3

47 miles (75km) Milngavie/Crianlarich March to October 4 nights, 3 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days

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West Highland Way – North Crianlarich to Fort William: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour WHWN1 Tour WHWN2 Tour WHWN3

48 miles (76.5km) Crianlarich/Fort William March to October 4 nights, 3 walking days 5 nights, 4 walking days 6 nights, 5 walking days

See insert for prices Want a longer walk in the Scottish Highlands? The end of the West Highland Way is connected to the Great Glen Way and the East Highland Way. This opens up two exciting ways to extend your walk: 1. Combine the West Highland Way with the Great Glen Way 2. Combine the West Highland Way, East Highland Way and Speyside Way for an outstanding end-to-end walk through the Scottish Highlands.

Scotland

East Highland Way

Great Glen Way

The East Highland Way is a wonderful new walk through the Highlands of Scotland. Beginning in Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis and ending in Aviemore in the shadow of the Cairngorm Mountains, it passes through an enchanting mix of secluded glens, heather-clad hills, broadleaf woodland, rugged mountains and pine-scented forest. The wildlife in this corner of the Scottish Highlands is abundant. With luck you may spot black grouse, capercaille, crossbill, osprey, goshawk, golden eagle, red squirrel, pine martin, mountain hare, otter and the Scottish wildcat or ‘Highland Tiger’.

While the main highlights of the East Highland Way are the scenery and wildlife, the walk also takes in some of Scotland’s finest historical attractions including Old Inverlochy Castle, the Pictish Fort Dun da Lamh, Ruthven Barracks and the stunning island castle of Loch an Eilein.

The East Highland Way links the northern end of the West Highland Way with the southern end of the Speyside Way. This opens up two exciting ways to extend your walk: 1. Combine the East Highland Way with the Speyside Way and enjoy a superb coast to coast walk across the Highlands of Scotland.

2. Combine the West Highland Way, East Highland Way and Speyside Way for an outstanding end-to-end walk through the Scottish Highlands.

Fort William to Aviemore: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour EHW1 Tour EHW2 Tour EHW3

The Great Glen Way cuts diagonally across the Highlands of Scotland from the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea through some of the finest scenery in Scotland. It follows the route of the Caledonian Canal which links the large lochs along the Great Glen to form a navigable passage between Fort William on the west coast and Inverness on the east coast. On its way it passes the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain; follows treelined towpaths of the Caledonian Canal; goes along the shores of beautiful Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness beneath towering heather-clad hills; crosses open moorland with glorious views across the Glen, and passes castles and forts that have witnessed some of the most bloody scenes of Scotland’s turbulent history.

Fort William to Inverness: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour GGW1 Tour GGW2 Tour GGW3

73 miles (117 km) Fort William/Inverness March to October 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days

See insert for prices

78 miles (125 km) Fort William/Aviemore April to October 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days

See insert for prices

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Scotland

The Speyside Way The Speyside Way follows Scotland’s loveliest river from the Moray Firth to the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains through the heart of malt whisky country. Along the way it visits many attractive villages and small towns as well as sites of historical interest including stone circles, standing stones, pictish relics, imposing castles and ancient kirks. This beautiful corner of Scotland is also rich in a wide variety of wildlife, from dolphins at Spey Bay to Ospreys at Loch Garten. Other highlights include the opportunity to visit some of the most famous distilleries in Scotland including Machallan, Glenfiddich, Cardhu and Glenlivet.

From the fishing port of Buckie, the Speyside Way follows the shores of the Moray Firth to Spey Bay at the mouth of the river.

From here it follows forest tracks to Fochabers, an interesting village built by the 4th Duke of Gordon in 1776 when he decided that the original settlement was too close to his castle.

At Boat O’ Brig, the trail leaves the river and follows forest tracks to Craigellachie. Perched above the confluence of the sparkling waters of the Spey and the Fiddich, Craigellachie is a charming village. Consider an extra night here if you would like to visit the Speyside Cooperage, the Macallan Distillery or follow the 4 - mile (6.5km) ‘Dufftown Spur’ that runs along the banks of the River Fiddich to the Glenfiddich Distillery, Balvenie Castle and Dufftown, the ‘Malt Whisky Capital of the World’.

From Craigellachie, the trail continues through Aberlour, Carron and Knockando to Ballindalloch.

Ballindalloch, an isolated hamlet consisting of little more than a scattering of houses, an inn, a distillery and a wonderful fairytale castle, is the starting point of the optional ‘Tomintoul Spur’. This marvellous 15 – mile (24km) walk, which takes one or two days to complete, visits the legendary Glenlivet Distillery and then ascends Carn Daimh, which provides breathtaking views into the heart of the Cairngorm Mountains, before following an old cattle drovers track to Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands.

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From Ballindalloch, the route meanders through farmland and forest past the attractive Georgian town of Grantown-on-Spey to Nethy Bridge. It crosses the Abernethy Nature Reserve past idyllic Loch Garten, visits Boat of Garten, and then follows the Strathspey Steam Railway across heather moor dotted with scots pines and birch woodland to finish in Aviemore at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains.

The Speyside Way is usually walked from Buckie to Aviemore.

If you would prefer to walk the trail from Aviemore to Buckie please add the letter ‘R’ to the end of the tour code of your preferred itinerary.

Speyside Way Buckie to Aviemore: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour SPW1 Tour SPW2

65 miles (104 km) Keith/Aviemore March to October 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days

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Speyside Way and the Tomintoul Spur Buckie to Aviemore: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour SPW1T1 (1 day Tomintoul Spur) Tour SPW1T2 (2 day Tomintoul Spur) Tour SPW2T1 (1 day Tomintoul Spur) Tour SPW2T2 (2 day Tomintoul Spur)

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80 miles (129 km) Keith/Aviemore March to October 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days

Scotland

Rob Roy Way

Rob Roy Country Short Break

Named after Rob Roy MacGregor, Scotland’s most famous outlaw, the Rob Roy Way meanders across the Southern Highlands of Scotland from Drymen to Pitlochry through many places where the outlaw and his clansmen were active.

Although the trail passes through some of the finest highland scenery in Scotland, it avoids the summits, keeping mainly to the glens, following old tracks beside rivers and lochs and over a few passes which provide wonderful views of the surrounding mountains. Crannogs, standing stones, forts and stone circles left by prehistoric settlers, the melancholy ruins of abandoned crofts and shielings, mort-safes built to discourage body snatchers, military roads and bridges built by English troops during the Jacobean rebellions, sites of clan feuds and the tales of Rob Roy’s adventures add to the charm of this scenic walk.

Starting and finishing in the bustling little town of Callander, this delightful short walk explores the hills and glens in the heart of Rob Roy Country. The walk begins by following the Rob Roy Way past the Falls of Leny and beautiful Loch Lubnaig to Balquhidder, where Rob Roy lies buried close to the ruins of the old kirk.

Then it heads for the village of Brig o’ Turk through two wild and remote glens dotted with the melancholy ruins of abandoned settlements before meandering along the shores of Loch Venachar to Callander.

Circular trail starting at Callander: Rail station: Tour RRSB

33 miles (53 km) Stirling 4 nights, 3 walking days

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Beginning at Drymen near the southern shores of Loch Lomond, the trail wanders through the Loch Ard Forest to the sleepy little town of Aberfoyle in the heart of the Trossachs. It follows forest and moorland tracks through the Mentieth Hills to Callander and then heads upstream beside the River Teith to the foot of Ben Ledi before following the shores of Loch Lubnaig to Strathyre.

It visits the attractive village of Lochearnhead beside the waters of Loch Earn, crosses Glen Ogle to the village of Killin and then follows the shores of Loch Tay to the hamlet of Acharn. From here the route follows a track above the loch known as the Queen’s Drive, ever since Queen Victoria travelled along it to admire the views of Ben Lawers and Schiehallion, before descending past the spectacular falls of Moness to the attractive little town of Aberfeldy. The final stage of this scenic walk heads downstream beside the River Tay to the hamlet of Strathtay, where moorland tracks and forest paths lead past the mysterious stone circle of Clachan an Diridh to the bustling little town of Pitlochry.

Drymen to Pitlochry: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour RRW1 Tour RRW2 Tour RRW3 Tour RRW4

79 miles (126 km) Glasgow/Pitlochry March to October 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days

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Scotland

Fife Coastal Path

Cateran Trail

King James VI of Scotland described Fife as a ‘beggar’s mantle fringed with gold’ – the golden fringe being the coast and its chain of little ports with their thriving fishing fleets and rich trading links with the Low Countries. The Fife Coastal Path explores a large part of Fife’s coastline from the Firth of Forth in the south to the Firth of Tay in the north. It is an area of low cliffs, rocky bays, grass-tufted dunes, long sandy beaches and picturesque fishing villages. All along the coast are abundant reminders of Scotland’s rich history – caves with prehistoric paintings, castles, tollbooths, ‘doocots’, chapels, churches, watch houses, harbours, pilgrims caves, red-roofed ‘little houses’ and world famous golf courses.

Highlights of the trail include the charming East Neuk fishing villages with their tiny harbours surrounded by piles of lobster creels and whitewashed cottages with pan-tiled roofs and crowstepped gables; the views from the Binn, Largo Law and Kincraig Hill; the home of Alexander Selkirk, the inspiration for Daniel Defoe’s ‘Robinson Crusoe’; the monument where Alexander III was thrown from his horse and killed, an event that completely changed the course of Scottish history; the finest Romanesque church in Scotland at Leuchars; and St Andrews, a beautiful little town with an ancient university, a ruined 12th-century castle, the impressive ruins of the largest cathedral in Scotland and the home of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, the game’s governing body.

The Fife coast is a haven for wildlife. Grey seals bask on the rocks and the offshore islands and cliffs are home to thousands of seabirds including puffins, terns, fulmars and gannets.

North Queensferry to Dundee: Rail stations (beginning/end): Season: Tour FCP1 Tour FCP2 Tour FCP3 Tour FCP4

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78 miles (126 km) North Queensferry/Dundee All year 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days 8 nights, 7 walking days 9 nights, 8 walking days

During the Middle Ages, bands of ferocious brigands or caterans roamed across the Highlands pillaging and cattle rustling, striking fear and loathing into all who crossed their path. Glen Isla, Glen Shee and Glen Ardle, on the southern edge of the Grampian Mountains, being rich in cattle, were frequently attacked by the caterans who would drive the stolen cattle along drovers’ paths through the hills to their mountain lairs. This delightful trail explores these beautiful glens and surrounding hills, following in the footsteps of the Caterans. The scenery in this unspoilt corner of Scotland is superb. It is an enchanting mixture of rounded green hills, rugged heather-clad mountains, deep wooded valleys, fast flowing rivers, waterfalls and deciduous woodland.

Highlights of the trail include Cargill’s Leap, the scene of a daring escape of a 17th century Covenanter; the last resting place of a Pictish prince; tranquil Glen Ardle, where the stolen cattle were rested by the Caterans before being driven over the hills to Glen Shee; the spectacular views on the descent to the Spittal of Glenshee, a lawless place in medieval times where most of the stolen cattle were sold; the tomb of King Fingal’s champion Diarmid, who was mortally wounded by a demon boar; and the historic little town of Alyth.

Circular trail beginning at Blairgowrie Rail station: Season Tour CATT1 Tour CATT2

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60 miles (96 km) Perth April to November 6 nights, 5 walking days 7 nights, 6 walking days

Ireland

The Dingle Way

The Kerry Way

The Dingle Peninsula combines everything that is legendary about Ireland: a wild and remote coastline, rugged mountains and abundant reminders of Ireland’s rich history and culture. The Dingle Way makes a circuit of this enchanting corner of Ireland.

Although this is generally a low-level walk, there is one lengthy ascent over a pass beneath Mount Brandon, Ireland’s second highest mountain (omitted on the 7 night tour).

Described as a walkers’ Ring of Kerry, the Kerry Way is a lowlevel circuit of the spectacular Iveragh Peninsula, a region of wild, natural beauty steeped in history and legend.The glorious scenery of lakes, mountains and glens, ancient oak woodlands and a rugged coastline of wave-battered cliffs, coves and islands combine with the unhurried pace of life and wonderful hospitality to provide a truly memorable experience.

Starting in the busy market town of Tralee, the Dingle Way crosses the lower slopes of the Slieve Mish Mountains to the village of Camp, with glorious views across Tralee Bay. Then it goes through the hills forming the backbone of the peninsula to Inch on the shores of Dingle Bay, before following the coast to the attractive old fishing port of Dingle. From here, the trail follows the everchanging Dingle coastline of sweeping sandy bays, coves, cliffs, islands and sleepy fishing villages back to Tralee, through the heart of the Gaeltacht or Irish-speaking area of the peninsula. Every turn in this delightful trail reveals something of interest: spectacular views unfolding from a rocky headland; promontory forts; ancient churches; standing stones etched with Ogham writing; a castle of the Knight of Kerry; early Christian villages of stone beehive huts or deserted villages whose inhabitants were evicted during the Great Famine.

Starting from the lively town of Killarney, the Kerry Way enters the Killarney National Park and threads through the Muckross Estate, with its historic house, beautiful gardens, romantic abbey ruins and pretty waterfall, with glorious views of the celebrated Lakes.Then it heads into the hills to the bleak and forbidding Black Valley beneath MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountains.

From Black Valley, so-called after the entire population perished in the Great Famine, the route continues through the mountains to the friendly seaside village of Glenbeigh, along remote, rugged valleys linked by passes that provide spectacular mountain views.

Next, the trail runs around the coast to the picturesque town of Kenmare, along old drovers’ tracks, turf ‘roads’, butter ‘roads’ and mass paths that once linked ancient Christian communities. Along the way it passes ancient churches, standing stones, holy wells, ring forts, castles, famine villages, the house and gardens of Daniel O’Connel, the Great Liberator; and several attractive towns and villages including Waterville, Caherdaniel and Sneem. On reaching the colourful town of Kenmare, the trail leaves the sea and heads through the hills and the National Park back to Killarney.

Circular trail beginning at Tralee: Rail station: Season: Tour DINW1

112 miles (179km) Tralee All year 10 nights, 8 walking days

See insert for prices As well as the complete Dingle Way, we also offer a shorter tour along one of the finest sections of the trail from Tralee to Ballyferriter.

Dingle Way Highlights Tralee to Ballyferriter: Rail station: Tour DINW2

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62 miles (99km) Tralee 7 nights, 5 walking days

Circular trail beginning at Killarney: Rail station: Season: Tour KERW1

132 miles (211km) Killarney All year 11 nights, 9 walking days

See insert for prices As well as the complete Kerry Way, we also offer a shorter tour along the finest section of the trail from Killarney to Caherciveen.

Kerry Way Highlights Killarney to Caherciveen: Rail Stations: Tour KERW2

53 miles (85.5km) Killarney 7 nights, 5 walking days

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Contours Walking Holidays Barton House, 21 North End Wirksworth, Derbyshire, DE4 4FG Tel: 01629 821900 Fax: 01629 821901 Email: info@contours.co.uk

www.contours.co.uk

Photographs

Contours Walking Holidays, Britain in View, Countryside Agency/Nick Turner, Heart of England Tourist Board, John Sparshatt, Dave Willis,Tony West,Yorkshire Dales & Harrogate Tourism Partnership,Yorkshire Tourist Board, Countryside Agency/Mike Kipling, Countryside Agency/Simon Warner, Photolibrary Wales, Pembrokeshire County Council, Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path Project,VisitScotland, David Langan and Tourism Ireland.