Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest 18 Overseas Walks; Britain on foot: Short strolls, long hikes

We are looking for the best digital photos each month depicting walking

Now the time to get your digital camera out or look through your digital images and enter the Walking New

Zealand Digital Photo

Contest

The image could be a scenic scene, a walk on the beach with the dog, a bush walk, a street walk or anything walking that takes your fancy. The rules are simply: there must be a person or persons walking in the picture either front, side or back on, and can be in the distance. We require an emailed image in high resolution mode, in jpeg format as an attachment, and NOT embedded in Word or in the email, and NOT a

link to a website to be downloaded.

The subject line must have the words “Walking New Zealand Photo Contest” and the email must include the NAME, POSTAL ADDRESS and phone number of the person who took the photo and a small caption. In this contest ONLY ONE emailed photo accepted per month. Entry in the contest automatically allows us to print the image. The person who has their photo published will receive a six month subscription or a renewal to Walking New Zealand magazine of six months. If a picture is chosen for the cover page the person will receive a 12 month subscription or renewal.

Email your entries to: walkingnz@xtra.co.nz with

subject line “Walking New Zealand Photo Contest” Only EMAILED entries will be accepted.

Above: Crossing the Nelson Creek suspension bridge after a short walk to see tailraces and old gold workings in the Nelson Creek Recreation Reserve, near Greymouth. Photo by Claire Woodhall, Havelock North. Below Saul walking the third day of the Miford Track, Anzac Weekend 2022. Photo by Julie Swinden, Karori, Wellington.

PHOTO CONTEST

Below left: 4 year old Ronan Oliver contemplating his first tramp with his mum and granddad, Spurs Hut, North Opuha, Canterbury, April 2022. Ronan has just walked 9km carrying a wee pack, but he’s certainly contemplating the meaning of walking as he drinks his hot chocolate and munches instant noodles with freeze dried peas – followed by yoghurt raisins, home-solardehydrated apple, M&Ms and marshmallows. This brings back many fond memories of my own kids so very many years ago. Photo by Dr Phil Driver.

Above left: Dave Gregory on Mackinnon Pass on the Milford track on April 22. Photo by Gill Gregory, Westmere, Auckland. Above right: Walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Magic! Photo by Kathryn Henshaw, Christchurch. Below right: My husband, daughter and two grandsons are keen frisbee golf player. This photo was taken at Mosgiel. They were very lucky to be able to play on the Scout Camp grounds. Pictured are my husband and my eldest grandson walking to where their frisbee’s landed. Photo by Heather Westrupp, Richmond, Invercargill.

Britain on foot: Short strolls, long hikes

and glorious overnight stays

From hiking across Scotland’s rugged landscapes to tranquil canal-side strolls, exploring Britain on foot can uncover a raft of striking scenery and awe-inspiring wildlife.

If you’re a rambling enthusiast keen to immerse yourself in autumn colours or winter wonders, you can soak up spectacular views and enjoy walking paths that have remained unchanged for centuries, in locations where your imagination can run wild.

Here we countdown a handful of Britain’s most interesting, historic and breathtaking hikes, for seasonal adventures to remember.

1. Soak up Scottish heritage: Burns Trail, Alloway

Length: 6km

If you have a wanderlust for Scotland, you can add the Burns Trail to your dream walks list.

The backdrop to this short route is Alloway, a village awash with Scottish charm as the leaves turn from green to gold.

Beginning at the traditionally thatched Burns Cottage, former home of the nation’s beloved poet, Robert Burns, the route passes Poet’s Path which leads to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.

Other highlights along the way include Burns Monument Gardens, Alloway Parish Church and Alloway Auld Kirk, the spot said to be the scene of the witches’ dance in Burns’ poem Tam o’ Shanter. You will also pass over Brig o’ Doon, a 15th-century cobblestone bridge, celebrated as another key location in Burns’ famous lines.

A few steps from the historic bridge lies the Brig o’ Doon House Hotel. This luxury riverside hotel is ideal for recharging after a day of exploring Scotland’s historic roots and beautiful, frostdusted scenery

2. Be blown away by the Northumberland coastline: Seahouses to Bamburgh Castle

Length: 5km

Seeking a low intensity walking experience in autumn and winter? Discover the beauty of the Northumberland coast on a short stroll from Seahouses to Bamburgh Castle, one of the first attractions to hold the VisitBritain We’re Good To Go industry standard.

This five-kilometre walk offers a chance to breathe in bracing sea air whilst passing sandy dunes, dramatic azure coasts and rugged rock formations, before the imposing Grade I-listed Bamburgh

Above left: On the Northumberland coastline. © VisitBritain/

Yin Sun Photography Below right: On the Cotswold

Above: Celia Wade-Brown, at lunch on an island in Lake Manapouri.

Castle dramatically comes into view.

Spy the impressive Farne Islands from the coast too, home to frolicking grey seals and their pups in the autumn, or take a ‘sail around’ trip for a closer look at the region’s wildlife.

Why not book a room at The Victoria Hotel, overlooking the famous castle?

3. Wander through Welsh Countryside: Explore Glyndwr’s Way

Length: 117km

One of the most vista-filled paths along part of the vast Glyndŵr’s Way National Trail is a hike from Knighton, close to the English border, to Machynlleth, in west Wales.

A great ramble if you’re seeking to discover the seasonal charms of the undulating Welsh countryside, it includes wild moorland and a chance to see some of the country’s wildlife and glowing autumn leave displays.

This route follows in the footsteps of Welsh warrior Owain Glyndwr and includes steep climbs that reward walkers with expansive views of the towns and valleys below.

You can also plan a stay in a cottage, camping pod or B&B at the Brandy House Farm, near Felindre. 4. Discover village life on a stroll through the Cotswolds:

Chipping Campden to Broadway, The Cotswold Way

Length: 9.6km

From wandering through picturesque British villages to exploring truly stunning surroundings, the walk from Chipping Camden to Broadway, part of the Cotswold Way National Trail, is a feast for the senses.

Starting in the historic market town of Chipping Camden, ramblers pass through Dover’s Hill where they can revel in panoramic views of the British countryside in glorious autumn technicolour as far as the eye can see.

Dover’s Hill is also the home of the historic Olympick Games, an annual tournament of quirky British games.

Walkers can then admire the views from Broadway Tower, the highest structure in the Cotswolds, which overlooks the hike’s final destination, the chocolatebox village of Broadway.

For those longing to immerse themselves in the history of Britain’s rich Arts & Crafts movement, the village has a strong connection to designers such as Gordon Russell.

Those dreaming of an overnight stay can book into the luxurious Broadway Hotel, which offers rooms and cottages in the titular village.

5. Climb to stunning views:

Old Man of Coniston, Lake District

Length: 12.5km

Voted one of Britain’s favourite walks, the Old Man of Coniston is a classic Lake District challenge, full of rugged scenery and rewarding vistas. Hikers on this circular route will pass glorious summits, abandoned mine workings and even a secluded mountain pool, perfect for a spot of wild swimming! This walk takes hikers to the summit of Wetherlam, providing breathtaking views over Coniston Water, one of the National Park’s largest lakes.

Those wanting to relax and replenish can book a plush room or suite at the Brimstone Hotel, in Ambleside.

6. Marvel at Scotland’s rugged landscapes: The Quiraing walk, Isle of Skye

Length: 6.8 km

For mesmerising views across the Isle of Skye, the Quiraing walk is a short, sharp hike following a well-trodden path and involving scrambles up steep hills.

Clifftops along the route provide expansive views onto the mainland below, while visitors can take in otherworldly rock formations including a structure known as The Prison, named because of its resemblance to a medieval keep.

Visitors wanting to spend the night on this magical island can plan a stay at the luxury loch-side hotel, The Three Chimneys.

Below right: Scotland’s rugged

landscape. © VisitBritain/ Adam Burton