Loch Ness 360

The Loch Ness 360 is an 80-mile trail that surrounds the circumference of the world-famous Loch. The trail is perfect for walkers or cyclists and usually starts in the capital of the Highlands, Inverness. Although you can jump on and off the trail wherever you like. It usually takes walkers 5-6 days to complete and cyclists 2-3.

Monster Spotting

Given you will be travelling around the entire Loch you’ll have a good chance of spotting “Nessie”. You will need picture proof if you do spot the monster or people won’t believe you and make sure the picture isn’t too grainy to erase all doubt. You could take a trip on one of the many boats that offer tours of the Loch from the water. The different perspectives it offers are a real eye-opener to the stunning landscape that you’re exploring.

Loch Ness 360 – Stage 1

Stage one begins at Inverness Castle, the Victorian era castle provides an impressive starting point as you depart for Drumnadrochit. On your way, you will pass through woodlands, the Tychat Estate, and open moorlands. Most of this stage follows the same paths as the Great Glen Way.

Loch Ness 360 – Stage 2

Drumnadrochit to Invermoriston- Today’s route has two options: the high route and the low route. The high route is 13.5 miles and features more climbing up hills, the low route is slightly longer at 14 miles but features less climbing. Both routes will take you to Invermoriston so the choice is yours. When you pass through a valley between the hills of Meall na Sroine look out for a sculpture called “the viewpoint”. It’s an excellent Instagram opportunity.

Loch Ness 360 – Stage 3

The third stage takes you from Invermoiriston to Fort Augustus at the South Western end of the Loch. The end of this stage marks the halfway point of the Loch Ness 360 as tomorrow you will begin heading back towards Inverness.

Loch Ness 360 – Stage 4

Today you will head back up the Loch from Fort Augustus to Foyers. It is one of the longer stages at 15 miles. Fortunately, the scenery is spectacular which will keep tired legs going. Hopefully, the famously changeable Scottish weather will be kind to you on this leg of the journey.

Loch Ness 360 – Stage 5

The penultimate day heads out from foyers and heads 13.5 miles up the Loch to Dores. This is one of the more challenging stages as a lot of the route is on rougher terrain through forests. The picturesque village of Dores is waiting for you at the end.

Loch Ness 360 – Stage 6

The final day takes you back to where it all began, Inverness. It’s also your last chance to see the monster so keep those eyes peeled. As the day goes on you will head away from the lochside and back towards the stunning city of Inverness.

Inverness is the perfect place to begin and end the walk for those not from the area as its public transport links make it much more accessable than the rest of the route.

The Walney to Wear route is a more challenging version of the more famous coast-to-coast route. However it features more spectacular scenery and you will spend more time in some of the quietest parts of the country, away from traffic and tourist hot spots.

The journey begins in Walney the peculiarly thin island off the coast of Cumbria from there you will traverse the southern Lakes. Upon reaching the market town of Kendal you may want to stop for a tea and a piece of its famous mint cake. The next major point of interest is the jaw-dropping Howgills, seeing you through to Kirkby Stephen. You’re then onto the real challenge, the climb of Tan Hill. 1730ft up you’ll be glad to see the Tan Hill Inn, the perfect place to refresh yourself and take stock at the half way point.

From here you’ll straddle the lower section of the North Pennines AONB carving a path on through to Barnard Castle where the route splits off into two. You now have the choice of a (slightly longer) trip south east to Whitby or you can head north east to Wear. Either path you take is sure to be a blast!

The terrain along the trail is hilly but consists of mostly back roads and traffic light areas not, to mention some of the finest scenery the UK has to offer.

The Shropshire Way

The Shropshire Way is a 200-mile route that forms a figure of eight around Shrewsbury, the county town of Shropshire. A relatively new long distance route, it was finalised in 2018 thanks to the work of The Shropshire Way Association. Walking mainly on footpaths, bridleways, quiet lanes, and the occasional busier roads you will discover the beautiful and varied landscape of this often overlooked part of the country.

The route has been divided into 2 loops or sections the north and the south.

The South Loop

The South Loop is the hillier of the two.  It starts in Shrewsbury at the Kingsland Bridge spanning the River Severn and will lead you across the Shropshire Hills.  The route will take you from the rocky crags of Stiperstones to the Clee Hills and on to Wenlock Edge. From there you will go down into Ironbridge Gorge then up over the Wrekin.  Here you must stop to savour the stunning views before you descend into Wellington and back into Shrewsbury via Haughmond Hill.  A walk of stunning scenery and contrast, you will pass through many interesting historic towns and villages. You will pass through Bishop’s Castle, Clun, Ludlow, Much Wenlock, Ironbridge, and Wellington not to mention Shrewsbury itself.

This southern section has a good smattering of Independent Hostels and Bunkhouses mainly within a km of the route.

The North Loop

In contrast to the hilly South Loop, the North Loop is a much flatter walk and provides yet more variety and interest. You will walk along canals and through nature reserves brimming with birdlife.  The amateur botanists among you will delight in spotting rare plants as you walk.

For more information have a look at The Shropshire Way Association’s website:

While the Shropshire’s Great Outdoors website gives details of another 97 miles of routes that link to the main Shropshire Way.

The Trans Euro Trail (TET) winds its way across 72,000 km and 33 countries. Its UK section extends to in excess of 6,000 km and is a great way to discover the variety of our isles and some hidden gems. There are so many hostels and bunkhouses along the route, read on to find out where they are, what they offer, and which ones provide the warmest welcome.

The route passes iconic landmarks like Stonehenge, a UNESCO world heritage site, and the stunning mountains of Wales. The trail visits Cornwall and its iconic coastline, with small fishing villages nestled between the sea and hills further inland. Arriving by the White Cliffs of Dover and departing from Newcastle, following the route allows you to see so much of this beautiful country.

A community-run volunteer project, the TET introduces independent and adventurous motorcycle backpackers from all over the world to the beauty of Europe’s landscapes and the variety of the UK our isles and history.

Carry a tent for those al fresco nights under the stars but take full advantage of the warm welcome available at independent hostels along the Trail. The TET traveller relishes a bed, a drying room, and a shower. Most of all the warm welcome they receive.

For more information, check out the website

The Great North Trail is an exciting new off-road cycle trail that goes from the southern Peak District to the northern tip of Scotland. Developed by Cycling UK, the 800-mile route takes you along existing and newly negotiated off-road trails.

Starting at Middleton Top, near Wirksworth in Derbyshire, the route takes you along the Pennine Bridleway and onwards to either John O’ groats or Cape Wrath.  You will ride through some of Britain’s most stunning upland areas and across four national parks.  It is not designed to be the easiest of routes. Neither is it the most direct, nor the fastest.  However, the Great North Trail will inspire and invigorate those that ride it.  It will provide those that tackle it with an epic adventure and a host of wonderful memories.

You can ride The Great Glen Trail all in one go, do a section at a time over a long weekend or just do a day ride.  Whatever you choose, there are fabulous independent hostels and bunkhouses all along the Great North Trail route.  Geared up for the adventurous at heart, many have drying rooms and secure cycle storage.  And all offer great value for money and a warm and friendly welcome.

For loads, more information go to Cycling UK’s website

The Peak Pilgrimage was set up  2015  to mark the 350th anniversary of the plague that afflicted the villagers of Eyam. The brainchild of a team from Eyam church, the Peak Pilgrimage route takes you through some of the best parts of the Peak District.  As you meander from church to church and pub to cafe you can reflect on the glory of nature and creation while collecting stamps and sticky Bible verses from the churches you pass.

You are strongly advised to buy the Peak Pilgrimage route’s guidebook which can be purchased from the Peak Pilgrimage website.

The Peak Pilgimage route is 34 miles long and is designed to be walked by everyone.  In fact, walkers from 8 to 80 have enjoyed the walk.  It takes between 2 and 7 days to complete.  There is a great choice of independent hostels to stay in on your pilgrimage. Nowhere is the walking more inspiring and restorative than in this section of the Peak District National Park.

The Peak Pilgrimage Route

The Peak Pilgrimage route is almost entirely on footpaths through beautiful but easy walking countryside, popping into occasional villages, visiting churches, and passing lots of enticing pubs and cafes.

There are some waymarks along the Peak Pilgrimage route to guide you. These require permissions from landowners so it will take some time to do the whole route and there may be permanent gaps. Please look out for waymarks to help you but don’t rely on them! Read the Guidebook and look at maps in it as your primary navigation aid.

The opening of the Peak Pilgrimage in 2015 arose national interest.  It featured on BBC’s Countryfile on 12 July 2015,  Then on 24th March 2016, Clare Balding walked the last 7 miles from Curbar Gap to Eyam as part of her Radio 4 program, Ramblings.

You can take the Peak Pilgrimage in either direction.  Both Eyam and Ilam are worthy of a day’s visit and both have a choice of independent hostels nearby to stay in.

Eyam is famous for the sacrifice of its people in 1665. Led by their rector they refused to flee in the face of the plague. The Plague was brought to the village from London in some cloth delivered to the village tailor. You can learn all about the plague at Eyam Museum and visit Eyam Hall with its courtyard cafe.

Enjoy The Walk

Ilam is another idyllic tiny Peak District village, steeped in history and surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Derbyshire Dales. There’s the National Trust-owned Ilam Hall and the picturesque Swiss-style cottages.  Ilam is an easy level walk to Dovedale the most famous of all the Derbyshire Dales and the iconic Stepping Stones over the River Dove.

The Tarka Trail is a 180-mile figure of eight routes in North Devon. The central crossing point is at the historic river-port town of Barnstaple.  Based on the route travelled by Tarka the Otter in the novel by Henry Williamson, it takes you across the unspoiled countryside, dramatic sea cliffs, and beautiful beaches.

The first section of the Tarka Trail, the disused railway line between Barnstaple and Bideford was established in 1987. Later sections of the Two Moors Way and the South West Coast path were added and the complete figure of eight was officially opened in 1992 by Prince Charles.

Suitable for walkers, cyclists, families, and buggies, the southern loop incorporates a magnificent 30 mile long off-road cycle path. The longest, continuous off-road cycle path in the UK.

With a selection of independent hostels and bunkhouses along the trail, you will have a choice of great-value accommodation.  As well as being flexible, many offer single-night stays, independent hostels are geared up for outdoor people. So muddy boots, wet coats, and bikes are all catered for.

Much more detailed information on the Tarka Trail can be found on its official website. There is also a very informative guidebook on the off-road cycle path on the southern route.  More details can be found here.

The Wye Valley Walk is a 136 mile route that takes you from the Welsh border town of  Chepstow to Hafren Forest in Mid Wales (the nearest town is Llanidloes). It’s a walk of great interest and contrasts which combines superb river and hill walking.  You will weave through the magnificent scenery of the Wye Valley AONB before crossing the rolling countryside of Herefordshire and heading up into the hills of Mid Wales into Hafren Forest. There are marker posts for the start/finish at Chepstow Castle and Rhyd-y-benwch car park in Hafren Forest.

For most of the route, you follow the banks of the river Wye, but at intervals some hill climbing is necessary.  However, these ascents are rewarded with some spectacular views.  As such it is not an extreme route and should be suitable for any reasonably fit walker.  This is not at all a boring route, you will pass through densely wooded gorges; riverside meadows; broadleaved woodland; cider orchards, parkland, and farmland; hills, mountains, and open moorland.

Along the route there are a number of independent hostels, offering a warm welcome, hot showers, and a comfortable bed to weary walkers.  Some may help with bags, others may serve breakfast and evening meals and send you off with a packed lunch.  Many will have pubs nearby serving food or local shops selling provisions. All will have self-catering facilities for you to prepare your own food or to sit down and devour a takeaway. Do read their details and /or talk to them to see what they offer.

Planning is Important

As you plan your accommodation remember to leave extra time for the many stunning views and highlights along the route. The walk takes you past the historic border towns of Monmouth, Hereford, and Hay-on-Wye. As well as the architectural highlights of Chepstow Castle, Tintern Abbey, Goodrich Castle, Hereford Cathedral (home to the Mappa Mundi), and Gilfach Medieval longhouse.

At Hafren Forest the Wye Valley Walk meets the Severn Way, so you can easily extend your walking holiday if time and energy permit.

For more information on the walk try these links:

The official Wye Valley Walk website.

For details of a diversion near Monmouth click here

The Cape Wrath Trail runs through the Scottish Highlands and along the west coast of Scotland. It is approximately 200 miles in length and is considered to be one of the most challenging long-distance walks in the UK. The Cape Wrath Trail starts in Fort William and, unsurprisingly, finishes at Cape Wrath, the most north-western point of mainland Britain. But don’t worry there are Independent Hostels along the route to help.

The route is unmarked and there is no official line. It is a superb route for very experienced long-distance backpackers. The Cape Wrath trail leads you across most of the northwest coast of Scotland via Morar, Knoydart, Torridon, and Assynt, winding through its most beautiful glens and mountains. The Cape Wrath Trail typically takes between two and three weeks to walk.

There is a selection of hostel/bunkhouse accommodation along the Cape Wrath Trail route.  Careful planning is needed to combine these with, Bothies, B&B’s, and maybe even wild camping. Detailed planning is essential for those attempting the trail.

More information can be found on the Cape Wrath Trails Guide’s website  and on their Facebook group

St Cuthbert’s Way is a 60m route that crosses the border between Scotland and England. It starts in the Scottish border town Melrose and finishes on Holy Island off the Northumberland coast. The Way was inspired by the life of St Cuthbert, who began his ministry at Melrose in 650 AD, eventually becoming the Bishop of Lindisfarne.  His final resting place and the original pilgrimage shrine is on Holy Island.

St Cuthbert’s Way Route

St Cuthbert’s Way is not overly challenging and takes between 4 and 6 days.  With an ever-changing variety of scenery and spectacular views, you won’t be bored.  You will pass Roman hill forts, signal stations, and roads, walk along the banks of the beautiful River Tweed and enjoy the fantastic scenery from the Eildon Hills. The Way culminates with a memorable walk along the causeway to Holy Island, which is only passable at low tide. For a truly unique finale, many walkers remove their boots and walk barefoot through the shallows in the footsteps of St Cuthbert along the Pilgrims Way. Be sure to check tide times when you plan your walk.

The route provides a useful link over the Cheviot Hills between the Southern Upland Way (at Melrose) and the Pennine Way National Trail (at Kirk Yetholm), with  St Oswald’s Way and the Northumberland Coast Path.

You will find independent hostels and bunkhouses along the route. In the spirit of a true pilgrimage, these offer companionship and comfort to weary walkers at very reasonable prices.

Don’t forget to check the tide times for your arrival at Holy Islands.

For more information on the route go to the British Pilgrimage Trust and the St Cuthbert’s Way official website. As it starts in Scotland the route is also featured on Scotland’s Great Trails.

St Oswald’s Way is a 97 mile long distance walking route. Opened in 2006 it stretches from the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in the north down to Heavenfield on Hadrian’s Wall in the south.  The route will take you through some of the finest scenery Northumberland has to offer.  St Oswald’s Way is a walk of variety and history with plenty to keep you interested. From Lindisfarne, you follow the coastline as far south as Warkworth passing iconic castles, rugged coastline, spectacular beaches, and islands on the way.

The Route of St Oswald’s Way

The route then takes you inland along Coquet valley to Rothbury and on to the finish at Heavenfield. On this stretch of the walk, you will pass hills and moorland, picturesque villages, forest, and rolling farmland.  St Oswald’s Way links three historic sites associated with the early 7^th century Northumbrian King and Saint whose name it takes. The Holy Island of Lindisfarne where he founded a monastery that became the ‘cradle of Christianity in England’, Bamburgh which was his royal capital and Heavenfield where he camped before his victory at the battle that made him King.

The route is well served with independent hostels and bunkhouses offering great value accommodation.  With walkers in mind, one-night stopovers are easily booked and packed lunches can often be provided (with a little notice). You can either self-cater in the communal kitchens or your hosts will recommend local cafés or pubs for your meals.

Away from tourists

Far less touristy than the honeypot destinations, Northumberland and St Oswald’s Way have so much to offer.  Stunning scenery, dark skies, and a well-signed new route that takes you from the iconic coastline through sheltered river valleys up to the atmospheric high moorland. All this without crowds of fellow walkers.

More information is available at British Pilgrimage Trust, from the St Oswald’s Way Guidebook, the St Oswald’s Way Website and the Long Distance Walkers Website.

The Sandstone Way

The Sandstone Way, opened in 2015, is a 120 mile mountain biking route running the length of Northumberland between Hexham in the south and Berwick upon Tweed in the north. The route takes riders across an ever-changing landscape, rich in history, geology, and iconic scenery. In the north it runs along a sandstone ridge linking numerous sandstone crags and outcrops, hence the name, The Sandstone Way.

Both Hexham and Berwick upon Tweed have railway stations. Between these two towns, the route passes through numerous villages and small communities including Wooler, Rothbury and Bellingham. It has been designed with safe river, main road, and railway crossings.

A Mountain Bike Route

The Sandstone Way was designed by Ted Liddle specifically for mountain bikers and as much of the route as possible is off-road. It will appeal to riders of all abilities and most will take 3 or 4 days to complete. The ‘fit and the fast’ could possibly ride the route in 2 days but in all probability, most would wish they had taken 3 days. The route is clearly waymarked with a distinctive green logo roundel.

On and near to the route are many independent hostels and bunkhouses offering great value accommodation. Those on or just off the route are perfect for your overnight stopovers. Whereas those nearer to the coast or to tourist towns such as Alnwick, of Hatty Potter fame, are great if some of the family are riding the route and the others want to visit local attractions or spend a day on the beach.

More information about this exciting route can be found on the Long Distance Walkers website and the Sandstone Way website.  Maps can be purchased from Northern Heritage Services

The Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough in Yorkshire have been made famous by the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, a Marathon in the Mountains.  Victoria Wilkinson, winner of the ladies’ race for the past 5  years recommends that anyone training for the Challenge should include a weekend recce of the route. She recommends a stay in one of the bunkbarns with a group of friends. It’s a great way to get to the peaks. Spending time with friends is always a good excuse.

Group trip to the three peaks

Of course, you do not need to bring a group of friends for your trip, as many of the bunkhouses in the area provide accommodation for individuals, whether in a great value dorm or a more luxury private room.  Whichever you choose the self-catering facilities available in the bunkhouses will make your stay a good value. Your bunkhouse or hostel will often also provide a place to leave your car, with many bunkhouses being right on the route.

The area around the three peaks is wild and there are miles of empty paths to explore. With the wide choice of luxury and great value bunkhouses available, why not take the time to explore more of the area?  With hostels strategically placed along the route you can walk the Three Peak Challenge in a gentle two days and take in all the scenery has to offer.  Or even better leave the route entirely and explore this classic wilderness area without the crowds to distract you.

This Marathon in the Mountains is a blue-riband event of the fell running calendar. The race takes on the three highest mountains in Yorkshire – Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough over 23.3miles and over 1600m of ascent, quite a daunting prospect! Details of the Trail can be found on the Long Distance Walkers website.