I'm planning a trip to Britain in early April. I of course will stop in London for a day or two but this time I want more of a country type experience. I know for sure I would like to do some walking by the sea (wild rocky cliffs type, not relaxing resort). I was originally thinking of going to Scotland but now I'm thinking maybe Devon/Wales. Just wondering if anyone has any stories they can share that might help me decide.
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
Walking along the sea. There are many walks along the cliffs on the southern Coast, including Dorset. If that appeals you should try Googling to get an idea of all thats available. these are the wild type, get wet from the rain and no pubs for miles type- best for serious walkers. Also the moors of Yorkshire (no sea cliffs though). Cotswolds are for my kind of walking- through a farm yard along the road and frequent pub stops
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Wales: Pembrokeshire Coast Path. That's about as good as it gets. The total thing is a bit less than two hundred miles. The part from St Davids to Goodwick/Fishguard is my favorite for short spurts since it has more beds and pubs. The publicans will help you preposition a car if that becomes an issue to avoid back-tracking.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
For countryside, I love cotswolds, the footpaths betw villages & I prefer over Wales.
My experience is w/ Scotland coastal areas and Ireland only. Scottish preferred. If you decide be aware of the winds, cold, wet/rainy and wildness of the coasts.
Posted by
Arlington, WA
993 posts
I suggest you do a little research into the Cornwall Coastal Path. The path is over 250 miles long and I sure you'd find what you're looking for. See www.cornishlight.co.uk/cornwall-coast.htm. I've only ever done part of the South Downs Way/Beachy Head & The Seven Sisters...
Posted by
OP
Chicago, IL
61 posts
Thanks for your replies! The Pembrokeshire and Cornwall paths are just the types I was looking for. Are these areas accessed best by car?
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
3797 posts
You may want to get the book, "Walking in Britain" walking guide, Lonely Planet publisher. $17.95 brand new; I got mine at a used bookstore for $2.00, in great like-new condition. (Paperback, light enough to take along in your backpack.) It has ALL the walking paths, maps, list of pubs and BandB's along the way. Just a fantastic book, packed with good information, and a good read.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
8 posts
Also, I'm sure you've already read it, but if you haven't: Bill Bryson's "Notes from a Small Island." After reading that book, my friend and I plan on scheduling our own walking tour of Britain. :)