The Ridgeway Path

The journey begins in Wiltshire and ends in Buckinghamshire, spanning a total of 85.5 miles. it is rated as an easy hike, the average completion time between five and seven days. Along the trail can be found a neolithic tomb built sometime around 2800 BCE. If this may feel a bit too ancient for some, one may also choose to experience the Red Lion, located in Wandover where Oliver Cromwell frequented in the 17th century.

Historic monuments are not all this trail has to offer. The path winds through some of the most idyllic scenery imaginable; verdant green hills rolling gently, every so often punctuated by quaint country houses. When passing through the Chiltern Hills, vast varieties of trees and plants can be found along with a striking plethora of orchids.

Photo by djim

The Thames Path

As the name implies, this walk begins at the source of the river and ends at its estuary. It stretches approximately 180 miles and takes between twelve to fourteen days to complete depending on one´s desire. Some of the main attractions include the Hampton Court Palace and Sutton Courtenay, the site where George Orwell is interred.

In addition to awe-inspiring views of the natural landscape, one also has the privilege to stroll through the heart of Britain´s fascinating capital city. Also keep in mind that the rather dubious reputation of the Thames as being one of the most polluted rivers in the United Kindgom no longer implies. Rather, many species of fish and waterfowl can be seen, including salmon. With finding local accommodations never a problem, this route proves to be one of the most popular for tourists and natives alike.

Hadrian´s Wall

This path is likely one of the most famous due to its historic nature. Built during the times of Roman Occupation, to follow the entire course of this ancient monument takes approximately one week. Numerous forts still stand, including one at Chesters and another at Segendunum which has now been converted into a museum.

Notwithstanding the unforgettable panoramic views of this fortification, this track effectively represents a true journey from east to west across England. Large sections of this wall still exist quite intact though it must be noted that some of the journey can require proper map reading skills and the correct type of walking shoes.

Photo by quisnovus

The Pennine Way

If a separation from civilisation is what one desires, this path is certain to satisfy. The entire length is nearly 300 miles and can prove to be one of the most challenging journeys in all of the United Kingdom.

As this trek is considered to be one of the most technically demanding, its achievement is as equally rewarding to the hearty outdoorsman or woman. Camping equipment is considered mandatory along with a compass and experience in dealing with terrain in which the path may occasionally disappear. Although there are numerous accommodations along the route, there are other stretches at the very beginning and end where none exist, therefore leaving the traveler to rely on wits and experience alone.

These are but a handful examples of the diverse terrain and cultural experiences which the United Kingdom has to offer. Both novice and experienced trekkers can enjoy these options and countless others. With a simple online search and planning, these excursions can be an unforgettable experience.

Whether your a professional ambler or just enjoy a brisk walk in the english country air, you can’t really go wrong with a pair of decent thermal walking socks from Sealskinz, who specialise in waterproof clothing.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jason Blue-Smith

Mount Elbrus (5,642 m) is in the Caucasus Mountains in Russia. It’s the highest mountain in Europe, and has more than one summit. For less experienced climbers there’s the advantage of lift and cable chairs that take you up to 3800 metres. If you’ve got reasonable climbing skills you can climb from here, but if not, you can do a walking tour from the top of the lift run. You can easily find accommodation in hotels and lodges in the local area.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Martin F

At the borders between Switzerland and Italy, you can put on your climbing shoes to climb one of the most famous mountains in Europe – the Matterhorn (4,478 m). It stands out in the landscape like a giant rock pyramid and is considered by many to be the birthplaces of mountaineering. As such, it’s on most climbers’ must-climb lists.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by stefg74

In Greece, the home of the ancient Greek gods – Mount Olympus – is also a famous climbing spot. To get to the highest peak of Mytikas (2918 metres) takes two days’ climbing. Many people climb up in one day and rest overnight in their tents before descending the next day. It’s not a place for solitude though – it’s a very popular place to climb.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Vasile Cotovanu

Mont Blanc is found on the border of Italy and France. The closest towns are Chamonix in France and Courmayeur in Italy. It’s the second highest mountain in Europe, with a summit of 4,810.45 metres. Although it’s not the highest mountain, it’s probably the most challenging climbing spot in Europe. Even though a cable car takes you up to 1000m below the summit, the last 1000 metres is a real challenge. You’ll need high levels of fitness and will have to acclimatise to the altitude before completing the ascent.

Even people who go equipped with all the right rock climbing equipment can get into difficulty on Mont Blanc and the mountain rescue helicopter service is kept busy all summer recovering stranded climbers.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Thierry Gregorius

The highest peak in the UK is Ben Nevis. The Scottish mountain’s summit is 1,344 metres and it’s reached by thousands of climbers every year. It needs good fitness levels and climbing ability to attempt the day’s climb.

View Climbing highlights of Europe in a larger map

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More than four hundred twenty years ago, there was an active super volcano that existed in the area. A fierce eruption occurred back in the Silurian period which created most of the cauldron-like formation. After the end of the last ice age, a giant glacier had formed in the region and as it receded, it carved out the coe.

Glen Coe, Scotland, UK by Christian Kadluba

The area is less than seven hundred meters wide in many spots and more than sixteen kilometers long. The narrowest point of the coe is known as the Pass of Glen Coe and can be found roughly in the center.

In order to get top Glen Coe, you will need to enter the area at the base of the Meall a’ Bhuiridh mountain, not too far from Rannoch Moor. For nearly 12 kilometers the coe runs almost due west from the moor before making a turn to the northwesterly direction. At the other end of Glen Coe is where you will find Loch Leven and the famous village of Glencoe.

Throughout the length of Glen Coe, you will see the ancient River Coe which was formed as the glacier melted away. At the Pass of Glen Coe, one can see waterfalls as the water makes its way out to the sea.

The resulting properties of Glen Coe are simply amazing. Each year, countless visitors make their way to the area to see the many attractions that the coe has to offer. The site is very popular for those who just like to walk in beautiful surroundings and is known as an adventure for those who love the idea of climbing a rock face.

For those who come to Glen Coe for walking, the best place to start is at the Devil’s Staircase which was cut into the boulders. The staircase is more than 352 meter high and can be a challenge for most people.

Rock climbers who make their way to the area tend to go straight for the 1,018 meter tall Buachaille Etive Mòr. Over the years, climbing the face of the mountain has grown in popularity as a result of countless races and scrambles that have been held in the area over the years.

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The mountain is composed of Old Red Sandstone which dates back to the Devonian Era. The summit peaks are also composed of sandstone, but are much more resilient to erosion than the Old Red variety. As the glaciers in the area receded following the last ice age, the twin peaks of Pen y Fan and Corn Du were formed.

Pen y Fan, Wales, UK by Dave.Dunford

On the side of the mountain slopes along the path that leads from the Storey Arms to the summit of Pen y Fan, you will find an obelisk which was constructed and dedicated in memory of a five year old child who had died on the spot back in August of 1900. The child was the son of a coal miner from Rhondda who was on his way to visit his grandparents who lived near the Cwm Llwch Farmhouse. For twenty nine days the locals searched for the missing child before discovering his body where the memorial obelisk stands today.

Those who visit the mountains may also see military recruits along the paths leading to the top of Pen y Fan. Carrying a standard duffle, rifle plus food rations, those who want to join the UK Special Forces must pass the rigorous test that has become known over the years as the Fan Dance.

In similar fashion to the military training endurance test, a series of annual races are conducted along the same route in the middle of January and July each year. Racers start just south of Cwm Llwch and proceeds up to Pen y Fan as well as Corn Du. The current record for the 5.6 kilometer long race is only 30 minutes. On the same day as the summer race, the Brecon Beacons National Park also holds its annual sixteen kilometer Fan y Big Horseshoe Race.

Those who travel to the peak of Pen y Fan will be rewarded with some of the most awe-inspiring views of the region. It is said that when the day is clear, one can see even the Bristol Channel as well as the islands in the channel, Flat Holm and Steep Holm. You can also see the Swansea Bay, Cardigan Bay, and the Carmarthen Bay from the summit. The peak is the highest in South Wales and as such, you can see the far off Black Mountains, Cambrian Mountains as well as most of Mid and South Wales.

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