1. Pennine Way

The first National Trail, the Pennine Way was opened in 1965, and covers 430km between Derbyshire and the border with Scotland. The walk starts in the Pennines, and continues up through the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Park to reach Kirk Yetholm on the edge of Scotland. The walk features 535 access points, and a number of hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts along the way. Key sites to explore on the route include the Calder Valley, Thirlwall Castle, Hadrian’s Wall, and Cairn Hill.

Photo of Typical Pennine scenery, UK by Voyager

2. Tennyson Trail

The Tennyson Trail, named for Alfred Tennyson the poet, is only 15 minutes long, but showcases the natural beauty of the Isle of Wight. The route starts at Carisbrooke Castle to the North of the island, and winds its way down to the West and the Needles rock formations. Moving through Bowcombe Down and into Brighstone Forest, the route continues through Mottistone Down, Afton Down and Freshwater Bay. Much of the walk is characterised by steep South Westerly hills, and comes out on the coast.

Photo of Tennyson Trail, UK by R MORGAN

3. South West Coast Path

The longest National Trail in England, the South West Coast Path covers 630 miles, and links up Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. The route starts in Minehead, Somerset, and continues along the North Coast of Devon via the Exmoor National Park, before making its way through North Cornwall. Notable landmarks along the way include Tintagel Castle and Newquay. The route then loops back around through South Cornwall and South Devon, before coming to an end in Poole, Dorset. Typically takes around eight weeks to complete.

Photo of South West Coast Path, UK by Adrian Pingstone

4. Yorkshire Wolds Way

127km long, the Yorkshire Wolds Way starts at the Humber Estuary, and climbs through deep woodland and valleys to Filey Brigg. The route also overlaps with the Cleveland Way if walkers want to go further. Sloping hills and red poppies make up the majority of the route, as do small villages and headland at Filey Brigg. Other attractions include Londesborough Park and Stocking Dale, as well as the Humber Bridge.

Photo of Yorkshire Wolds Way, UK by Eamon Curry

5. The Thames Path

Running the length of the River Thames, the Thames Path starts near Kemble, Gloucestershire, and continues until it reaches the Thames Barrier. Covering 1984 miles, the walk is mostly made up of tow and cycle paths, and moves down through Oxford via Henley-on-Thames and Teddington Lock, taking in Windsor, Richmond, Hampton Court, and Battersea. Some parts of the route can flood at high tide, meaning that walkers should plan ahead to avoid being caught out.

Photo of Temple Footbridge Thames Path, UK by Motmit

Sebastian is a globetrotter who is currently working alongside a Bike GPS shop in the UK. Some hiking trails are suitable for the more rugged mountain bikes, so make sure you don’t leave without a GPS!

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Cornwall Beach / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Weldon Kennedy

If you’re from a part of the world that has more concrete than greenery, then the West Country will feel like a million miles away thanks to the stunning views. Couple that with the rich heritage of cider making, farming and homely-living and you’ll be in love the West Country in no time.

One place you must visit is Newquay. For decades it’s been the place to go for surfers but thanks to its beautiful beaches and attractions it continues to be a family-favourite everyone will enjoy. If surfing isn’t your bag, then perhaps walking is. If you’re feeling fit and you’ve got your hiking boots, why not head for the South West Coast Path? This picturesque trail is 630 miles long and follows the meandering coast, meaning you can seriously take in the views and breathe in all that fresh sea-air.

Newquay beach / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Richard Clifford

Cornwall has a lot to offer and one the jewels in the crown is St. Ives. One of the most idyllic towns in the county, St. Ives is a tourist hot-spot for those who love the sun, ice-cream and boat-trips out. Just watch out for those pesky sea-gulls robbing your chips!

While you’re out and about, a must-visit place in and around that area is Land’s End. It may be a little bit of a trek, but you’d be a fool not to visit England’s most westerly point. Aside from the title, Land’s End is also absolutely beautiful on a sunny day and is a tourists’ favourite.

Getting hungry? Then get your eat on in Padstow! Rick Stein’s highly praised restaurant calls Padstow home and you’ll be guaranteed a fantastic meal with some extraordinary people and scenery. Once you’re done gorging on sea-food, take a walk around Padstow and soak up its typical West Country charm.

Padstow Harbour / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by foshie

And if sea-food isn’t your favourite type of food, don’t fret; there’s so much choice and diversity of food in the West Country that everyone will be pleased. From pubs to gastro-pubs, from Michelin-starred restaurants to your basic fast-food restaurants, the West Country will undoubtedly keep your stomach from rumbling.

Getting tired by now? Well there’s one sure-fire way of slowing things down, by visiting Stonehenge. The enigmatic and utterly ancient monument, still of undetermined origin and purpose, has been wowing tourists for years and continues to be one of the West Country’s most famous and loved spots. It may not move, it probably won’t talk to you, but Stonehenge is something you need to see at least once in your life.

If you’re feeling pretty trodden at this point chances are you’ve done a lot, but there is still plenty to do in this region of the country. In and around Cornwall there are loads of fantastic go-kart tracks to tickle your adrenaline-fuelled pickle. St. Eval’s track is twisty and with their twin-engine karts you’d better be firmly in your Lewis Hamilton mentality.

Stonehenge / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by mari

So there you have it; endless fun, plenty to do and lots to see. The West Country is full of surprises, and when it’s a lovely summer’s day there really aren’t many places better in the UK.

Sun, sea, beaches and loads of pubs, the West Country is Britain at its very best.

Thinking of paying a visit to the UK? Check out cheap car hire at Birmingham, Gatwick and Manchester airports from Vroomvroomvroom.

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The area where the Old Harry Rocks sits is known as the Jurassic coast. Because of tectonics, the land has folded over and over itself time and time again. As a result, rocks that date back to not just the Jurassic period, but also the Triassic and Cretaceous period can be seen clearly. Amongst these rocks are the fossils of countless dinosaurs from long ago; just waiting to be uncovered.

Old Harry Rocks, UK by John Tomlinson

The area where the Old Harry Rocks can be found is filled with chalk and this particular kind of rock is very resistant to the acidic attacks by saltwater. There was a day when a number of chalk columns stood in the area, but because of erosion by the waves, one by one they have tumbled to the sea. The last rock to fall was back in 1896, it was considered to be the wife of Old Harry. Today, all that is left of her is a stump.

However, to the east, just across the water you will see the very popular Needles that are situated along the coastline of the Isle of Wight. While the distance is quite far if the day is clear enough then you should have no problems seeing the Needles. It is said, that the islands used to be connected by the chalk but over the millennia this bridge has long since eroded away.

Old Harry Rocks, England, UK by Cmcqueen

Before long, it is expected that the Old Harry Rocks too will succumb to erosion. There are many people working together to find a way to protect the rocks and preserve them from the tremendous force of the waves and time.

As local legend has it, the name of the Old Harry Rocks comes from an infamous pirate who hid out in the area. Harry Paye, who was a pirate from Poole, used the area as his hideout and was said to have buried his treasures along the rocky shores of the island. While no treasure has ever been found, the name stuck as a symbol to the history that has made the island what it is today.

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