Pull on Your Boots for May’s National Walking Month
May is National Walking Month: a nationwide effort to inspire people to walk more, heralding the benefits of walking for physical and mental health and wellbeing. Get inspired by our pick of the best trails and places to stay for your next walking holiday in the North of England and South of Scotland below.
Walking is a national pastime – there are those that like to stroll solo or just with their dog for company, others who like the chatter and cameraderie of an organised group, and those couples and families whose entire weekends revolve around exploring the great outdoors on foot.
Here in the North of England and South of Scotland we’re spoilt for choice. From winding coastal paths to historic pilgrimage routes and breathtaking upland trails, this region has extraordinary walking and – luckily – very few crowds: those panoramic views are frequently yours and yours alone. With an array of excellent waymarked footpaths spanning from a short ramble to long-distance hike, there’s something for new and experienced walkers alike.
As always, we have a perfect holiday cottage to fit the bill for your walking holiday. Think thoughtfully-designed boot rooms that can take a bit of mud and mess and cosy bedrooms to lay your head at the end of a long day.
Northumberland
Northumberland is ideal for walkers with routes that take in the county’s rolling hills and valleys, beautiful long beaches, magical forests, historic towns and villages, iconic landmarks (such as Hadrian’s Wall) and of course the wild beauty of the Cheviot and Simonside Hills.
Some of our favourite walking routes include the circular stroll around the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the historic St Cuthbert’s Way, the Ravenber Way Coast to Coast walk and the ever-popular coastal walk from Craster to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. The Northumberland National Park not only offers incredible walking but fantastic wildlife and beautifully clear star-studded skies of an evening, being the largest Dark Sky Park in the country.
Where to stay:
- Book an escape to Water’s Edge and have the Northumberland Coast Path at the bottom of your garden
- Stay at The Hat Shop and step straight out onto the Hadrian’s Wall Path
- Book a retreat to Kidlandlee high in the hills of the Northumberland National Park
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is home to some of the UK’s finest and most diverse landscapes, which of course make for great walking.
The North York Moors offers 1,400 miles of stunning scenery, the wild moorlands of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are home to some of the most spectacular peaks in England, while the Yorkshire Wolds offers gentler scenic walking through the chalk landscape – surprisingly the least-explored of Britain’s National Trails.
Our favourite routes include the spectacular Yorkshire Three Peaks of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent, Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay, as well as rambles to Malham Cove, Aysgarth Falls, Flamborough Head and Simon’s Seat. Walkers are spoilt for choice in this beautiful county which is also traversed by the Pennine Way, of course – stretching all the way from the Peak District up to the Scottish Borders. One of England’s longest and best-loved National Trails, it celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025, making now the perfect time to tick it off your bucket list.
Where to stay:
- Book an escape to Heathderene and have Wainwright’s ‘Coast to Coast’ trail, the Pennine Way, Aysgarth Falls and Hardraw Force on your doorstep
- Discover the stunning Yorkshire Coast from Bay View Cottage
- Hike along scenic Nidderdale trails from Anvil Cottage
Scottish Borders
A beguiling combination of castles and coast, the Scottish Borders is the ideal choice for the walking history-buff. The many footpaths of the Borders take in some of the region’s most impressive stately homes, iconic medieval castles and the romantic ruins of the Borders Abbeys.
We love the Borders Abbeys Way and John Buchan Way, which take in the charming Borders towns of Kelso, Melrose, Jedburgh and Peebles. For those who like the salty air, it has to be St Abbs Head: a National Nature Reserve with superb birdlife.
Where to stay:
- Stay beside the ruins of Melrose Abbey at Cloister House
- Enjoy the National Nature Reserve and walk to Coldingham Bay from Windyridge in St Abbs
- Start or finish a trek across the Southern Upland Way from Windyrig in Cockburnspath
County Durham
County Durham comprises the beautiful Durham Dales and a dramatic coastline designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. At the heart of the region lies the historic city of Durham, home to the iconic Durham Cathedral and Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Durham itself a great spot for a city stroll, as is Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle, all of which are compact and perfect for a family break.
Wider County Durham is also dotted with iconic landmarks that bring the county’s history to life – the Weardale Way, Teesdale Way, Durham Heritage Coastal Footpath and the historic Northern Saints Trails are well worth considering. To the west of County Durham lies some top walking in the North Pennines – don’t miss England’s biggest waterfall, High Force Waterfall, which drops a spectacular 70 feet to a plunge pool below.
Where to stay:
- Escape to North Farm and explore the lush Durham Dales
- Immerse yourself in the ecclesiastical history of the Northern Saints Trails when staying at the Auckland Palace Estate
- Ramble between historic houses from the doorstep of Pigswood Cottage
Edinburgh & Midlothian
Midlothian combines the beauty of the Pentland Hills Regional Park with easy access to the city of Edinburgh – the perfect choice for those who also enjoy a city stroll around the characterful cobbled streets of Scotland’s compact capital.
In Edinburgh itself, we’d suggest a stroll up The Royal Mile, Calton Hill, and Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags, where the views over the city are second to none.
Further afield, Midlothian offers some beautiful reservoir walks and routes that take in the Pentland Hills – a favourite of Sir Walter Scott who said he “never saw anything more beautiful than the ridge of Carnethy” in these very hills.
Where to stay:
- Explore the beautiful Pentland Hills when staying at The Coach House or Shepherds Cottage
- Discover Dalkeith Country Park from Coldwells Farmhouse
- Combine the best of country and city life with a stay at Hawthorn House
