UK Walking Routes: With Great Places to Eat and Stay En Route
Coastal Walks and Stylish Lodgings at Atlanta Trevone, Cornwall
Situated in one of Cornwall’s most coveted coastal positions, a few steps from a private beach and in prime reach of the South-West coast path, is Atlanta Trevone, a collection of five fully revamped cliff-top properties. Spanning an eight-person penthouse to a cosy fisherman’s cottage, all have a cleverly measured aesthetic and layout reflecting the coast’s understated appeal, while packing serious design punch and five-star hotel attention to detail and comfort. Atlanta Trevone is the perfect spot from which to explore the coastline, beaches and renowned restaurants of the area, before cooling down with a brisk dip in the sea.
TREVONE TO HARLYN BAY (& THE PIG): 1.8 miles (2.9km) | 35 mins
A short but undulating walk along the coast, passing Tinker Bunny’s Sea pool, ‘Monday Cove’ and crossing beaches and streams before ending up at The PIG at Harlyn Bay for a well-deserved meal.
TREVONE TO PADSTOW COASTAL WALK: 7.4 miles (11.9km) | 3 hours
A circular loop from hidden gem Trevone to the foodie capital of Padstow. From Trevone beach, the walk follows the rugged coast past the collapsed cave and blowholes of the Merope Islands to Stepper Point. The route then heads up the Camel Estuary to reach Hawker's Cove, which at low tide merges with Harbour Cove and St George's Cove into a single huge beach that can be walked along as an alternative to the Coast Path. From here, the route continues to the war memorial overlooking Padstow harbour. The return route goes through Padstow, past the deer park at Prideaux Place and along lanes and tracks to Trevone.
Prices from £1,400 per week in low season. www.atlantatrevonebay.com
Walking In The Weavers And Award-Winning Food At The Duncombe Arms, Ellastone
A gem in Staffordshire, The Duncombe Arms is known for its award-winning food, incredible wine list and cosy bedrooms whilst remaining a family-run local pub. The 1850s inn had fallen into disrepair before it was renovated and brought back to life by Johnny and Laura Greenall. The award winning pub has retained a Michelin Bib Gourmand for four years, along with many other notable awards.
The Weaver Hills rise to over a thousand feet above the village of Ellastone and are the southernmost point of the Pennines. Less crowded than the trodden paths of the Peak District and the Pennines, The Weavers offer equal natural beauty in a more remote and secluded area and are particularly beautiful during the autumn and winter months. Situated at the foot of The Weavers, The Duncombe Arms offers the ideal base from which to explore this unspoilt part of the countryside with walking, wild swimming and biking.
CALWICH ABBEY ROUTE: 2.5 miles (4km) | 1.5 hours
A gentle stroll with few gradients, the ideal introduction to the landscape surrounding Ellastone. Features charming countryside, some interesting flora and fauna. Ellastone’s historic church and the ruins of Calwich Hall.
MICHAEL’S LANE ROUTE: 3.7 miles (6km) | 2.5 hours
An interesting addition to the Calwich Abbey circuit, incorporating a few gentle climbs and descents. Walk along a ‘green road’, learn of the vanished Wootton Hall and enjoy the peace and quiet of this agricultural landscape.
ELLASTONE & THE WEAVER HILLS | 8 miles | 3hr 30 mins
A longer and hillier route for the reasonably fit. The upper section of this route ascends into genuine ‘hill country’.
Rooms from £195 per night. https://www.duncombearms.co.uk
Walking Routes for Foodies and Families around the New Forest with Italian Feasts at Lime Wood
Situated in a protected National Park of ancient forest and farmland and close to the sea, Lime Wood is surrounded by plenty of brilliant walks. The hotel has 33 bedrooms including two Forest Cottages, a Forest Cabin and Lake Cabin in the stunning grounds. Home to HH&Co, the Italian restaurant by Luke Holder and Angela Hartnett and the award-winning Herb House Spa, who have bespoke treatments from Bamford, VOYA, and Sarah Chapman - making it the perfect place to relax after a forest amble.
Sat in the very heart of the New Forest, Lime Wood offers a luxurious base from which to explore the 140 miles of hiking tracks and footpaths, passing through the ancient forest, beautiful heathland, pretty villages and 40-mile ‘secret’ coast. Varying in difficulty, the walks offer ample opportunity to spot free-roaming ponies, donkeys, deer and even the age-old tradition of Pannage Pigs during Autumn. Begin or end the route at Lime Wood’s HH&Co, where sharing and provenance is everything. Favourites from the menu include indulgent black truffle polenta agnolotti and baked bream.
LIME WOOD WALK: 3.8 miles (5.9km) | 1.5 hours
This walk starts and ends at Lime Wood Hotel, near Lyndhurst. During the walk, enjoy beautiful views of heathlands, as well as walking amongst the New Forest’s ancient woodlands. The final section of the walk passes through the wonderful Pondhead Conservation Area before ending back at Lime Wood for an afternoon tea, lunch, dinner or refreshing drink at the hotel post stroll. Route here.
BOLTON’S BENCH LOOP: 3.1 miles (5km) | 1.5 hours
Bolton's Bench is known as 'the New Forest's gateway' and has lots of excellent pathways, with varied natural terrain. On this walk, there are picturesque views across heathland and grassland and lots of wildlife, including free roaming ponies and cattle. There is lots of interesting history to be seen on this walk, including the Lyndhurst War Memorial, which is where the walk starts and ends. Route here
LIME WOOD TO THE PIG: 6 miles (9.5km) | 3 hours
Bookended by two New Forest foodie hotspots, this 6 mile ramble begins at Lime Wood, known for its italian-influenced restaurant, HH&Co., run by Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder, and ends at The Pig at Brockenhurst, renowned for its 25-mile menu. Meandering through the protected National Park, the route passes acres of ancient woodland, including some of the oldest yew, oak and beech trees in the country.
Rooms from £495 per night. www.limewoodhotel.co.uk
Countryside Rambles in Wiltshire at Chic New Country pub with Rooms and a Farm Shop
The Great Bustard, a country pub with 10 exceptional rooms, set in the picturesque hills of Wiltshire, will open in June 2024 following a complete restoration and expansion. Located in the picturesque Woodford Valley, The Great Bustard is just three miles from the World Heritage Site of Stonehenge and six miles from the medieval city of Salisbury. Positioned just south of the A303, it acts as the gateway to The West, making it a great destination for walking, with the surrounding countryside offering many stunning routes. The Woodford villages are some of the prettiest in the area, with walking routes that weave through woodlands and follow the River Avon.
Part of the Great Durnford Estate, The Great Bustard pub takes its name from these iconic birds which were once close to extinction. To ensure the Bustards’ survival in the area, the pub works closely with The Great Bustard Group charity, and across the seasons guests can enjoy activities such as stakeout bird watching. Walkers can grab a coffee and pastry from the on-site farm shop or settle into the pub or restaurant with its menu of inventive small plates, hearty roasts, fresh wood-fired pizzas and traditional puddings, all curated by Head Chef Jordan Taylor using provincial ingredients from local suppliers.
OLD SARUM AND CASTLE HILL LOOP: 4.33 miles (6.9km) | 1.5 hours
This charming Wiltshire walk is an easy hike for all fitness levels, with easily-accessible paths. Park up in front of Old Sarum or at the rear of the Old Castle Public House, stroll along the road and enjoy an easy walk across the downs and then back along the side roads - perfect for exploring the town (although these are easy to divert off from for a longer walk). Finish up by driving an easy ten minutes for a hearty feast at The Great Bustard. Route here.
UPPER WOODFORD VALLEY: 6 ½ miles (10.5km) | 3 hours
Ideal for view lovers, this picturesque walk meanders across the rolling wiltshire hills, exploring ancient ruins and charming villages. The route follows the River Avon, crossing the Great Durnford Estate for a quick pitstop at the newly opened The Great Bustard, serving up refreshing tipples and stone fired pizza in the garden, before continuing through the village towards Springbottom Farm in Wilsford. At the final section, either turn back towards the valley, or continue on for one mile to reach Stonehenge. Route here.
WOODFORD VALLEY: 7 ½ miles (12km) | 3 ½ hours
Suitable for wildlife lovers, this wholesome walk explores Lower Avon valley. Begin by taking the main road out of the village until Bays House, then turn over a stile or two to reach Little Durnford Manor - home to alpacas, camels and more. Then follow Monarch Way towards The Great Bustard, a brilliant stop for weary walkers. Kids can enjoy the onsite playground, whilst parents can unwind with a pint or two in the charming beer garden. To complete the walk, follow the river towards Heale Gardens. Route here.
Rooms from £200 Bed & Breakfast www.thegreatbustard.uk *Please note website does not include ’.co.’
