UK’s Top Spots For A May Hiking Holiday

May is National Walking month so it’s time to put your boots on and make the most of longer days and milder weather.

To help inspire your trekking travels, Sykes Holiday Cottages has rounded up its top UK walking holidays for every ability.

Whether you want a gentle seaside stroll around Flamborough Head or feel like embarking on Yorkshire’s 24-mile Three Peak challenge, Sykes has a property on hand to fit every person striding out. Here’s a few ideas:

FOR BEGINNERS:
Beacon Heights – Flamborough, Yorkshire
Sleeps: Two
Price: Seven nights from £364
www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/North-York-Moors-Coast-Flamborough/Beacon-Heights-962760.html

Those seeking a relaxed seaside stroll should stay at Beacon Heights in Flamborough, a luxurious modern annexe for two.

Enjoy seabird watching and striking views of the chalk cliffs along this two and a half mile Flamborough Head route.

Alternatively, enjoy a pleasant woodland walk to the beach at Danes Dyke and admire the wild deer, owls and kestrels often seen on the way.

Further afield, guests can take a trip to the historic city of York or the pretty market town of Beverley.


Top Cottage – Broadway, Gloucestershire
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £921
www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Cotswolds-Gloucestershire-Broadway/Top-Cottage-1091238.html

Top Cottage is a homely Cotswold cottage, set in a peaceful location near Broadway’s high street.

It’s the perfect spot for a small family or group of four looking to explore this pretty corner of the country.

Close by and covering over 100 miles of Cotwolds countryside, the Cotswold Way has walks for every ability.

The trail runs through many picturesque villages and historic sites and is a great option for beginners who want to challenge themselves.

INTERMEDIATE WALKERS:
Rose Cottage – Castleton, Peak District
Sleeps: Two
Price: Seven nights from £228
www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Peak-District-Peak-District-Derbyshire-Dales-Peak-Cavern/Rose-Cottage-1067136.html

Rose Cottage is a delightful cottage for two, tucked away on a quiet side street in the picturesque Peak District village of Castleton.

Semi-experienced walkers should check out the walk at Mam Tor, a three mile circular route with some steep climbs that reward you with one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the Peak District.

If you want a break from walking, why not explore the caves close by, where you can take a boat ride through an 18th century mine at Speedwell Cavern, or visit the pretty market towns of Ashbourne and Leek.

Crow Cottage – Keswick, Cumbria
Sleeps: Six
Price: Seven nights from £707
URL: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Lake-District-Ayrshire-and-Dumfries-Galloway-Keswick/Crow-Cottage-1041304.html

The Lake District is renowned for its walks. For a moderate challenge, try the trail at Catbells, a scenic walk with panoramic views over Keswick, Derwent Water and Borrowdale that requires some minor scrambling.

Stay at the recently renovated Crow Cottage nearby, a spacious, elegant accommodation just two-minutes from Keswick town centre, where you can explore the shops, restaurants and famous Theatre by the Lake.

Alternatively, take a boat trip around Derwentwater or visit Castlerigg Stone Circle or Mirehouse – a grand house and gardens on the shores of the Bassenthwaite Lake.

SEASONED HIKERS:
3 Bank End – Ingleton, Yorkshire Dales
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £367
www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Lake-District-Cumbria-The-Lake-District-Ingleton/3-Bank-End-933458.html

This stunning cottage can be found in the pretty village of Ingleton. Over 150 years old, the property has been lovingly furnished throughout to combine many original features with a modern twist.

Yorkshire's famous Three Peaks – Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen Y Ghent – are nearby. Experienced walkers can embark on The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, a 24-mile route completed in just under 12 hours.

Afterwards, kick off your walking boots at home in front of the 50 inch Smart TV, or enjoy a well-deserved drink on the decked patio.

To book one of these breaks, visit www.sykescottages.co.uk or call 01244 617683.