There are many great hiking routes in the northwest of England. Here are a few of our favourites:
1. The Coast to Coast Walk
A 192-mile trail that takes you from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, passing through three national parks along the way.
The route was first proposed by the famous British fellwalker and writer Alfred Wainwright, who described it as "a walk that passes through the most varied landscape in the country".
The trail starts in the seaside town of St Bees on the west coast of Cumbria, and finishes in the fishing village of Robin Hood's Bay on the east coast of North Yorkshire. Along the way, you will pass through the stunning scenery of the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North York Moors.
The trail is divided into 12 stages, each one covers around 15 miles. It's a challenging hike, but one that rewards you with some of the most beautiful views in England. Some of the highlights of the walk include the ascent of Helvellyn in the Lake District, the crossing of the Pennines in the Yorkshire Dales, and the stunning views of the North Sea from the clifftops of the North York Moors.
Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, the Coast to Coast Walk is an unforgettable adventure that will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in England.
2. The Pennine Way
A 268-mile trail that takes you across the Pennine hills, from the Peak District to the Scottish border.
The trail was the first long-distance path to be established in England, and is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in the country.
The trail passes through some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes in England, including the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the Northumberland National Park. Along the way, you'll encounter rugged moorland, dramatic waterfalls, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The trail is divided into 16 stages, which each cover around 15-20 miles. It's a challenging hike, with some steep ascents and descents. Some of the highlights of the walk include the Kinder Scout plateau in the Peak District, the limestone cliffs of Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales, and the wild and remote Cheviot Hills on the Scottish border.
3. The Cumbria Way
A 70-mile trail that takes you through some of the Lake District's most beautiful scenery.
The trail starts in the market town of Ulverston on the southern edge of the Lake District, and finishes in the historic city of Carlisle on the northern edge of the park.
Along the way, you'll pass through picturesque villages, beautiful valleys, and stunning mountain scenery. The trail is divided into five stages, covering around 12-16 miles per stage.
Some of the highlights of the walk include the beautiful Coniston Water and the stunning Langdale Valley, which is surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Lake District. The trail also takes you through the charming village of Keswick, which is famous for its outdoor activities and stunning scenery.
4. Hadrian's Wall
Hadrian's Wall was built by the Roman Empire in AD 122, under the orders of Emperor Hadrian. The wall was constructed to mark the northern frontier of the Roman Empire and to defend against attacks from the Scottish tribes to the north.
The wall stretches for 73 miles across the north of England, from the River Tyne in the east to the Solway Firth in the west. It was constructed from stone and turf and was up to 20 feet high and 10 feet wide in some places. The wall was also surrounded by a ditch and a series of forts, milecastles, and turrets.
The wall was manned by Roman soldiers who were stationed in the forts along the wall. The soldiers were responsible for defending the wall and for maintaining law and order in the region.
The wall remained in use for around 300 years, until the Roman Empire began to decline in the 4th century AD. After the Romans left Britain, the wall fell into disrepair and was gradually dismantled and used as a source of building materials.
Despite this, many sections of the wall still survive today and are popular tourist attractions. The wall is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the most important historical sites in Britain.
Is Hadrian's wall walk hard?
The Hadrian's Wall walk is a moderately challenging hiking trail that covers a distance of 84 miles. The trail takes around 5-8 days to complete, depending on your pace and fitness level.
The trail is relatively flat and easy-going in some sections, but it can also be steep and challenging in others. Some parts of the trail can also be quite remote, with limited services and facilities along the way.
Overall, the Hadrian's Wall walk is a rewarding and enjoyable experience that takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in England. While it does require a reasonable level of fitness and preparation, it's a hike that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
5. The Three Peaks Challenge
A grueling but rewarding hike that takes you up the three highest peaks in the Yorkshire Dales, with a total distance of 24.5 miles.
The Three Peaks Challenge is a popular hiking challenge that involves climbing the three highest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours. The three peaks are Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England, and Snowdon in Wales.
The challenge requires participants to hike a total distance of around 23 miles and to climb a total of 3,064 meters (10,052 feet). The challenge can be attempted at any time of the year, but it's typically done during the summer months when the days are longer.
To complete the challenge, participants need to be fit and well-prepared. They need to be able to hike long distances and climb steep, rocky terrain. Participants also need to be able to navigate the trails and follow the route markers, as some sections of the trail can be quite remote and difficult to follow.
The Three Peaks Challenge is a rewarding and challenging experience that takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK. It's a great way to test your endurance and to push yourself to your limits. However, it's important to remember that the challenge can be dangerous if you're not well-prepared, so it's important to take the necessary precautions and to follow the guidelines closely.
Can people of all ages do the three peaks challenge ?
While people of all ages can attempt the challenge, it's generally recommended for people who are over the age of 18 and who have a good level of fitness.
Children under the age of 18 can participate in the challenge, but they must be accompanied by a responsible adult and have the necessary experience and training to complete the hike safely.
It's important to remember that the Three Peaks Challenge involves hiking long distances and climbing steep, rocky terrain. It can be a challenging and demanding experience, and it's important to be well-prepared and to take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
If you're considering attempting the Three Peaks Challenge, it's a good idea to consult with a doctor or a fitness professional to make sure that you're physically fit enough to complete the hike. You should also make sure that you have the necessary equipment and supplies, and that you're familiar with the route and the trail conditions.
I hope you found this helpful. Let us know below if you have done any of these hikes.
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