A tale of two halves on the Cleveland Way
This article was written by Sarah Hodgson during her time with Mickledore and reflects her first-hand experience of the route. After walking the Northumberland Coast Path last Summer, and thoroughly enjoying it, we had high expectations for our chosen 2024 walk, the Cleveland Way. With over 40 routes to choose from we really were spoilt for choice – everything from Lake District hills, rolling Yorkshire countryside, Scottish Glens and sunny coastal paths. After doing a full coast path last year, we wanted something slightly different this year but also with some coastal walking as we love to be beside the sea. After much deliberation we decided to go for the Cleveland Way Combined Highlights covering the northern end of the moors from Osmotherley and down the North Yorkshire Heritage Coast to Robin Hoods Bay. A great mix of half moorland and half coast. With an added night and rest day in Whitby we’d be walking for 6 days in total. Opened in 1969, the Cleveland Way was the UK’s second National Trail, coming four years after the Pennine Way. In total it covers 109 miles from Helmsley, nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, to Filey, right on the…
CEO explores the Cleveland Way
Why the Cleveland Way, and why in April? Our kids have (almost!) left home, so my wife Louise and I thought we’d take the opportunity to visit a part of the UK that we don’t know at all well, and test our walking fitness over 8 days on the Cleveland Way in Yorkshire. The combination of stunning heather moorland with far-reaching views and rugged coastal scenery, studded with picturesque fishing villages looked fantastic, especially as there is so much of historical interest to see along the way. So we booked a walk from Helmsley to Robin Hood’s Bay, leaving mid-April, the last week of the Easter holidays at the school where Louise teaches. We were some of the first Mickledore clients to travel this year, and we went with the expectation that the weather would be ‘varied’ in North Yorkshire at this time of year. But also that it would be quiet on the trails and that we’d have the towns, villages and historical sites largely to ourselves. Having been on many guided group adventures over the years, this was our first self-guided holiday, so a whole new experience. And the more we thought about it as we were getting…
7 Pembrokeshire Coast Path Locations You Should Know About
Walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a magnificent adventure. Stretching 186 miles from Amroth to St Dogmaels this stunning coastline showcases some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK. The path journeys over dramatic cliffs, along secluded beaches, and through lush green landscapes, rewarding walkers with ever-changing views of the sea and surrounding countryside. From iconic landmarks like the Green Bridge of Wales to picturesque towns and villages such as Tenby and Solva, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path delivers a visual feast at every turn. Pembrokeshire’s coastline is a geological treasure trove, with rock formations shaped by centuries of erosion. The path is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Walkers can observe a diverse range of seabirds and marine life. The surrounding habitats also support a variety of plants and animals. The path passes through charming villages, historic sites, and landmarks that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage. Discover ancient burial chambers, medieval castles, and traditional fishing communities along the way. Walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a journey of discovery that immerses you in the natural and cultural wonders of Wales. Whether you’re seeking solitude, adventure, or inspiration, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path serves up a truly memorable…
Top 6 Highlights of the South Downs Way National Trail
The South Downs Way traverses over 100 miles of stunning English countryside, taking walkers on a journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. Stretching from the historic city of Winchester in Hampshire to the coastal town of Eastbourne in East Sussex, the trail winds its way along ancient tracks, over rolling hills, and through picturesque valleys, showcasing the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the South Downs. As one of Britain’s most beloved national trails, the South Downs Way attracts visitors from around the world who come to experience its diverse landscapes, fascinating history, and warm hospitality. Along the way, walkers encounter a wealth of attractions, including historic landmarks, charming villages, cosy country pubs, and an abundance of wildlife and birdlife. Here we take a look at just six of the many highlights enjoyed on this iconic trail. Winchester Cathedral Situated at the heart of the historic city of Winchester, Winchester Cathedral is one of the most recognisable and historically significant cathedrals in England. With its origins dating back over a thousand years, this magnificent medieval masterpiece stands as a testament to the architectural and religious heritage of the region. Originally founded in the 7th…
Quality time in the Cotswold countryside
Last September I was delighted to be given the opportunity to walk the Cotswold Round as my Mickledore familiarisation trip. Living in the Lake District I’m certainly very lucky to be able to run and walk in our beautiful mountains, but I was very happy to have the opportunity to head south to experience some very different terrain, scenery (and hopefully a little bit of sunshine too)! Having only visited the Cotswolds once (and on that occasion only really passed through), I was keen to spend some quality time in the lovely Cotswold countryside and to see a few of its beautiful, picturesque towns and villages. Due to time constraints, I’d chosen the shortest itinerary on our Moreton-in-Marsh circuit which is a circular walk of approximately 45 miles starting and finishing, as the name suggests, in the market town of Moreton-in-Marsh. On this itinerary the daily mileages are somewhere between 9 and 13 miles, which would be perfect for us and would allow us a bit of spare time each day to explore the charming villages without feeling the need to rush. After a lengthy drive down from Cumbria we arrived in Moreton on a quiet Sunday afternoon. We checked…
Top 8 Highlights of the Thames Path Walk
I have been lucky enough to enjoy two amazing walking holidays on the Thames Path. During the heatwave of 2022 my daughter Ebony and I walked the 59 miles from Oxford to Marlow, and the following summer we returned to continue our journey with a 58 mile walk to Westminster. In my previous blogs, Reflections on the River Thames, and Return to the River Thames I focused mainly on the countryside around us, the fact there were hardly any hills, the food we ate, and in large part, just the experience of sharing extended time together in the outdoors and the benefit that can bring to our wellbeing. Here however I take a more specific look at some of the cities, towns and villages we visited, and what they offer both in terms of the Thames Path walk itself and as additional days for further exploration. If you’re wondering the reason for the odd number, and already the quick witted among you are saying it’s an even number, I set out to list my top five highlights. It immediately became six, and in the end, as you can see, numbered eight. Once read, I’m sure you’ll agree all are worthy…
Walking England’s Longest National Trail
The South West Coast Path boasts some of the best coastal walking in Europe. Pretty fishing villages, rocky headlands, lively resorts, woodland estuaries and golden surf-washed beaches combine to create a picture perfect walking holiday. The Devon, Cornwall and Dorset coastline is rich with wildlife, seabirds and wildflowers, and hopefully when you’re there, the skies will be blue and seas emerald green. At 630 miles the South West Coast Path is also England’s longest waymarked long-distance footpath and National Trail, but don’t worry, we won’t be asking you to walk the entire the path in one visit. Walking anti-clockwise we’ve broken it into five sections, and these too break down into bite size chunks giving you ten incredible holidays in total to choose from. Let’s take a closer look at each of those sections. North Devon: Minehead to Westward Ho! Our North Devon holiday, actually begins life in Minehead just over the border in Somerset, and runs for almost 90 miles to the village of Westward Ho! enjoying overnight stays in popular locations such as Lynmouth, Ilfracombe and Woolacombe. On your journey you’ll pass through coastal woodland and see vast sandy beaches popular with surfers, you’ll walk over some of the highest…
Specialists in delivering group holidays
We welcome group bookings at Mickledore. So much so, we’ve become something of a specialist at it. In fact we’ve been expertly delivering bespoke holidays to parties for over 25 years now. For walking parties up to and including 6 people, we recommend you book in the normal way, and your holiday will follow the itinerary as described on our website. For larger groups of say 8, 10 or more we encourage you to pick up the phone and talk with us directly. Simply tell us which of our 40 routes you’d like to walk, when you’d like to go, as well as the size of your group and we’ll prepare and price a bespoke itinerary for you and your friends. Our bespoke group holidays will differ a little from our advertised itineraries. Due to much of our accommodation being of a smaller, more independent nature, we may at times have to split larger groups across two accommodations in the same village, but you would of course still be able to meet up in the evening for that all important meal together. Your holiday may involve spending two or three nights at a time in one location, minibus transfers to…
Top 10 Highlights on the Cotswold Way
Stretching just over 100 miles from the medieval market town of Chipping Campden in the North Cotswolds to the historic City of Bath in Somerset, the Cotswold Way is one of England’s finest National Trails. The Cotswold landscape is an officially designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and its enthralling blend of parkland, neat fields with dry-stone walls and patches of lush woodland are testament to that. Choose to walk the whole route in one holiday over 6 to 11 days, or savour it over two shorter 5 day adventures with the northern ‘Escarpment and Villages‘ section and southern ‘Long Barrows and Baths‘. Could the Cotswold Way be your next great adventure? To help you decide we’ve put together our Top 10 Highlights on the Cotswold Way. It could easily have been double, it’s such a beautiful trail. Some can be enjoyed as part of your walking day, others will probably require a rest day to fully appreciate them. Chipping Campden Chipping Campden embodies quintessential English charm with its honey-coloured limestone buildings, quaint streets, and rich history. As the starting point of the Cotswold Way, this historic market town captivates visitors with its beauty and cultural significance. At the heart…
Visiting Fort William on the West Highland Way and Great Glen Way
Two of our most popular routes in Scotland, the West Highland Way and the Great Glen Way share one very special location, Fort William. The 95 mile West Highland Way begins in Milngavie near Glasgow and travels alongside Loch Lomond and over Rannoch Moor, reaching its destination in Fort William. The 73 mile Great Glen Way on the other hand sets off from Fort William, and journeys alongside Loch Lochy and Loch Ness following the geological fault line through to Inverness. Many walkers choose to combine these two great routes creating a magnificent 168 mile tour of the Highlands. Whether choosing one of these routes or combining both our walkers frequently request a rest day in Fort William, either to fit in some extra outdoor or cultural activities, or simply to soak up the serene atmosphere of this delightful corner of Scotland. Let’s learn a little bit more about Fort William shall we? Fort William, nestled beneath Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, is the largest ‘town’ in the Highlands, only the city of Inverness, the end point of the Great Glen Way, has a larger population. Located at the head of Loch Linnhe it’s perfectly placed as a gateway to…
Reasons to walk the Cleveland Way
The Cleveland Way has established itself as a firm favourite with Mickledore walkers. One of England’s original National Trails, this delightful 109 mile route runs from Helmsley, on the southern edge of the North York Moors, up to Saltburn-by-the-Sea, before making its way down the North Yorkshire coast to Filey. It’s an enchanting journey through two very distinct types of landscape – wild moorland and rugged clifftops. Here we take a look at just a few of the elements that will ensure that time spent walking the Cleveland Way will prove an enriching and rewarding experience. A Rich History The Cleveland Way begins in the charming market town of Helmsley with its medieval castle dominating the skyline. You can explore the castle’s magnificent walls and immerse yourself in the tales of its historical significance, particularly its role in the English Civil War. Throughout the Cleveland Way you will encounter remnants of ancient times such as the impressive ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, an eloquent testimony to the once-flourishing power of medieval monasticism. The haunting beauty of Whitby Abbey, perched on the cliffs overlooking the town, invokes a sense of awe and mystery. This stunning gothic abbey served as inspiration for Bram…
Monika and Aggie Explore the Norfolk Coast Path
I recently walked part of the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path with my sister Aggie. It’s becoming a bit of a theme to do a coastal walk every time we get a chance to go on a Fam Trip, as I’ve previously done part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path in Wales and the Fife Coastal Path in Scotland. I’ve never been to Norfolk before, so I thought why not explore a new area. We decided to walk the coastal section from Hunstanton to Cromer preceded with a day walking from Great Massingham to Hunstanton, just so we could get a taster of the Peddars Way. Day 1: Great Massingham to Hunstanton Today was going to be the longest day of our trip at just over 17 miles. After a hearty breakfast we set off from our accommodation in the pretty village of Great Massingham, which is located about a mile from the trail. Soon we were on the straight, grassy track along an old Roman Road, which occasionally just crossed quiet B roads. The track passed many pig farms and was lined either side with bushes full of blackberries, sloes, rosehips, sea buckthorns and loads more. Today’s walk was…