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Walking Holidays in Southern England

Home | Walking Holidays | Southern England

Walking in Southern England invites you to immerse yourself in some of the most scenic and varied landscapes the UK has to offer.

From peaceful country lanes and charming villages to dramatic chalk cliffs, this region has something for every kind of walker. Discover ancient woodlands, historic landmarks, and rolling hills as you explore iconic routes through the likes of the Cotswolds, South Downs and the Chiltern Hills. Along the way, uncover centuries of history, from Bronze Age sites to the enduring flow of the Thames River.

These walks are rich in stories and scenery, creating memories that will remain long after your boots come off.

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Cotswold Round

A delightful journey over gentle hills and through charming stone villages accompanied by the sight of wildflowers and the sound of birdsong.
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Length: 5 – 8 nights
Full route length: 59 miles / 95 km
Shortest route length: 45 miles / 73 km
Average grade: Easy to Moderate
Why do this walk:

Walk in England’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Visit Belas Knap, one of Britain’s finest Neolithic long barrows.

Enjoy panoramic views from Cleeve Common and Broadway Hill.

Admire the incredible architecture of the wool churches.

Enjoy nature reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Cotswold Way

A scenic trail through the heart of the Cotswolds, passing honey-coloured villages, rolling countryside, and historic hilltop viewpoints.
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Length: 6 – 12 nights
Full route length: 100 miles / 161 km
Shortest route length: 47 miles / 76 km
Average grade: Easy to Moderate
Why do this walk:

Sublime scenery, from gently rolling countryside to quintessentially English villages

Encounter Neolithic Burial Barrows, ancient abbeys, and stately homes.

Spot wildflowers, butterflies, and birds in this protected AONB.

Enjoy ever-changing views over the Severn Valley and the Malvern Hills.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath with its Roman remains.

Isle of Wight Coastal Path

Explore a diverse island landscape, from heather-clad cliffs and chalky ridges to golden sandy bays and peaceful coastal paths.
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Length: 5 – 8 nights
Full route length: 78 miles / 126 km
Average grade: Moderate
Why do this walk:

The island is designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Marvel at the iconic chalk edge ‘The Needles’ with its 33-metre-high lighthouse.

Stride out over the whale-backed ridge of Tennyson Down.

More than half the island is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Isle of Wight enjoys more sunshine than some parts of Spain.

Peddars Way and North Norfolk Coast Path

Follow the ancient Peddars Way before reaching the Norfolk coast, where Victorian seaside towns, sweeping beaches, and bird-rich nature reserves await.
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Length: 4 -10 nights
Full route length: 93 miles / 149 km
Shortest route length: 45 miles / 72 km
Average grade: Easy to Moderate
Why do this walk:

An ancient route steeped in history, from Roman roads to medieval pilgrimage trails.

Spot seals, wading birds, and a wealth of wildlife along this unspoilt coastline.

Discover historic villages, medieval churches, and the ruins of Castle Acre Priory.

Spot a variety of birdlife on Brettenham Heath, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Enjoy the tranquillity of a quieter, less-travelled National Trail.

South Downs Way

Walk west to east along the rolling chalk downlands of England’s newest national park, with panoramic views and historic villages along the way.
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Length: 3 – 10 nights
Full route length: 104 miles / 167 km
Shortest route length: 19 miles / 31 km
Average grade: Moderate
Why do this walk:

Walk from Winchester to Eastbourne through England’s newest National Park.

Follow ancient trails used since the Stone Age by travellers and traders.

Explore picturesque villages, Iron Age hill forts, and historic landmarks.

Admire the dramatic chalk formations of The Devil’s Dyke and Seven Sisters.

Enjoy the solitude and beauty of southern England’s tranquil landscapes.

Thames Path

A gentle, easy-to-follow route through ever-changing scenery, from rural landscapes and historic towns and villages to the heart of London.
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Length: 3 – 21 nights
Full route length: 185 miles / 298 km
Shortest route length: 27 miles / 44 km
Average grade: Easy to Moderate
Why do this walk:

Enjoy easy-to-follow gentle walking through idyllic rural landscapes.

Experience the peaceful beauty of water meadows, nature reserves, and iconic locks.

Explore historic towns such as Abingdon, Marlow, and Richmond upon Thames.

Visit local landmarks, including the spires of Oxford, Windsor Castle, and Kew Gardens.

Follow in the footsteps of history along a trail that once served as a vital trading route.

The Ridgeway

A journey through two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, following ancient tracks across the North Wessex Downs and the wooded Chiltern Hills.
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Length: 4 – 10 nights
Full route length: 91 miles / 147 km
Shortest route length: 42 miles / 68 km
Average grade: Easy to Moderate
Why do this walk:

Soak up 5,000 years of history on Britain’s oldest road.

Walk within two designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Enjoy far reaching views from the North Wessex chalk downs.

Visit an array of Iron Age hill forts, long barrows, and stone circles.

Enjoy a delightful patchwork of woodlands around the Chiltern Hills.