Exploring the King Charles III England Coast Path
England’s coastline is quietly compelling, don’t you think? Not in a dramatic, headline-grabbing sense, but in its sheer variety. Wide estuaries that open and close with the tide. Low, shifting marshes. Long sandy bays that seem to stretch on indefinitely. And, in places, cliffs that rise abruptly from the sea, weathered and reshaped with each passing year. For generations, walking the coast has meant dipping in and out of it. A stretch here, a favourite section there. Beautiful in isolation, but rarely connected into something larger. That has now changed. Last week, King Charles III formally inaugurated the King Charles III England Coast Path – a continuous walking route tracing the entire shoreline of England. At almost 2,700 miles, it is the longest managed coastal walking route in the world, but its significance lies less in its length and more in what it makes possible. For the first time, it allows you to reach the sea almost anywhere in England, turn left or right, and simply keep walking. A Path Twenty Years in the Making The path itself is not entirely new. Much of it follows well-established trails and familiar coastal routes, but over the past two decades these have…
Trail Talk: Mark on the South Downs Way
Earlier this year, Mark walked a beautiful section of the South Downs Way with his daughter Eb, taking in its rolling hills, big skies, and charming villages. He recently sat down with us to share his experiences, from favourite stretches of the trail and memorable stops along the way to reflections on the landscapes that make this long-distance trail so special. In your blog, Notes from the South Downs Way, you said you were drawn to the mild climate and the rolling arable landscapes you’d encountered on a previous visit to the South Downs. Would you like to expand on that? So, I’ve been living in the Lakes for 15 years now, and for the most part, it’s a good place to be. If I were to have one small criticism, other than the rain – but then I suppose those lakes won’t fill themselves – it can, at times, feel a little enclosed. Towering fells standing guard over you, a lot of time spent in the shade, and much of a muchness in terms of the colour palette. Listen, you don’t have to go all the way to the south of England to enjoy spacious arable farmland. Simply travel…
Our Top 10 Walking Holidays for 2026
With so many walking holidays to choose from it can be tricky to know where to start. Whether you’re a first-time walker, looking for the perfect introduction, or a seasoned long-distance explorer adding to your list, sometimes the best way to discover what you love is to sample the tried and tested favourites, the people’s choice if you like. The ten walks featured here are shaping up to be our most popular picks for 2026, offering a fantastic mix of landscapes, experiences, and challenges. From the wild moorlands of northern England, to the gentle rolling hills of the South Downs and Cotswolds, the dramatic Highlands of Scotland, the stunning coastline of Wales, the charm of Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula, and the sun-drenched shores of Jersey, there’s something here for every taste. Each route has its own character, history, and scenery, offering a little taste of the very best of its region. Walkers will find panoramic views, historic towns, charming villages, wildlife-rich habitats, and opportunities to explore both cultural heritage and natural beauty. These ten walks, featured simply in alphabetical order, are the kind that leave you with memories to savour long after you’re back home, and they may just help you…
Complete Guide to the South Downs Way: The Best of Sussex and Hampshire
Stretching across the rolling chalk hills of Hampshire and Sussex, the South Downs Way is a journey through some of the most picturesque and historic landscapes in the country. Running for 100 miles from the historic cathedral city of Winchester to the seaside town of Eastbourne, this stunning National Trail offers a perfect blend of sweeping countryside views, ancient woodlands, and dramatic coastline. Walkers encounter centuries of history along the way, from Iron Age hill forts to medieval villages, while the route’s gentle gradients and well-maintained paths make it an accessible adventure for all walkers with a reasonable level of fitness. Whether you’re drawn to the promise of uninterrupted views over the English Channel, the chance to spot rare wildlife, or simply the joy of walking in peaceful, unspoiled surroundings, the South Downs Way is sure to impress. Distance and Terrain We offer four walking holidays on the South Downs Way, allowing you to experience this stunning trail at a pace that suits you. Our full 104 mile route from Winchester to Eastbourne can be completed in anything from six to nine days. If you prefer a shorter adventure, we also offer holidays covering the eastern and western sections. The…
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…
Best Views in the UK & Ireland
If you’re looking for a little inspiration for your next walking holiday, then help is at hand. Here we showcase what we believe are ten of the very best views in the UK & Ireland. The wonderful thing about them is they can all be enjoyed on one of our walking holidays. We’re sure you’ll agree, they’re all magnificent. The question is – which will you visit first? Buachaille Etive Mòr | West Highland Way Buachaille Etive Mòr is one of the most recognisable mountains in Scotland. Once seen, the image will live long in the memory of the walker. It’s pyramid like silhouette is best viewed from the iconic Kingshouse Hotel, a favourite stopover on the West Highland Way. Learn more about the West Highland Way Durdle Door | Dorset Coast Path One of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks is Durdle Door. Standing about 200 feet above sea level the natural limestone arch is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Learn more about the Dorset Coast Path Loch Ness | Great Glen Way At 23 miles long, Loch Ness is deeper than the North Sea and holds more water than all the lakes in England and…
Uncovering UK History on Walking Holidays
There is Nothing Like Being There There are some beautiful history books out there, some stunning documentaries and artwork that can evoke a sense of wonder, terror or nostalgia, but there is nothing that exhilarates the history buff quite as vividly as actually setting foot on the places where historical events actually happened. Walking is perhaps the best way to take in historical landscapes and sites because, for most of history, that is the way most people would have experienced them, up close and personal. If you want to ponder the world of Stone Age migrants; imagine what it would have been like to be a Roman soldier from the far south, posted on a cold wall at the Scottish borders; or plod the regular route of a towpath worker along the Thames, the best way to experience it is on foot. Area, or Era? There are a lot of walks based on particular areas of natural beauty, and beautiful scenery is often the main consideration for people choosing where to walk. Many routes have a variety of historical points of interest which span wide-ranging periods of time. The walks that are right for you are best chosen with a…
Barley Fields, Beacons and Butterflies
This article was written by Sue Williams during her time with Mickledore and reflects her first-hand experience of the route. I recently walked the South Downs Way with the aim of enhancing my knowledge of the route as well as getting to know a handful of our fabulous accommodation providers. I was joined on the walk by my husband Mike. Day 1, Winchester to Exton We arrived in Winchester last night to find the city buzzing with life. It was the HAT fair weekend when there are many artists providing different kinds of free outdoor and street entertainment. There was a great atmosphere. This morning, after a fabulous breakfast at our accommodation, we headed to City Mill for the official marker at the start of the trail. Following the river and a lane we left the city, crossing the M3 motorway and entering the countryside. Today’s walking was often on tracks and quiet lanes. We passed through several short sections of woodland. Very welcome shade as it was a warm day. The fields of Barley we passed through are golden and looking down into the Meon Valley from Beacon Hill the grassy fields there were still green despite all the…