6 Stunning Walking Holidays with Premium Accommodation
Boots laced, lunch packed and an early morning start in the great outdoors – there is nothing quite like setting off on a trail with the challenge of the walk ahead of you.
With your bags taken care of, you are free to enjoy all the incredible sights and sounds around every turn. At the end of a day of walking, what could be better than to relax at lodgings that offer something a little extra special?
Here at Absolute Escapes, we are proud to work with a wonderful range of B&Bs, guest houses and small hotels – many of which are locally owned and operated by people who have a genuine passion for their region and are keen to share it with you!
We offer a number of walking holidays that are dotted with boutique guesthouses and luxurious hotels. Read on to discover our top trails where you can stay in a hand-picked selection of premium accommodation.
Northumberland Coast Path
On the wild and windswept coast of Northumberland lies a splendid section of the international North Sea Trail. Discover the sweeping beaches and dramatic castles of the Northumberland Coast Path and stay in historic inns and elegant townhouse hotels along the way.
Visit the charming fishing villages of Craster and Amble where you can sample mouth-watering fresh produce and delicious local cuisine. Immerse yourself in the region’s rich and turbulent history at the ancient castles of Dunstanburgh, Lindisfarne and Bamburgh. Birdwatchers and nature lovers are in for a treat, with the chance to visit Coquet Island and the Farne Islands – the most famous bird sanctuaries in the British Isles.
If you’re looking to stay in premium accommodation, the St Valery Boutique B&B is a wonderful hideaway in the bustling market town of Alnwick. With four king-size rooms equipped with Egyptian cotton linen, silk-filled duvets and fluffy towels, it’s the perfect luxurious pit-stop on your coastal walk. We love the beautiful architectural details such as the marbled tiled fireplaces and dark wood floors, not to mention the lavish freestanding bathtubs to soak away the sand between your toes.
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Great Glen Way
Nestled alongside four glorious lochs in the Scottish Highlands, the Great Glen Way offers walkers awe-inspiring scenery of ancient forests and towering mountains as it passes through pretty Highland villages.
Celebrate completing this iconic 73-mile trail with a stay at a boutique hotel in the heart of historic Inverness. Built in 1868, the Heathmount Hotel is an Absolute Escapes favourite, housing eight individually-styled bedrooms from classic chic to four-poster luxury. Raise a toast to your achievements in the candle-lit lounge and bar which offers a wide selection of craft beers and artisan cocktails to sample.
Inverness is also an excellent choice for an extra day on your walking holiday. Discover the romantic ruins of 13th century Urquhart Castle, tour the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail in nearby Speyside, or take a boat trip out on the mysterious Loch Ness – the opportunities for Highland adventures are endless!
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Tour of the Lake District
Deep in the heart of the English Lake District is a route brimming with idyllic valleys, magnificent mountains, waterfalls and historic market towns. Set off on a Tour of the Lake District where you can combine the region’s highlights and hidden gems with stays in lakeside suites and sumptuous country inns.
With a rich mining heritage and an ever-present literary culture, there is more to the Lakes than the breathtaking views. Though, of course, you can’t quite beat the reward of scaling Scarth Gap and descending into the tree-lined shores of Lake Buttermere, or traversing the magnificent peaks of the Helvellyn range between Ullswater, Thirlmere and Grasmere.
Windermere is where the journey begins and ends, with its abundance of excellent restaurants, Lakeland pubs and cosy cafes.
Tucked away towards the lake is Applegarth Villa, a small luxury hotel with some fabulous features including a relaxing sun terrace and suites with a private hot tub. The hotel remains independent and family-run, supporting other local businesses by sourcing regional produce for the exquisite dining menu, and with rooms designed by local interior designer Val Dunn.
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John Muir Way
Stretching 134 miles across the heart of Scotland, the John Muir Way is one the best-serviced of Britain’s coast to coast adventures. With a combination of rural landscapes, canal towpaths and coastal walking, this trail offers a wonderful variety for the long-distance walker. Not to mention many fantastic premium accommodations showcasing the best of Scottish hospitality.
Follow in the footsteps of the legendary John Muir and discover historical and architectural marvels along the way. Highlights include the ruins of Bar Hill Fort on the Roman Antonine Wall, the UNESCO listed Forth Bridges, and the red cliffs of Dunbar where the walk ends at the very birthplace of John Muir.
The recently refurbished Marine Hotel in the seaside town of North Berwick is a landmark of luxury on the East Lothian coast. The hotel overlooks the Firth of Forth and the iconic Bass Rock, offering tastefully decorated rooms with luxurious furnishings and glorious bay windows. The Lawn Restaurant, led by award-winning chef Chris Niven, is the place to discover inventive Scottish cuisine, and the Bass Rock Bar next door provides a wonderful ambience in which to relax and unwind.
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Cotswold Way
Escape to the countryside and discover the quintessentially English Cotswold Way. An official area of outstanding natural beauty, the Cotswold Way is jam-packed with chocolate-box villages lined with thatched-roof houses, undulating hills of gorgeous green countryside, and historic world heritage sites. Treat yourself with stays in charming guest cottages along this glorious long-distance trail.
Culminating in the UNESCO listed city of Bath, the route takes in a number of historic abbeys and picturesque stately homes. Spend an extra day exploring the Roman Baths and the elegant architecture of one of Britain’s oldest cities.
The Queensberry Hotel is one of the most unique places to stay on the trail and the perfect way to end your holiday. From sophisticated classic doubles to luxurious four-poster suites, each room is individually designed and blends classical Georgian features with contemporary design.
Looking for some well-deserved indulgence? Try a gigantic seven-foot square, four-poster bed for the most sumptuous night’s sleep after your walking adventure.
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Guernsey Coastal Path
Last but not least is the dazzling channel island of Guernsey and its spectacular coastal circuit – the Guernsey Coastal Path. From its rugged south coast cliffs to its sweeping beaches lapped with turquoise waves, the island is abundant with stunning scenery. With its unique cultural heritage, there is plenty to explore – as well as some truly exquisite hotels where you can rest and unwind.
Make the most of the short walking distances and cool off with a swim in sparkling waters as you circumnavigate the coastline. Our favourites are the Caribbean-esque Cobo and Pembroke Bay, and the surfers’ paradise at Vazon Bay on the northwest coast. Spend some time exploring old fortresses, discover hidden war-time bunkers, and enjoy golden sunsets at the end of each walking day.
The Fleur du Jardin is one of our favourite boutique hotels on the Island. Originally a 15th-century farmstead, the property became an established dairy farm for the world-famous Guernsey cow – one of which the hotel is named after. Nowadays, it still retains its unique charm amongst the refined elegance of four contemporary rooms and poolside gardens.
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Ready to upgrade your next adventure?
Here at Absolute Escapes, we specialise in planning unforgettable walking holidays in the UK & Ireland. As well as hand-picked accommodation, we can arrange luggage transfers and provide a personalised itinerary with all the information that you will need for your trip.
Get in touch with a travel specialist today to start planning your next adventure.
Happy travels!
Shivani Patel
