There are great walks in England and in this blog I want to share some nice locations with you. In June I spent a week in the Lake District and in August I spent a few days in Northumberland, Yorkshire Moors and the Peak District.
Lake District
Coniston, Cumbrian Way
We arrive at the campsite in Coniston via a very narrow road.
We are parked on the Cumbrian Way hiking trail and first take a walk along this famous trail. A flat walk to Coniston Water, a good start!
The Old Man of Coniston
The next day we do a more challenging walk, to the Old Man!
From the campsite in Coniston we walk up the hill to the Old Man of Coniston at an altitude of 800 metres. The locals say: the old man ‘constantly watches’ you as you climb up. We pass a lake with a beautiful waterfall, wow it’s an amazing walk already!
I meet a group of men who go hiking in the mountains together every month, unique! When we reach the top it is foggy and there is a fresh wind. The 7 men also join me for lunch in a sheltered spot.
I walk down to Coniston village via a different path. It is a stunning route along a clear mountain lake. Leo usually walks ahead and is waiting for me downstairs. First have a drink on the terrace in this cozy village and then we return to the campsite along Lake Coniston. In the end we walked 26 km, a great trail!
National Trust Tarn Hows
In Tarn Hows you will find “majestic views and peaceful walks in beautiful countryside,” according to the National Trust website. That sounds like music to my ears!
It is quite a challenge to get to the car park via the narrow B roads (£5 for 2 hours). We first view the waterfall and then walk the route around the lake. It is indeed a very beautiful park, largely landscaped and well maintained.
Coffee with a vegan sausage roll (delicious!) and on we go. The main road is closed and that causes enormous congestion on the narrow B roads. The English are suddenly not so polite anymore 😂
Chapel Stile campsite
A lot of driving on narrow roads and a lot of hassle, I feel a bit nervous when I arrive at the campsite. But there I meet 2 lovely English women, Sharon and Kate. We have a nice chat and also make a campfire, that makes me happy again!
The campsite is within walking distance of the 17th century Slater’s Bridge and the Cathedral Cave! Great, I wanted to go there yesterday, but it is easier to visit these places on foot instead of driving a wide camper van.
You can climb all the way up via the path at the cave, Leo is already on his way, but I think the boulders are a bit too big…
Grasmere hike
Today the Grasmere hike is planned, a walking route from the Komoot app. From Chapel Stile I take a fairly steep path up. At an altitude of approximately 350 meters we walk over rolling fields with some sheep. The view of the lakes is phenomenal!
Grasmere is a typical English village, on Grasmere Lake and it has interesting historical sights. That is why it is often visited by tourists. We walk around, take the road back to the campsite and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. It is very quiet at the campsite, where is everyone? Ahh England is playing the European Championship, they’re in the pub!
Northumberland
Northumberland Coast National Park
Walking in the dunes at Northumberland Coast National Park, fantastic! Leo can run freely during the entire walk. We are enjoying the sunny weather, because we have just come from Scotland, where it is a little colder and wetter. The cows here are completely black.
I park for the night in the village of Milfield next to a small historical open-air museum, including this tree circle. And there is also a lot of grass, great for walking the dog.
St. Cuthbert’s Way
We walk part of St. Cuthbert’s Way near Wooler. This 100 km (62.5 mi) cross-border route bridges the national border between Scotland and England. A vast landscape with heathland and sheep.
The Hilfort Trail
Today we walk in the Breamish Valley, The Hillfort Trail.
First uphill, then a view of the green valley, colorful heathlands and lots of ferns.
Yorkshire Moors National Park
I drive to Osmotherly in Yorkshire Moors National Park in about 2 hours. An authentic village where I find a nice campsite nearby. The village is definitely worth a visit!
Today we walk part of The Cleveland Way. Climb up the mountain again and then enjoy the view of the valley, I love it! The parking lot for this trail is in the middle of the nature reserve and you can also spend the night here. Let’s do that!
Peak District
Hamlet Over Haddon
We travel on to the Peak District. After more than 2 hours of driving we reach Camping Mandale in Over Haddon.
Unfortunately, I can only stay one night at the campsite because the weekend is fully booked everywhere. Okay, that’s something to keep in mind from now on.
The walking route starts 100 meters from the campsite. We first descend to the river and then walk a nice stretch along the river. I meet a lot of people here, the sun is shining and everyone is up for a chat and wants to pet Leo 🥰
Bakewell
In Bakewell we do the Monsal Trail. Trains ran here between 1863 and 1968! This Midland Railway railway line connected London with Manchester. And now you can walk, cycle and ride horses on this trail.
Our last stop in the Peak District, or actually just outside the Peak District, is in Cromford, where I find a nice place to spend the night. The camper neighbors are very friendly here, I meet Maria and her daughter. After a lot of chatting, Leo and I finally go for a walk, a nice walk along the river.
Canterbury, bye bye England
Canterbury is a cool city! We take the free bus from park & ride and wander around the city. Wow what a big cathedral!
Then it is time to go to the ferry in Dover. Our 3.5 month tour in the UK and Ireland has come to an end. Leo and I really enjoyed it and will definitely come back!
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