Walking Great Britain

Britain’s longest established walking holidays operator has just launched its 2008 programme under its new banner, Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. The operator, which has been synonymous with some of the finest walking holidays throughout the UK for 61 years, has added some exciting new tours to its extensive portfolio.

These include:

ST CUTHBERT’S WAY, NORTHUMBERLAND

This 55-mile hike along St Cuthbert’s Way, stretches from Melrose on the Scottish Borders to mystical Lindisfarne – the Holy Island.

The route was inspired by the 7th century Celtic saint, St Cuthbert, who was called to the ministry at Melrose in AD650 and ultimately became Bishop of Lindisfarne. Famous for his quiet contemplation and appreciation of the natural world, which is so evident on walking through this beautiful area.

The route takes in places associated with Cuthbert following footpaths, tracks and quiet country lanes.

Highlights of the walk include, a visit to the old Abbey at Melrose, the Eildon Hills, the Rivers Tweed and Teviot, Roman Dere Street, Cheviot Hills (with panoramic views over the Northumberland National Park) and the border between Scotland and England.

The ‘base’ is ‘The Tankerville Arms’- a former 17th Century inn – ten minutes from the centre of Wooler in Nothumberland. Comfortable, modern facilities, excellent local food and friendly staff.

Price £ 639 includes half board accommodation, picnic lunches on days including a guided walk, transfers to and from trailheads, if necessary and the services of a tour leader.

Nearest railway and bus stations: Berwick-upon-Tweed

WALKING GREAT BRITAIN, BEDDGELERT, SNOWDONIA, WALES

Named after the grave of the faithful dog of Prince Llewellyn the Great, the village of Beddgelert has some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery in Britain.

Set in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park, this is the wild country where Llewellyn retreated in 1277 following Edward I’s attempt to seize these western lands for the English crown.

Highlights of this walk include Snowdon (Wales’ tallest mountain), peaks like Moel Hebog and atmospheric hill tarns like Llyn Edno.

The ‘base’ is the characterful ‘Royal Goat Hotel’ in Beddgelert, which is surrounded by glorious countryside and has spacious rooms with a fine reputation for its food and wine.

Price from £221 for three nights to £369 for five nights (£279 for four nights) includes half board accommodation, picnic lunches on days including a guided walk, transfers to and from trailheads, if necessary and the services of a tour leader.

Nearest mainline railway and bus station: Porthmadog (6 miles)

ROB ROY’S SCOTLAND, TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK, SCOTLAND

Situated halfway between historic Stirling and Glasgow, we’re based at Gartmore in the heart of the dramatic Trossachs National Park.

Described as the Highlands in miniature, this wild country exudes all the history, and traditions of Rob Roy MacGregor’s Scotland.

Highlights of this magnificent walk include, the West Highland and Rob Roy Ways with hill, forest and loch side walks; magnificent views from summits like Ben An and Ben Lomond; the Queen Elizabeth Forest and Lochs Katrine and Lomond where one can combine walks with a lake steamer ride.

The ‘base’ for this adventure is ‘Gartmore House’ – a magnificent 18th century mansion in rolling farmland with spectacular views from every window to the hills and mountains. Some stretch as far as Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument and Lake Mentieth.
Price from £206 for three nights to £469 for a week’s holiday includes half board accommodation, picnic lunches on days including a guided walk, transfers to and from trailheads, if necessary and the services of a tour leader.

Nearest bus and railway stations : Stirling (18 miles) and Glasgow (20 miles)
Nearest airports: Glasgow and Edinburgh

WALKING GREAT BRITAIN, LAND’S END AND CAPE CORNWALL

Four especially structured walks take in the magnificent coastal scenery and rich heritage from magical Penzance to St Ives.

This stunning route, with its dramatic cliffs, old mine workings, remote lighthouses, fishing villages with tiny harbours, narrow cobbled streets and magnificent land and seascapes is split into four daily hikes.

These are, Penzance (with its rich piratical history) to Porthcurno; Porthcurno to Cape Cornwall; Cape Cornwall to Gurnard’s Head and finally to St Ives – with time to enjoy this attractive town at the journey’s end.

The ‘base’ for this walk is ‘The Queen’s Hotel’, Penzance – a family owned property commanding spectacular views across the bay to St Michael’s Mount and The Lizard.

Price £449 includes half board accommodation, (picnic lunches are included on two days), transfers to and from trailheads, if necessary and the services of a tour leader.

Nearest railway and bus stations: Penzance

FAMILY TREASURE HUNT, LAKE DISTRICT

Based on Hassness House in the spectacular Lake District, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays has introduced a new treasure hunt for the whole family.

This involves a series of half day mystery walks with devilish clues en route.

Nothing too strenuous and a Ramblers Countrywide Holidays leader will be on hand to make sure you don’t put a foot wrong! Price on request.

For more information, visit Ramblerscountrywide.co.uk.