With the cost-of-living spiralling here in the UK to its highest level (in real money terms), the idea of holidaying abroad is, for many, no longer practical. Lots of people are now planning to holiday here, and why not? We have some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, and you can design an affordable holiday in many ways. Take cheap walking holidays, for example.
Walking Dartmoor
The West Country is a haven of moorlands, including Exmoor, Dartmoor, and Bodmin Moor. Each has its unique characteristics and affords holidaymakers some great natural walking opportunities. Take Dartmoor as an example.
The stunning landscape of Dartmoor is breathtakingly beautiful at any time of year — sweeping moorlands, deep river valleys, over 160 rocky, craggy granite tors, and a wealth of beautiful and unique wildlife, including the famous Dartmoor Pony, the symbol emblazoned on the Dartmoor National Park Logo.
Tor walking is one of the most popular cheap walking holiday events in Dartmoor National Park. But it is a serious business, and the weather can change almost in the blink of an eye. So remember to prepare properly for if and when it does.
The two highest tors in Dartmoor and the whole of southern England are High Willhays and Yes Tor, standing at 621 metres above sea level. Another great walk is to Fur Tor, the most remote of Dartmoor’s tors. You need to be a seasoned walker for this one, but the views when you arrive are sensational and well worth the effort.
Dartmoor National Park stretches from Crediton in the north to Ivybridge in the south and from Chudleigh on the east to Lifton in the west. A beautiful Belvilla holiday rental in Tiverton is just a 30-minute drive and sets you in an ideal location for exploring the moor and its tors on cheap walking holidays.
Bradford and Cycling the Pennine Bridleway
When most people think about Bradford, their minds automatically turn to Indian curry, and with good reason too. It is, after all, the current reigning curry capital of the UK. But if you can stop your mouth watering for a moment, turn your mind to cycling, and riding the Pennine Bridleway in particular. Not only will you experience the amazing landscape of the Pennines, but it’s also a great way of working up your appetite for an Indian feast.
The Pennines are known as the backbone of England. You can take your trusty mountain bike and follow ancient packhorse trails, old cattle drovers’ roads, and more recently created bridleways to enjoy a cycling holiday in the UK you’ll never forget.
The full extent of the Pennine Bridleway (not to be confused with the Pennine Way) is 205 miles, but there are shorter loops and walks ideal for day trips. Explore the 10-mile Settle Loop with its awesome limestone landscape and take in the views of Attermire Scar, Malham Tar, and Yorkshire’s Three Peaks. On your return, stop at Ye Olde Naked Man Café in the marketplace in Settle. You’re unlikely to see a full frontal, though — just as well as you wouldn’t want to be put off the delicious home-cooked food the café offers.
After you’ve spent a day cycling or walking, you can retire to a delightful and tastefully decorated Belvilla holiday studio, the perfect place to stay for budget walking holidays in the UK.
Walking the Brecon Beacons
The Brecon Beacons National Park is one of THE places for great walking holidays in the UK. Its network of caves, the high peaks of Pen y Fan (886 metres above sea level), and Cribyn, where the landscape is a must-see, are not to be missed. As well as cheap holiday countryside walks, where you can test your strength and stamina as far as you want to push it, you can also explore the gentler side of walking by meandering down the Brecon Poetry Trail in the ancient market town of Brecon, linked to the many myths and legends of magical, mystical, Wales.
It only takes around an hour to wander along the trail staring at the Theatr Brycheiniog canal basin, then heading up Danygaer Street and along the banks of the river Usk. There are so many walks you can take, suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
The Beacons are not only ideal for cheap holidays and country walking, but they are also perfect for stargazing at night. Thanks to its dark night skies without light pollution and the clean air, on a clear night, you’ll be able to gaze up at constellations, nebulas, and the Milky Way — and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a rare meteor shower.
Whatever you’ve filled your day with here in the Brecon Beacons, it’s only a short drive back to your Belvilla deluxe holiday home rental in the town of Ceredigion. The perfect place to recoup and gather your strength for the next day’s activities — ideal for walking holiday UK breaks.