CREDIT: DIANA JARVIS
Easy Walking Holidays in the UK's National Forest
Relaxed self-guided walking holidays, for those that like to relax and enjoy the journey
Welcome to our easy walking holidays in the National Forest! Indulge in a gentle, self-guided walking holiday, with plenty of luxury touches along the way. Our low-mileage walking holidays allow you to savour the beauty of the English countryside, at a leisurely pace, with plenty of time to enjoy the journey and many sights along the way.
Suitable for beginners - easy walking holidays in lovely English countryside
The National Forest is the perfect destination for beginners or those seeking a gentle self-guided walking holiday, in lovely countryside. Whilst there are some hills along the way, the landscape generally offers easy walking. You might need to stop for 5 minutes to admire the view and get your breath back, but you won't need a head for heights.
An easy walking holiday doesn't mean boring. The National Forest landscape offers a rich variety of paths, through peaceful woodland and expansive parkland, alongside rivers and canals and through traditional meadows and fields. Most paths are well marked and you won't be walking over open moorland nor mountains, so no technical map reading skills are required.
We provide detailed turn-by-turn instructions, maps, and GPS files to make finding the way easy and stress-free. The region is dotted with small communities and towns, so you're never far from civilisation, should you take a wrong turn.
Leisurely walking – enjoy your walking holiday at your own pace
Our easy walking holidays are designed to be enjoyable and achievable, with plenty of time to explore, relax and savour the experience. Typically you will walk around 6 – 8 miles each day, often with the option of short cuts or additional diversions, depending on your energy levels. Travel slow and unwind as you listen to the birds, sit and admire the countryside, take in the sights, linger over lunch and discover the local way of life.
For an even more relaxing walking experience, enjoy a 2nd night in some locations. Use the rest day to do a shorter local walk, explore locally, try a new experience or simply unwind at a luxury spa. We understand that everyone has their own preferences when it comes to walking distance and specialise in creating bespoke walking holidays. Please let us know if you would like to walk further or less distance each day.
What can I expect on a gentle self-guided walking holiday?
A self-guided walking holiday gives you the independence to walk at your own pace, without having to keep up with, or wait for, a group.
We take care of all the details so you can appreciate your holiday. There's no need to design your own route - we provide detailed turn by turn instructions every day, as well as a map and GPS file to use in your own navigation app, if you use one. Your daily notes act like having a private guide with you, including tips on our favourite places to stop along the way and more information about the route and attractions.
We think fabulous accommodation is essential at the end of a day's walking, The price of your walking holiday includes lovely en-suite accommodation, on a bed and breakfast basis. From award winning bed and breakfasts, to luxurious country houses and spa hotels, each is carefully selected for comfort, service and location. There's always somewhere close by to enjoy a lovely meal. Plan ahead and you could even enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants in the area.
Concierge Service – local expertise and on-hand assistance
We live locally and are always on hand, should you need some extra advice or assistance. Our bespoke walking holidays can be tailored to your needs. Just let us know, if you'd like to walk further or less distance each day.
Daily luggage transfer ensures that you can travel light each day and focus on enjoying your walk.
Choose your easy self-guided walking holiday
Ready to experience the beauty of the National Forest at a gentle pace? Explore our selection of walking holidays and find your perfect holiday today. Alternatively, contact us with your requirements and let us recommend a walking holiday for you. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
CREDIT: DIANA JARVIS
Brilliant short break, Loved the route through the woods.
Will
Explore South Derbyshire
Exploring a less discovered part of Derbyshire, with its beautiful unspoiled and varied countryside.
Garden lovers will enjoy visits to Melbourne Hall and Calke Abbey gardens.
Beer lovers are spoiled for choice at the local craft breweries.
Relaxing with a picnic along the banks of the River Trent.
Listening to the bellows of the deer rutting in autumn.
Watching the hidden Noon Column strike true noon on a sunny day.
The Other Derbyshire
Taking your time to listen to the birds, as you idle along the banks of the River Trent, past the Anchor Church sandstone caves.
A peaceful picnic watching the hidden oak noon column strike true noon.
Exploring the wonderful gardens of Calke Abbey and Melbourne Hall along the way.
A refreshing craft ale at the sunny beer garden near Calke.
The artisan craftsmen at De Ferrers Courtyard at Staunton Harold. The unspoilt views.
Charnwood Rambler
Enjoying a ride on the heritage Great Central Railway.
Admiring the far reaching views from the craggy summit of Beacon Hill.
Sampling the local beer and cider – there's even a local vineyard.
The wonderful accommodation, where you will even enjoy your own snug.
Fabulous countryside, including the magnificent Bradgate Park, where you will find herds of wild deer.
We loved it all. What a brilliant holiday we’ve had. Sue and Alan offer fantastic service nothing was too much trouble. I’d love to do it all over again.
Sarah
Free luggage transfer
We carry the bags for you.
We transfer your luggage every morning to your next hotel. We just ask you to keep the weight down to around 15kg per bag, so that they are not too heavy for staff to lift.
A holiday to suit you
As a small independent company we work hard to create your perfect holiday.
Routes, distances, number of nights, accommodation can all be adapted to suit you.
Please contact us to discuss your personal requirements for your perfect holiday or take a look at our FAQ.
Easy to follow routes
All our holidays are self-guided. Travel at your own pace and enjoy the journey.
We provide a comprehensive Holiday Guide Book for your National Forest cycling tour. This includes detailed instructions and suggestions on what to see and do every day. We even provide information on places to enjoy lunch or a piece of cake each day.
In the Heart of England
Crossing Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire, the National Forest is at the centre of England, making it very easy to reach. As an award winning Green business, we offer a 5% discount to guests arriving by public transport. The region enjoys excellent rail links and we can adapt your walking or EBike holiday to start from the easiest train station.
Learn more about travelling to the National Forest to begin your luxury walking or cycling holiday.
Getting to the National Forest from overseas
Situated in the heart of England, the region is easy to access from many of England's international airports. Birmingham and East Midlands airports are less than 30 minutes from the National Forest. We hold a Gold award for Green Tourism and offer a 5% discount to guests to arriving by public transport.
Learn more about travelling to the National Forest to begin your luxury walking or cycling holiday.
Award Winning Self-Guided Walking Holidays
A small family business, we specialise in offering luxury self-guided walking and EBike holidays in and around the UK's National Forest.
We're proud to have been awarded a Gold award from Green Tourism, as well as the Leicestershire Tourism 2022 award for Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable tourism.
We look forward to planning your perfect walking holiday. Get in touch to discuss your unique needs. Including dog-friendly, single centre, accessible, or stile-free walking break.
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