2024 Editor's Choice Walking
Best UK hotels for walking and hiking
The Peacock at Rowsley - 'Dine And Stay Package' Special Offer
Rowsley
Circular walks start from the front door of this dog-friendly hotel in the Peak District national park. An off-road route takes in owners Lord and Lady Edward Manners’ Haddon Estate, via the top of Coombs Valley, down the River Wye to Haddon Hall. You can also walk to Chatsworth.
Soar Mill Cove Hotel
Salcombe
Set amid dramatic cliffs, sandy coves and rolling farmland, this hotel is right on the South West Coast Path. You can request a picnic and a doggy bag for your best friend. Prepare to pass through gates, climb over stiles and, where animals graze, follow the canine code.
Kylesku Hotel
Kylesku
Request a picnic, take the dog, and spend a day exploring remote, rugged Assynt from this hotel on the shores of Loch Glendhu. From beach and river walks to munro and mountain challenges as well as the Cape Wrath and Scottish National trails, they have it all figured out for you.
Gregans Castle Hotel
Ballyvaughan
Half-day guided tours of the otherworldly landscape of the Burren are on offer from this 18th-century manor house on the Wild Atlantic Way. Or spot whales and dolphins from the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. Maps and books are available to help you get out and about.
Dolffanog Fawr
Tywyn
An 18th-century farmhouse B&B with views to Tal-y-llyn and Cadair Idris is a fine base from which to explore the Tal-y-llyn valley. Recommended walks include Coed y Brenin Forest Park. Aching limbs are soothed by a hot tub in the garden, spirits revived with a drink from the honesty bar.
The Pig in the Forest
Brockenhurst
Ramblers, hikers and trotters set out to explore ancient woodland from this New Forest hotel. Recommended walks include the Blackwater Tall Trees Trail starting and finishing at Rhinefield Ornamental Drive. When it rains there are wellies to borrow, and at acorn time you may see free-ranging pigs.
The Grasmere Hotel
Grasmere
After a full Cumbrian breakfast you might take a circular walk around Easedale Tarn or Rydal Water from this Victorian country house. The energetic head for the hills and tackle Stone Arthur, Nab Scar, Heron Pike and Great Rigg in the footsteps of Wainwright, returning for tea by the fire.
Cambridge House
Reeth
After a breakfast for champions, your hosts can supply a packed lunch, route cards and local knowledge when you set out to explore Swaledale from their B&B on Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk and the Herriot Way. They have a boot store, drying facilities, a cosy lounge with log-burner.
The Three Blackbirds
Newmarket
Heath and fen, woods and farmland surround a picturesque village where this thatched pub is set. A seven-mile walk along Devil’s Dyke, and a circular Studland Stomp route are recommended. Or take a short drive to Thetford Forest and pick up walking trails.
The Baron At Bucknell
Knighton
Ten planned circular walks in the Shropshire hills and through woodland, for varying ambitions and abilities, start and end at the door of this outstanding village pub. Book a garden room and soak in a private hot tub on your return or take a dip in the natural swimming pond.
2023 Editor's Choice Walking
Best UK hotels for walking and hiking
The Traddock
Austwick
Walking guides and maps are available at this traditional country house, and the staff know the local area backwards. The Dales are on the doorstep; the Forest of Bowland is only a mile away, and there are circular walks from the doorstep exploring the nearby ‘limestone country’ of Crummackdale.
The Rose & Crown - 'Summer Escape' Special Offer
Barnard Castle
Step out from this country inn into the walking country of Teesdale. The hotel recommends routes along the River Tees to see High Force, one of England’s most spectacular waterfalls, and across nearby fells such as Cronkley and Widdybank, as well as through Hamsterley forest. They’ll send you off with maps and a packed lunch.
The Peacock at Rowsley - 'Dine And Stay Package' Special Offer
Rowsley
This 17th-century manor house is set in excellent walking country, and the hotel recommends circular routes, such as a six-mile walk taking in Stanton Moor, and one taking in the Haddon Estate. Return to the brick-and-beamed bar, and a triple AA-rosette restaurant.
Cedar Manor
Windermere
This Victorian villa near Lake Windermere helpfully recommends gentle ambles along with the tougher stuff. Follow the Riverside Walk along the River Brathay past Skelwith Force waterfall, or the Coffin Road, which takes in the boutiques and cafés of Grasmere. Revive yourself with one of Cedar Manor’s delicious afternoon teas.
The White Horse
Brancaster Staithe
Explore the marshland and sandy coast of north Norfolk, with its vast skies and teeming bird life, from the doorstep of this pub-with-rooms. Brancaster beach and Scolt Head Island National Nature Reserve are a stone’s throw away. Return to a glass of sparkling Nyetimber in the Marshside bar.
Biggin Hall
Buxton
Guests love this Derbyshire hotel in a 17th-century house for its comfortable rooms, attentive service, and excellent food in the oak-beamed dining room. Set off from the doorstep (with a packed lunch) along Wolfscote Dale – ‘one of the most beautiful walks in the Peak District’, a reader writes.
Leathes Head Hotel
Keswick
Situated in perhaps the most picturesque valley in the Lake District, this Edwardian country house recommends the ten-mile walk around Derwentwater, the lakeshore stroll from Hawes End to Lodore Falls, or the more strenuous hike to the top of Catbells. You can take maps and a packed lunch.
Dolffanog Fawr
Tywyn
This gloriously located Snowdonia B&B has walks to suit everyone. Take the four and a half mile route around the peak of Moel Cynwch above the Mawddach valley, for example, the various pathways along Cader Idris, or the rather more challenging and less explored Tarren Hills.
The Rock Inn
Newton Abbot
There is no shortage of gorgeous walks through varied terrain to take from this hotel in Dartmoor National Park. Staff will recommend routes from the doorstep, such as the delightful ‘bluebell walk’ in spring. Return to a pint of Dartmoor IPA in in the bar with its log fire.
The Colintraive Hotel
Colintraive
There is little traffic at this inn on a no-through road, on the coast of the Kyles of Bute. Walk the coast along the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way; hikers can tackle Munros a short drive away. Return to the warming bar and chef Joe Burnett’s locally sourced menus.
2022 Editor's Choice Walking
Best UK hotels for walking and hiking
The Gurnard’s Head
St Ives
Follow the coastal path in either direction from this dog-friendly pub. Head west to Land’s End, past Botallack tin mine, of Poldark fame, or hike for four hours in the other direction to St Ives before returning to the comfort of the inn.
The Castle Hotel
Bishop's Castle
On the Shropshire Way, and close to the Offa’s Dyke Path, The Castle makes a superb base for walkers. It has drying and boot-cleaning facilities and can supply packed lunches as well as details of scenic walks right from the hotel door.
Lastingham Grange
Lastingham
After a day on the North York Moors, return to this former farmhouse to have wet clothes whisked away and to tuck into a well-earned five-course dinner. There’s a scenic five-mile walk from the door to the village of Hutton le Hole.
Sheedy’s
Lisdoonvarna
Midway along the Wild Atlantic Way, and not far from the Cliffs of Moher, this old farmhouse is also on the edge of the Burren’s dramatic karst landscape. You can explore it on your own or book a walking package with a local guide.
Hazel Bank
Keswick
In pretty Borrowdale, this country house has a number of interesting walks from the door, taking in the massive Bowder Stone monolith, the Borrowdale yews celebrated in Wordsworth’s poem and the tarn where Wainwright’s ashes are scattered.
Grove of Narberth
Narberth
Walking trails weave through The Grove’s 28-acre grounds, while footpaths criss- cross the surrounding countryside. Hike to a deserted Welsh chapel or an ancient settlement on a nearby hill, or take longer treks in the Narberth valley.
The Star
Alfriston
Borrow wellies or sun hats from the Polizzis’ latest pad and hike along the pretty Cuckmere valley and to the undulating chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters. In the South Downs national park, the dog-friendly hotel is surrounded by scenic walks.
2021 Editor's Choice Walking
Best UK hotels for walking and hiking
Pen-y-Dyffryn - 20% Discount Mid-Week Special Offer
Oswestry
Walking holidays are a speciality here, thanks to the hotel’s blessed situation amid the hills and footpaths of the Welsh Borders. You can do 30-minute strolls to full-day treks. Offa’s Dyke long-distance trail is less than a mile away.
The Peacock at Rowsley - 'Dine And Stay Package' Special Offer
Rowsley
The Peak District national park is on your doorstep here, and staff will recommend
a wide range of walks. Try the eight-mile round-trip to Chatsworth House along the River Derwent, stopping for a pint at the Red Lion in Bakewell en route.
Blue Hayes
St Ives
The gardens at this glamorous, sun-soaked hotel on Porthminster Point lead on to the South West Coast Path – ideal for walks that will conveniently take you past many foodie and cultural points of interest, such as Tate St Ives.
The White Horse
Brancaster Staithe
Walk to the end of the garden of this family-run hotel, and you’ll find the Norfolk Coast Path, with its miles of beach, marshland, bridleways, quiet country lanes, abundant birdlife and enormous skies.
The Bell at Skenfrith
Skenfrith
Six circular walks, taking in glorious Monmouthshire countryside, start from the Bell’s front door; staff provide illustrated guides charting the route, history and wildlife of each one. In summer, you can order a picnic to take with you.
Lorum Old Rectory
Bagenalstown
The Blackstairs mountains and South Leinster Way are a short stroll from this country house, as is the Barrow Navigation Towpath. Curracloe beach, where the D-Day scenes of Saving Private Ryan were filmed, is an hour’s drive away.
Ael y Bryn
Eglwyswrw
Pembrokeshire’s dramatic coastal paths and the Preseli hills are waiting to be discovered on foot from this friendly, adults-only B&B. On your return there is a drying room for muddy clothes, and pre- arranged evening meals.
Moor of Rannoch-Restaurant & Rooms
Rannoch Station
There’s no TV, radio, Wi-Fi or mobile signal here – just miles of moorland sometimes described as Britain’s last great wilderness. By turns desolate and uplifting, it has been lauded by writers from William Wordsworth to Robert Macfarlane.
The Rock Inn
Newton Abbot
There is no shortage of beautiful walks from the front door of this cosy inn through Dartmoor’s huge spaces, and staff will provide plenty of detailed information on them. South Devon and the Coast Path are a short drive away.
Forest Side
Grasmere
Just ten minutes on foot from Grasmere, this is an idyllic spot for walkers of all abilities, from ramblers to serious hikers. Luxury rooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant will do wonders for aching feet and hungry tummies on your return.
2020 Editor's Choice Walking
Best UK hotels for walking and hiking
The Traddock
Austwick
Guide books, maps and a packed lunch can be supplied at the Reynoldses’ Dales hotel. Whether you’re up for the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge or a stroll in the Forest of Bowland, you can reward yourself on your return with afternoon tea in the lounge.
The Gurnard’s Head
St Ives
The Inkin brothers’ dining pub is a popular watering hole for hikers on the Coastal Path. Set out from here to explore cliffs and coves, see seals basking on the Carracks, discover the farm source of Moormaid of Zennor ice cream.
Ees Wyke Country House - Two Night Stay Special Offer
Ambleside
Wherever you walk around here, you find yourself in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter, who spent family holidays at this country house, now run as a hotel by Richard Lee. Her farmhouse, Hill Top, is nearby. A newly opened path runs by Esthwaite Water to Hawkshead.
Tudor Farmhouse
Clearwell
Guests can roam 14 acres of ancient grassland without even leaving the property at Hari and Colin Fell’s boutique hotel, but the Forest of Dean beckons, with its four-mile sculpture trail. Ask for information and guides.
Knockendarroch Hotel - Book 2 nights and get a 3rd half price Special Offer
Pitlochry
More than 40 miles of signed routes around Pitlochry lead through woodland, along the loch side, by river and burn, to the Linn of Tummel waterfall, to Scotland’s smallest distillery. Struan and Louise Lothian, hosts at this hotel, are happy to advise.
Biggin Hall
Buxton
Help yourself to a complimentary packed lunch before setting off from James Moffett’s manor house hotel to explore the Peak District, discover Dovedale, perhaps to follow the old railway track bed of the Tissington and High Peaks Trails.
Sheedy’s
Lisdoonvarna
The Wild Atlantic Way, the Cliffs of Moher and the eerie karst moonscape of the Burren are on the doorstep of this 18th-century mansion. Hosts Martina and John Sheedy are happy to share their local knowledge and provide maps.
Dolffanog Fawr
Tywyn
Guests wishing to tackle the Cadair range can request a lift from Alex Yorke and Lorraine Hinkins’s Snowdonia guest house and walk back. There are forest, river and mountain walks, a hot tub for a soak on your return.
Llanthony Priory Hotel
Abergavenny
A circular walk, taking in two miles of Offa’s Dyke, will present you with an eagle’s eye view of Victoria and Geoff Neal’s historic hotel and abbey ruins. A hearty meal, not frugal monkish fare, will be served up on your return.
2019 Editor's Choice Walking
Best UK hotels for walking and hiking
The Peacock at Rowsley - 'Dine And Stay Package' Special Offer
Rowsley
Whether exploring the estate around medieval Haddon Hall, or tackling more challenging terrain in the Peak District national park, walkers are in their element at Lord and Lady Manners’s 17th-century hotel. Ask reception for their walks folder.
Leathes Head Hotel
Keswick
Guests can order a picnic before setting out from this Edwardian country house hotel, perhaps to follow a waymarked path ten miles around Derwentwater, or to climb to the top of Catbells for panoramic views.
Farlam Hall
Brampton
Thoughtful route guides to local walks have been compiled by the long-time owners of this manor house hotel near the top of the North Pennines and just three miles from coast-to-coast Hadrian’s Wall Path.
Stella Maris
Ballycastle
You pass a blow hole on the walk to the sea stack of Downpatrick Head, topped with the ruins of a church founded by St Patrick. One of many thrilling forays from this hotel on the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Creggans Inn
Strachur
From a stroll along the Loch Fyne shore, to exploring enchanted Puck’s Glen, broad leaf and conifer forests and waterfalls, great walks start at the door of this friendly inn, or are just a short drive away.
2018 Editor's Choice Walking
Best UK hotels for walking and hiking
The Peacock at Rowsley - 'Dine And Stay Package' Special Offer
Rowsley
‘Really excellent’ food is at the very heart of this lovely Peak District hotel in a 17-century manor house, surrounded by good walking country, and known for its fly-fishing.
The Gurnard’s Head
St Ives
Friendly, unfussy, effortlessly stylish, Charles and Edmund Inkin’s dining pub ‘retains a sense of the peacefulness, remoteness and wildness that make this part of the world so very lovely’.
Ees Wyke Country House - Two Night Stay Special Offer
Ambleside
‘This is one of the best country houses we have stayed in,’ writes a reader, of this white-painted Georgian gentleman’s residence with glorious views over Esthwaite Water to the Langdale Pikes.
Tudor Farmhouse
Clearwell
Readers are drawn back time and again to this hotel in ancient grassland, with rustic-chic bedrooms in a farmhouse, cider house and barn, with the magical Forest of Dean on the doorstep.
Porth Tocyn Hotel
Abersoch
Guide readers are unswervingly loyal to this family-friendly country house by the sea, with peerless views to Snowdonia across Cardigan Bay, run by the Fletcher-Brewer family since opening in 1948.
The Inn at Whitewell
Clitheroe
Overlooking the River Hodder in the Forest of Bowland, this sprawling 18th-century manor house is joyously traditional, with stone-flagged floors, open fires and bags of atmosphere.
Hazel Bank
Keswick
For many guests, Hazel Bank is the epitome of a small country-house hotel, offering 'fantastic food, a great wine selection, charming hosts' along with the a picturesque valley setting, captivating views and walks from the doorstep.
Currarevagh House
Oughterard
‘A winding drive through woodland takes you back in time’ to Henry and Lucy Hodgson’s Victorian country house on a 180-acre estate on the shores of Lough Corrib.
Moor of Rannoch-Restaurant & Rooms
Rannoch Station
In the remote, dark-sky, wilderness landscape of Rannoch Moor, this dog-friendly restaurant-with-rooms is a warm hideaway with simple but well-supplied bedrooms, comfy lounge, and locally sourced menus.
2017 Editor's Choice Walking
Best UK hotels for walking and hiking
The Felin Fach Griffin
Brecon
Tucked between the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains, this red brick inn glows with a warm welcome and down-to-earth charm that attracts walkers, dogs, families and couples.
Pen-y-Dyffryn - 20% Discount Mid-Week Special Offer
Oswestry
‘A hidden gem on the Welsh border’, the Hunter family’s ‘highly dog-friendly’ hotel, in a Georgian former rectory, can again bask in the praise from our readers,
Tudor Farmhouse
Clearwell
Readers are drawn back time and again to this hotel in ancient grassland, with rustic-chic bedrooms in a farmhouse, cider house and barn, with the magical Forest of Dean on the doorstep.
Biggin Hall
Buxton
'Surrounded by lovely, rolling, stone-wall country', this much-loved Peak District country-house hotel in a Grade II* listed 17th-century building ‘may not have all the luxuries of a modern boutique hotel, but the setting and grounds are stunning’.
Howtown Hotel
Penrith
If you want a hotel with hi-tech wizardry and hot tubs, this place is not for you, but ‘if you are happy with traditional hospitality’ and ‘like to be cosseted, Howtown Hotel will do nicely’.
Boskerris Hotel
St Ives
It's blue heaven, on a sunny day, to sit on the terrace of this adults-only, 1930s hotel overlooking a white-sand Blue Flag beach and the clear waters of St Ives Bay, with a chilled glass of wine or a cream tea.
Moor of Rannoch-Restaurant & Rooms
Rannoch Station
In the remote, dark-sky, wilderness landscape of Rannoch Moor, this dog-friendly restaurant-with-rooms is a warm hideaway with simple but well-supplied bedrooms, comfy lounge, and locally sourced menus.
2016 Editor's Choice Walking
Best UK hotels for walking and hiking
Titchwell Manor
Brancaster
With views over meadows and marshes to the sea, this hotel with award-winning dining bedazzles with its vibrant interiors within the walls of a Victorian farmhouse.
Underleigh House
Hope
With walks from the doorstep, views of Peak District hills, a peaceful garden, breakfast feasts and restful bedrooms, it’s no surprise that Underleigh wins so much praise.
Rambles in Cumbria surrounded by the beauty of the Lake District and exploring the Peak District national park or walking in the Tamar Valley and on Dartmoor, where you may have the privilege of meeting a few wild ponies along the way. Perhaps you will combine your walking holiday with other country pursuits - cycling, fishing, bird-watching and horse riding. Hotels will also go the extra mile, each offering their own unique touches, whether they’re picnics to take out with you, ghillies and guides for local fishing whether you want advice on where to go or tips for beginners.