Main Image: The Oaks, near Church Stretton, Shropshire
To mark National Walking Month this May, we’ve rounded up ten of our best walk-cations. All of these lovely holiday cottages are located in beautiful destinations with scenic walking trails from the front door.
1. The Oaks | Shropshire
This fantastic five-bedroomed property is real gem, quietly nestled in a rural position in in the Shropshire Hills AONB. What’s really great about The Oaks is that you have direct access into The National Trust’s Long Mynd Estate from the gate, so for walking enthusiasts, this is a great choice. The two acre garden with its breathtaking views has been landscaped to offer plenty of seating areas for relaxing, as well as tree swings and a well-kept lawn. You can also hire a hot tub to soothe aching muscles and soak up the peace.
Sleeps 10.
What guests say:
"A wonderful weekend to celebrate a 25th birthday! The house was perfect for us; gorgeous views, great amenities and the most wonderful walks right on our doorstep! Day 1: Long Mynd and Ragleth Hill (20km). Day 2: Caer Caradoc (13 km). Everyone loved the house and its setting - especially so last night when we could see the Milky Way from the patio. We will be back!!!" - Paul
2. Hause Hall | Lake District
Not only are the interiors gorgeous at Hause Hall Farm near Ullswater, but its enchanting Lake District setting is equally as impressive with spectacular fell-side views. Set halfway up Hallin Fell in Martindale - an idyllic and secluded spot - this farmstead is a paradise for walkers with no end of idyllic walks and hikes to enjoy direct from the house. The Ullswater lakeside walk from beneath Hallin Fell has been described by fell-walking guru Wainwright as “the most beautiful and rewarding in Lakeland”.
Sleeps 10 -18
What guests say:
"We had the most fantastic time at Hause Hall. It was so much more than we imagined. We loved the Aga especially when we got back from wild swimming! The hamper was a real treat. That view out of the day room leading into the patio was utterly stunning. We loved just walking out of the door onto the fells.... beautiful. We hiked, cycled, swam, canoed, kayaked, as well as sat watching the raptors, sheep and deer amongst others." - Sarah
3. Haddon Grove Farm | Derbyshire
Our cluster of ten gorgeous holiday cottages at Haddon Grove Farm are located just outside Bakewell in the heart of the beautiful Peak District National Park. The path to Lathkill Dale NNR passes the gate and numerous other walks are accessible directly from the cottages as well as access to three acres of grounds where your children and pooches can run free range! Glorious on site facilities include a games room, a fabulously warm indoor pool and a boot room with walking maps, dvds, books and board games.
Sleeps 2-10. Sleeping 51 between them, you can book as many cottages as you like for big family holidays and celebrations.
What guests say:
"21 of us stayed in 6 of the Haddon Grove cottages last weekend and everybody was so impressed. They are cosy, well-equipped and the owners set out one cottage especially so we could all eat together. The location is great- feels quite wild but is actually very close to Bakewell. We had a lovely long walk on Saturday from the front door and a swim in the pool when we got back. All perfect! Highly recommended for any size group." - Charlotte
4. Miller's Loft | Norfolk
Miller's Loft, in the peaceful rural village of Erpingham, is the perfect place to hole up for a fabulous hiking break ‘à deux’. Our secluded loft barn conversion, parcelled between the Broads, and the North Norfolk coast, is situated on the well-known Weavers’ Way footpath, with wonderful walks and bike rides accessible from the front door. The Erpingham Arms, a charming 18th century real ale pub, is just a three minute stroll away – ideal after a long walk.
Sleeps 2
What guests say:
"Brilliant stay in Erpingham, the loft was lovely, quiet and very well equipped. Brilliant location with great walks and cycle routes right outside the door." - Annabel
5. Hampton Wafre | Heref.
Our lovingly restored 17th-century barn situated on a working arable farm in Herefordshire, rich in indigenous wildlife and boasting fabulous unspoilt countryside views. The hospitable owners welcome you to explore the farm with your four-legged friends, and you can even fish for carp on their idyllically situated lake. There are great scenic walks straight from the cottage including the Three Choirs Way which runs close by.
Sleeps 2
What guests say:
"This a perfect getaway. The house was beautiful and it was a real pleasure to walk in the grounds of the estate." - Adelle
6. Wakes Colne Lodges | Essex
Just a short distance from the capital, yet worlds apart, over 70% of Essex is classified as rural – a walker’s paradise! Why not get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, and escape to our luxury Essex lodges tucked away in an ancient meadow in the breathtaking Colne Valley. Pull on your wellies and lose yourself in the 500 acres of secluded rolling private land straight from your front door. With undisturbed woodland and a stunning two-acre fishing lake stocked with carp and rudd, it’s a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers as well as a fisherman’s dream. Furry friends love it too.
Sleeps 2 - 4
What guests say:
"Visited with my husband and two springadors. Fantastic location, perfect dog walking, so very quiet and peaceful. Lodge was spotless and fully equipped, the welcome basket a lovely addition. Beautiful lake and husband did a spot of fishing. Cannot say enough positives and will definitely be back next year." - Alison
7. Vicarage House | Norfolk
This fabulous property is set in a rural location in the Norfolk Brecks with easy access to Thetford Forest from the front door. The owners positively encourage guests to get out and about, providing bikes and printed walking maps. The forest is the largest lowland pine forest in Britain offering 50,000 acres of safe, prime cycling and 26 walking trails. Vicarage House stands within six acres of magical gardens with heated outdoor pool, all-weather tennis court, four terraces and a huge front lawn for the plethora of outdoor games provided.
Sleeps 9 - 15
What guests say:
"A wonderful week in a wonderful house. A marvellous refuge from Coronavirus and the dreary monotony of lockdown. Swimming, tennis, walks, cycling, eating and drinking. Just what we needed. Thank you." - June
8. Goose Run Cottage | Dorset
Goose Run Cottage is a must-stay for walking enthusiasts or those just after a bit of peace and tranquillity. Tucked into an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within the Dorset countryside, our picture-perfect gem is set within a 70-acre private family estate that is yours to explore. Wander through the wild flower meadow with its hundreds of wild orchids in season, follow the tumbling woodland streams, enjoy the wide grass meadows, light a campfire down by the tree house and swing on the ropes.
Sleeps 4
What guests say:
"Nestled in the beautiful Dorset countryside just 30 minutes from the Jurassic Coast and Dorchester, this is the perfect spot to chill out. Loads to do, including exploring the estate, easy walks to lovely country pubs, and a little further afield to Dorchester, Cerne Abbas, Beaminster, Bridport, Chesil Beach.... the list goes on. The cottage itself is superbly appointed with everything you could wish for a stress-free luxurious stay. Could not recommend highly enough!" - Sue
9. Woodland Cottage | Devon
Peacefully tucked away near the charming market town of South Molton, Woodland Cottage in North Devon is perfect for couples to enjoy numerous walks straight from the front door. It stands within 70 acres of its own beautiful grounds and woodland with an abundance of wildlife - you may be lucky enough to spot the local red deer, otters and a wide variety of birds. Admire wonderful views across rolling countryside from your private lake with ornamental fish and seating. Great for a picnic with a relaxing glass of wine...
Sleeps 2
What guests say:
"Booked in one of our favourite parts of England and this fantastic cottage allowed us to explore both seaside and countryside. Cottage was luxurious with lots of room for us to relax and lots of walks on our doorstep. Loved everything - and some really good local pubs!" - Christine
10. Pontardawe Cottages | Wales
Our six farm cottages are located on a historic working sheep and cattle farm between the Brecon Beacons National Park and Gower Peninsula. The cottages enjoy a fairy-tale setting around a courtyard alongside the picturesque River Clydach, a playground for native Welsh wildlife. Explore 120 acres of enchanting private grounds, including a magical bluebell wood, tumbling mountain stream and hillside areas with panoramic views of the Welsh countryside – the farm trail starts right from your cottage doorstep!
Sleeps 4 - 26
What guests say:
"The perfect place to stay to visit South Wales. A welcoming, idyllic location with beautiful walks in a peaceful setting. The property we stayed at was Ty Gambo and it was amazing, well designed, spotlessly clean, modern and everything was thought out make our stay comfortable. I would highly recommend and we will be booking again." - Nat
Published on Sunday 21st May 2023 by Linnie Clements
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