We love walking in England! So much variety, so much history, and landscapes that thrill and inspire the soul in equal measure.
As far north as we can get (and then a few miles more!) our Northumbria Walk takes us to places wild, mystic and beautiful.
And, still in England’s north country, here’s a treat! We have combined the spectacularly beautiful Lake District with that Roman masterpiece, Hadrian’s Wall, for an unforgettable Walk. Why not take the two together?
Meanwhile, a couple of hundred miles to the south, the River Thames’ calm upper reaches place us in the quintessential England of thatched cottages and quaint country pubs.
England’s far north country, on the cusp of the border with Scotland, is rugged, remote, and oh so beautiful!
It’s no accident that our Walk is named after the ancient kingdom of Northumbria – one of the great powers of the Dark Ages that endured even longer than the Roman occupation.
This least densely populated region of England is made for roaming, filled with protected landscapes, vibrant wildlife habitats and trails that wind past historic castles to breathtaking beaches and a long, rippling coastline.
We follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims and visit the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, which holds a very special place in history as the spiritual home of the Lindisfarne Gospels, among the most celebrated illuminated books in the world.
Alnwick Castle is still the home of the Percy family descendants after more than 700 years. Fascinating in its own right (with truly wonderful gardens), this formidable fortress has become a film star as Harry Potter’s Hogwarts.
Spring offers the chance to take a boat out to the Farne islands to spot seals, puffins, and if we’re lucky, some almost impossibly cute new-hatched pufflings.
It would be a shame not to cross the border into Scotland while we’re here and we’ll visit Eyemouth and the remote fishing village of St Abbs. Its nature reserve occupies 200 acres of wild coastline with sheer, seabird-nesting cliffs rising 300ft above the water.
An unforgettable combination of destinations makes this northern Walk a must…
It’s one of Britain’s most famous landmarks and it makes for an epic walk back in time, but no-one’s completely clear why Emperor Hadrian decided to build his wall stretching across England. Perhaps it was to deter barbarians, perhaps simply to exert his authority, but his project remains a strangely beautiful and fascinating testament to the Romans’ ambition and engineering skills.
Archaeologists are even now uncovering more and more fascinating glimpses of the life of those long-ago Roman centurions, so far from home. The remains of the forts, towers, turrets and towns that once kept watch over the Wall are still there to discover.
This lonely landscape of Northumberland county merges in the west with Cumbria and the once-seen, never forgotten, English Lake District.
On foot we get unforgettable close-up views of the sparkling lakes and timeless landscapes that have inspired artists, poets and authors across the centuries.
A pinnacle of our expedition is the enchanting time spent at Lake Windermere, the largest and most awe-inspiring of England’s lakes. We enjoy the serene ambiance of Rydal Mount, William Wordsworth’s elegant abode, and stroll through the picturesque garden at Hill Top, once tended by Beatrix Potter.
Finding the source of the mighty River Thames is just the start of this, our gentlest Walk, allowing us to really absorb the beauty of the heart of England.
In the charming Cotswolds, we amble through Roman Cirencester and the postcard-perfect Bibury. Riverside paths and meadow trails take us to honey-colored villages where lunch is to enjoyed in traditional pubs.
We walk in the footsteps of history, poets and scholars as we explore Oxford, the city of “dreaming spires” – and Inspector Morse – steeped in academia and architectural brilliance where the Thames is known as the “Isis”.
Discover lovely Henley-on-Thames, where river meets regatta and the spirit of English summer tradition thrives. And of course, we experience the timeless pleasure of punting, a quintessential Oxford activity. Gliding along the serene river, surrounded by the beauty of nature a “chauffeur” is provided, so we just sit back and enjoy!
Admire the splendor of Cliveden estate, surrounded by meticulously manicured gardens that have witnessed centuries of grandeur and have inspired poets, politicians, and royalty alike.
All too soon it will be time to say farewell and our final dinner will be at the Leander Club at Henley, the home of rowing and the most historic, prestigious and successful rowing club in the world.