England / Wales Roadtrip
Discussion
I live in Kent and have to be in Durham for a day in early September. I'm taking the car and I have some free time to visit some places on the way back. I'm thinking of taking perhaps 5-6 days to make the journey.
I know this is question with endless answers, but would anyone with greater knowledge than me of the north and west, like to make some suggestions as to great places to visit/stay and good roads to enjoy the journey. For the time not spent driving, I'd like to do a few countryside walks (up to about 15km) so any suggestions on that front would be appreciated.
Some other details;
- I don't mind heading a bit further north than Durham as I've never visited Northumberland before, but Scotland is probably a bit too far.
- I've visited various bits of the Lake District a few times, so I'd rather avoid that.
- I'd like to visit the Yorkshire Dales (only visited a couple of time and one of those was 30 years ago).
- I'd like to include North Wales as I've only ever visited the west coast and southern areas previously.
- I'd like to keep the final bit of the journey to under 4 hours - perhaps the final overnight stop could be somewhere around Shropshire Hills AONB or Malvern Hill AONB.
I know this is question with endless answers, but would anyone with greater knowledge than me of the north and west, like to make some suggestions as to great places to visit/stay and good roads to enjoy the journey. For the time not spent driving, I'd like to do a few countryside walks (up to about 15km) so any suggestions on that front would be appreciated.
Some other details;
- I don't mind heading a bit further north than Durham as I've never visited Northumberland before, but Scotland is probably a bit too far.
- I've visited various bits of the Lake District a few times, so I'd rather avoid that.
- I'd like to visit the Yorkshire Dales (only visited a couple of time and one of those was 30 years ago).
- I'd like to include North Wales as I've only ever visited the west coast and southern areas previously.
- I'd like to keep the final bit of the journey to under 4 hours - perhaps the final overnight stop could be somewhere around Shropshire Hills AONB or Malvern Hill AONB.
Definitely head up into Northumberland if you've already got to Durham. You could easily fill your time up there alone - the beaches are huge and even when busy, empty (if that makes sense). The beach at Bamburgh is iconic with the castle above it. You can follow the coast path north up towards Budle Bay which is stunning. Wyndenwell in the village does cracking ice cream.
Walk from Craster to Low Newton-by-the-sea and back. Almost entirely flat, with amazing views as you walk towards the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, then you can walk along the beach of Embleton Bay to Low Newton. The Ship Inn which is on the square (just off the beach) with the old cottages has it's own brewery and the crab sandwiches are superb. Return the way you came. I love a big day walking in the hills / mountains but I don't think I'd ever get bored of this walk.
Lots to choose from for the Yorkshire Dales. We had a week in Barbon last September and loved it. In reach of the Three Peaks if you wanted a "famous" hill but we did walk from Barbon up to Calf Top, then dropped down and back up the 'dale. It was a scorching day, so stopped for a paddle in Barbon Beck before dropping back into the village and straight into the pub for drinks. The village shop / tea rooms was excellent as well.
If you like cheese, then the Courtyard Dairy is an essential visit whilst in the Dales: https://www.thecourtyarddairy.co.uk/
For the Shropshire Hills, whilst Church Stretton and Carding Mill are lovely, they do get very busy. Stiperstones tends to be quieter but still has excellent walking on the ridge. The Bog Visitor Centre is a good refreshments stop: https://www.bogvisitorcentre.com/
Walk from Craster to Low Newton-by-the-sea and back. Almost entirely flat, with amazing views as you walk towards the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, then you can walk along the beach of Embleton Bay to Low Newton. The Ship Inn which is on the square (just off the beach) with the old cottages has it's own brewery and the crab sandwiches are superb. Return the way you came. I love a big day walking in the hills / mountains but I don't think I'd ever get bored of this walk.
Lots to choose from for the Yorkshire Dales. We had a week in Barbon last September and loved it. In reach of the Three Peaks if you wanted a "famous" hill but we did walk from Barbon up to Calf Top, then dropped down and back up the 'dale. It was a scorching day, so stopped for a paddle in Barbon Beck before dropping back into the village and straight into the pub for drinks. The village shop / tea rooms was excellent as well.
If you like cheese, then the Courtyard Dairy is an essential visit whilst in the Dales: https://www.thecourtyarddairy.co.uk/
For the Shropshire Hills, whilst Church Stretton and Carding Mill are lovely, they do get very busy. Stiperstones tends to be quieter but still has excellent walking on the ridge. The Bog Visitor Centre is a good refreshments stop: https://www.bogvisitorcentre.com/
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