Circular Walking Trails and Single-Centre Holidays

 

Circular Walks in the UK and Ireland

A circular walking trail is a route that finishes back where you started. There is a unique sense of achievement gained from arriving back at a familiar location. You can complete a circuit over the course of several days and admire the changing landscapes around you. The main benefit of a circular walk is that your journey home after your holiday is generally easier to arrange than that of a linear “A to B” walk.

Our full selection of circular walking trails is below, but if you need some extra inspiration, here are some of our favourite routes:

Circular Walking Trails: Sudeley Castle on the Cotswold Round walk

Cotswold Round

The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is one of the most popular regions in Britain for walking. It encapsulates what most people think of when they picture the tranquil English countryside. A walking holiday along the Cotswold Round trail allows you to explore some of the finest scenery the northern Cotswolds has to offer. The walk winds through the Windrush Valley and travels along the western edge of the Cotswold Hills. This route passes over a dozen towns and villages and utilises signed footpaths, so it's easy to follow throughout.

Circular Walking Trails: Castlerigg Stone Circle on the Lakeland Round walk

Lakeland Round

The world-famous Lake District is both a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It goes without saying that this region boasts some of the world’s finest landscapes for walking. The Lakeland Round route is an ideal introduction to long-distance walking in the area. It journeys through the heart of the Lake District and explores famous beauty spots and little-known gems alike. The walk visits stunning viewpoints that have inspired generations of writers and artists. Expect dramatic mountains, expansive lakes, impressive waterfalls and stone-built villages on a walk packed with iconic sights.

Circular Walking Trails: the high stone walls of Gordale Scar on the Three Dales Way walk

Three Dales Way

There are plenty of reasons why the Yorkshire Dales National Park is such a fine region for walking. The landscapes are both tranquil and diverse. Powerful waterfalls tumble over limestone ridges and plunge into valleys filled with wildflowers and birdsong. The Three Dales Way walk traverses Wharfedale, Littondale and Malhamdale, three of the finest locations in the Dales. The walk passes such natural wonders as Malham Tarn, England’s highest lake, and Gordale Scar, a huge collapsed cave system. There are also several charming Yorkshire villages in which to sample the local fare.

Circular Walking Trails: St Michael's Mt on the Land's End Round walk

Land’s End Round

The Land’s End Round combines the Far West of Cornwall section of the South West Coast Path with an inland walk along St Michael’s Way. This forms a complete circuit of the Land’s End Peninsula and takes in a wide range of Cornish scenery. The coastline showcases the cliff top views and sandy beaches that the South West Coast Path National Trail is famous for. The inland section then passes through marshlands and meadows, following the Santiago de Copostela, Britain’s only European Cultural Route. Together, they make a walking trail filled with diversity and unforgettable sights.

Circular Walking Trails: Snowdon Round walk

Snowdon Round

The Snowdon Round is Contours’ newest circular walking trail. It journeys through the incredible Snowdonia National Park in Wales. The walk passes through a landscape littered with glacial valleys, expansive lakes, open moorland and imposing mountains, with far-reaching views throughout. The region is steeped in industrial history, thanks to its unique slate heritage. This is evident in the various slate mining villages along the way. There are two route options to choose from: you can circle the foothills of Snowdon on our Standard Route, or opt for the Mountain Route and conquer its summit!

All Circular Walking Trails:

Lake District

Cotswolds

♦ = Devised by Contours

Peak District

Yorkshire Dales

South of England

Scotland

Wales

Single-Centre Holidays

A single-centre walking holiday involves returning you to the same accommodation for each night of your holiday. You are then transferred back to the trail each morning to continue where you left off. This removes the need for luggage transfers, as you will be staying in the same accommodation each night. Below are the single-centre holiday trails we offer:

Derwentwater Round - A gentle, stile-free stroll around the shoreline of Derwentwater in the Lake District National Park.

Nidderdale Way - A circular walk around Nidderdale valley on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Norfolk Coast Path Short Break - A short walking holiday from Brancaster to Blakeney along the wonderful Norfolk coastline.

Pembrokeshire St Davids Short Break - A short break showcasing the fascinating local history of Pembrokeshire.

Three Castles Walk - A circular walking holiday around Monmouthshire in Wales, beginning and ending in Grosmont.

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If you have any further questions or queries, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help you.

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