Where to go hiking in April / May?

[Jane And Rog]

Any recommendations for good hiking regions within about 400 miles of Kent? We‘d like something similar in difficulty to the Lakes as we’re not into scrambling (dog) or perilous drops (me). We’re looking to base ourselves in a campsite with decent showers, ideally in walking distance from a small town or, if not, a few pubs, and with a variety of walks from the doorstep.

We had a brilliant time at Eskdale last Easter - looking for something like that, but not in the Lakes for a change.

 

[The Coops]

Trough of Bowland use the campsite at Clitheroe by the River Ribble, Pendle Hill, Yorkshire Dales all within spitting distance some great shops and drinking establishments in Clitheroe itself, check out Cliff Cowburns butchers shop, Loads of walks on quiet fells in the Trough itself, use Slaidburn or Dunsop Bridge to park up for the day.

 

[Pocket Rocket]

Snowdonia is great for a wide range of hiking in the mountains, beside lakes, and forests. Plus beautiful beaches and castles. There are lots of good places to have as a base - Betws-y-Coed, Beddgelert, Llanberis are some of the main hubs. However there are also quieter villages.

I live here and hike in the mountains several times a week, so if you want any advice about routes (especially suitable for dogs) just let me know.

 

[Jane And Rog]

Snowdonia is great for a wide range of hiking in the mountains, beside lakes, and forests. Plus beautiful beaches and castles. There are lots of good places to have as a base - Betws-y-Coed, Beddgelert, Llanberis are some of the main hubs. However there are also quieter villages.

I live here and hike in the mountains several times a week, so if you want any advice about routes (especially suitable for dogs) just let me know.

Wales is definitely on the list - we walked in South Wales and a little in Snowdonia in 2021 - although some of the mountain routes in Snowdonia are a bit scary for me. Would love some recommendations for good non-scary routes! I even learnt a fair bit of Welsh last year with Say Something In Welsh!

 

[Lenny HB]

Massif Central in France, some fabulous ridge walks and good weather.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Shrimp]

Hawes, Yorkshire?

 

[ManTheVan]

Dartmoor, Brecons, Peaks, SW Coast Path, etc…

 

[Emmit]

Not within 400mls but;

Get yourself to Bilbao or Santander and walk the Camino Norte in Spain.

All the hike you could want in stunning scenery with somewhere to stay every evening with hot showers and meals on the doorstep.

 

[MattR]

Luxembourg is within 400 miles and has some nice looking walking routes including the Eislek trail which crosses the Ardennes.

 

[chaser]

Massif Central in France, some fabulous ridge walks and good weather.

Definitely be France for me, and well inside your 400 miles.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Pocket Rocket]

Jane and Rog - some good, non-scary areas for hiking in Snowdonia are in the “grassy” mountains where you have great views and paths that are on high but easy terrain. Very similar to Eskdale

A few suggestions:
- the north east Carneddi (Foel Fras, Carnedd Uchaf, etc. There are some great circular routes up here, from above Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr (there’s about miles and miles of different routes up here, all generally quiet and easy terrain). Also can include Aber Falls (spectacular)

- Moel Eilio and Moel Cynghorion from Llanberis (avoid the crowds on Snowdon, but the same stunning views). Also the slate quarry trails and woods at Fachwen above Llyn Padarn

- Moel Siabod via the “normal route” up and back from Plas y Benin

- Gwydyr Forest walks, includes Llyn Elsi and another riverside walk up to swallow falls

- North Wales coast path Conwy towards Llanfairfechan (and get the bus or train back). Also a lovely 5-6 mile hike round the Great Orme (seals, peregrines, wild flowers)

 

[The Boofles]

How about North Yorkshire Moors National Park area? Whitby, Pickering, Staithes etc …
Beautiful scenery both coastal and inland with lots of walking and dog friendly places. Lots of choice for campsite options too

 

[Figaro]

Jane and Rog - some good, non-scary areas for hiking in Snowdonia are in the “grassy” mountains where you have great views and paths that are on high but easy terrain. Very similar to Eskdale

A few suggestions:
- the north east Carneddi (Foel Fras, Carnedd Uchaf, etc. There are some great circular routes up here, from above Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr (there’s about miles and miles of different routes up here, all generally quiet and easy terrain). Also can include Aber Falls (spectacular)

- Moel Eilio and Moel Cynghorion from Llanberis (avoid the crowds on Snowdon, but the same stunning views). Also the slate quarry trails and woods at Fachwen above Llyn Padarn

- Moel Siabod via the “normal route” up and back from Plas y Benin

- Gwydyr Forest walks, includes Llyn Elsi and another riverside walk up to swallow falls

- North Wales coast path Conwy towards Llanfairfechan (and get the bus or train back). Also a lovely 5-6 mile hike round the Great Orme (seals, peregrines, wild flowers)

Congratulations on your spelling, I'm glad it wasn't me writing that
Some great suggestions

 

[jannyman]

Scotland? This site is at the edge of the Cairngorm National park. Good walking, plus gravel cycling trails all over the estate which would meet your criteria. Good selection of eating and drinking establishments just outside the gates in the small village as well.
Choices, choices? Enjoy your planning!

Caravan Park in Perthshire | Blair Castle, Scottish Highlands

Blair Castle Caravan Park in Blair Atholl is at the entrance to the Cairngorms National Park making it a convenient & beautiful base for exploring Highland Perthshire

atholl-estates.co.uk

 

[suavecarve]

Luxembourg is within 400 miles and has some nice looking walking routes including the Eislek trail which crosses the Ardennes.

Another vote for the ardennes

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Jane And Rog]

Jane and Rog - some good, non-scary areas for hiking in Snowdonia are in the “grassy” mountains where you have great views and paths that are on high but easy terrain. Very similar to Eskdale

A few suggestions:
- the north east Carneddi (Foel Fras, Carnedd Uchaf, etc. There are some great circular routes up here, from above Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr (there’s about miles and miles of different routes up here, all generally quiet and easy terrain). Also can include Aber Falls (spectacular)

- Moel Eilio and Moel Cynghorion from Llanberis (avoid the crowds on Snowdon, but the same stunning views). Also the slate quarry trails and woods at Fachwen above Llyn Padarn

- Moel Siabod via the “normal route” up and back from Plas y Benin

- Gwydyr Forest walks, includes Llyn Elsi and another riverside walk up to swallow falls

- North Wales coast path Conwy towards Llanfairfechan (and get the bus or train back). Also a lovely 5-6 mile hike round the Great Orme (seals, peregrines, wild flowers)

Thanks, that’s fantastic!

 

[Jane And Rog]

Thanks everyone, will do some research on those suggestions.

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

The Peak district, Derbyshire.
Either the white Peaks, or the dark peaks.
Edale, buxton, castleton etc etc
And LOADS of campsites to suit your needs.
Enjoy

 

[grasscutter]

Peak District. Castleton area.
3 peaks in Ingleton area.
Brecon Beacons.
Just some of our favourites.

 

[Jane And Rog]

Just going to say thanks again to Pocket Rocket - there’s a whole bunch of new stuff there which has gone into my places app, Mundus. I’ve found campsites that look good for each of those walks. We’ve already walked the Gwydyr forest a few times and loved it (friends live in Llangernyw). Great Orme too but many years ago.

Is there a route you’d recommend for Yr Wyddfa, or would it be too many steep drops whatever route?

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Jane And Rog]

The Massif Central - great idea but a fair bit over my 400 miles. Made a note for another time!

 

[Jane And Rog]

Ardennes - we visited in September last year. I think there’s room for more exploration, but it didn’t seem quite as wild as I hoped. I like the big mountain scenery without the cliff top walks!

 

[Jane And Rog]

Derbyshire - great idea, fantastic countryside and we had a long weekend there last June. Plagued slightly by aggressive cows when walking from our site in Crowdecote. We have never found the perfect site with more than a single pub and great walking from the door.

 

[Jane And Rog]

South Wales - stayed for a week in 2021, here.

Pwllyn Farm Site
A4215, Glyn Tarell Community

Home | Pwllyn Farm Camping

pwllynfarm.wixsite.com

Excellent. Good shower. Fab views. Fire pits.
beams.unopposed.singled

Shared from Mundus, an iOS app by Jane Sales

The campsite is fantastic if you like amazing views and field camping without hookup. Again not much in terms of eating out from the site. I’d certainly want to go back to the area if I could find another site to try.

 

[Tea Bag]

Ha

wes, Yorkshire?

A climb up Penhill/ Pen Hill ( Circuit walk ) Yorkshire while your there ? and tell/shout at the Lancastrians the merits of Whippets/Pigeons/ Flat caps and Clogs. . Good shout Shrimp.
Tea Bag

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[chaser]

Derbyshire - great idea, fantastic countryside and we had a long weekend there last June. Plagued slightly by aggressive cows when walking from our site in Crowdecote. We have never found the perfect site with more than a single pub and great walking from the door.

If you come to this area, remember you don't have to go as far up as Buxton and places there is plenty of walking and such on the flat around Ashbourne, Bakewell and over to leek, tissington trail, carsington water , loads of places from uttoxeter up.