Walking holidays: The best guided and self-guided in the UK

Nights: 4Departure dates: Available March-OctoberWalking grade: 1-2 (Easy-to-moderate)Terrain: Riverside paths and quiet trails through meadows and woodlandFeaturing tranquil walking and top-notch hospitality in a 4-star hotel and guesthouse, this self-guided holiday explore the lesser-known landscapes of the Borders. Uncover a fascinating past and wealth of local culture with the chance to visit Traquair House – Scotland's oldest continuously inhabited home.Luggage transfers included.

Nights: 5Departure dates: Available March-OctoberWalking grade: 2 (Easy-to-moderate)Terrain: Walks on this holiday are on coastal paths. The paths do not include the rocky and hillier sections that you would find further west.An invigorating and unforgettable walking holiday awaits you in Cornwall. Famed for its beautiful and impressive coastline, much of which is designated as An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cornish coast is punctuated by pretty fishing villages, many of which are still working today. This holiday explores the most Southerly tip of the county, the Lizard Peninsula, as well as postcard perfect rocky coves and the spectacular castle of St Michaels Mount.Luggage transfers included.

Nights: 6Departure dates: Available March-OctoberWalking grade: 1 (Easy)Terrain: Coastal paths, nature reserves, gently rolling countryside & pretty villages.This self-guided, hotel-to-hotel walking holiday reveals a coastline like no other – home both to vast sandy beaches and pristine nature reserves teeming with birdlife. Delight in rural idyll with North Norfolk's rich history and culture; visit stately Holkham Hall; and stay at welcoming accommodation of character.Luggage transfers included.

Nights: 9Departure dates: Available April-NovemberWalking grade: 2 (Easy-to-moderate)Terrain: Walks on this holiday are mainly on gentle up and down tracks. There is one tough section on the final day of walking in the Shropshire Hills.The route, a National Trail since 1971 follows a wide border rampart, built by Offa, the King of Mercia, in the 8th century to protect his kingdom from his rivals in what is now Wales. Walk the northern half of this 8th Century ancient monument and go through two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Clwydian Range and the Shropshire Hills.Luggage transfers included.

Nights: 5Departure dates: Available OctoberWalking grade: 1-2 (Easy-to-moderate)Enjoy a break on the Northumberland Coast and admire sweeping seascapes from the coast of this stunning Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Nether Grange, the historic 4-star country house, is geared to the needs of walkers and outdoor enthusiasts. It's in a glorious location, just a stone's throw from the beach at Alnmouth, with sea views. Enjoy hearty local food, make use of our detailed walk notes and maps and see what you can discover along Northumberland's wild and wonderful coast.

Nights: 4Departure dates: Available March-OctoberWalking grade: 1-2 (Easy-to-moderate)Terrain: Rolling farmland, wooded valleys, chalky 'downs'.This self-guided walking holiday offers idyllic Downs scenery and high-quality accommodation. Amble through the rounded hills, ancient woodland and charming villages that inspired Thomas Hardy, then indulge in excellent dinners of fresh local produce.Luggage transfers included.

Nights: 6Departure dates: Available April onwardsWalking grade: 2 (Easy-to-moderate)Terrain: Your routes follow quiet country lanes and lakeside paths, dotted with babbling brooks, thundering waterfalls and shady forest. Explore Britain's greatest lakes, the inspiration for many renowned writers including Wordsworth, Ransome and Potter, not to mention a plethora of other artists and poets. The Lake District is a place of incredible natural beauty; idyllic and exhilarating in equal measure. In 2017, it was awarded World Heritage status, with the committee praising the area's beauty, farming and the inspiration it had provided to artists and writers. Your holiday includes National Trust properties abound including Beatrix Potter's former farm, Hilltop, while gems like the award-winning Hawkshead Brewery offer the best kind of refreshment.Luggage transfers included.

Nights: 6Departure dates: Available April-OctoberWalking grade: 2 (Easy-to-moderate)Terrain: Walk across moorland, through ancient woodland, along spectacular ridges and up to the summit of Snowdon along the Rhyd Ddu path - one of the quieter ascents. There will be times when a head for heights is required.The walks on this holiday highlight some of the Snowdonia National Park's best scenery - both on foot and whilst journeying on the Welsh Highland Railway (tickets included), allowing more distance to be covered. The walks will take you through the idyllic natural beauty of the park, through woodland, along ridges and rivers, across moorland and beside lakes to end with the summit of Snowdon at 1,085m, the highest point in the British Isles outside the Scottish Highlands. Luggage transfers included.

Nights: 7Departure dates: Available June onwardsWalking grade: 2 (Easy-to-moderate)From beautiful limestone valleys, to spectacular scenery on the gritstone edges, the Peak District is home to a superb contrast of landscapes. With a choice of walks each day, your holiday can be as relaxing or adventurous as you choose - a relaxed pace of discovery in a sociable group keen to get some fresh air in one of England's finest walking areas. Head out on guided walks with an experienced leader to discover the varied beauty of the Peak District on foot. With the Peak District being such a large area, there are plenty of hotels in the Peak District to stay during your time there.

Nights: 6Departure dates: Available September onwardsWalking grade: 3 (Moderate)Walk the best preserved sections of Hadrian's Wall, beginning in the market town of Brampton, and continuing to historic Corbridge Roman Town. Visit world famous forts and museums, admirethe architectural splendor of Aydon Castle, Thirlwall Castle and Lanercost Priory and spot the famous Robin Hood's Tree at Sycamore Gap. Travel through the centuries with an experienced HF Holidays Walking Leader.

Nights: 3Departure dates: Available JulyWalking grade: 2 (Easy-to-moderate)Take time to discover the landscape and heritage of the Isle of Wight with this perfect mix of guided walks with sightseeing visits. Each holiday visits a selection of museums, historic buildings and attractions, whose entrance is optional. Walk on the chalk cliffs above Freshwater Bay, follow trails across the Downs to vineyards and Roman Villas and ride on the Isle of Wight steam railway. Enjoy 2 full days of guided walking with a choice of walking grades.

Nights: 17Departure dates: Available JuneWalking grade: 6 (Moderate with appreciable amounts of ascents and descents)Walk the challenging yet rewarding trail across three national parks and wilderness of northern England, covering 194 miles Coast to Coast. Walk through wonderful British countryside and panoramas and gaze out over Robin Hood's Bay, reflecting on the stunning diversity this iconic hike delivers. Gain a sense of achievement completing the entire route with a group of fellow ramblers.

Nights: 4Departure dates: Available October-DecemberWalking grade: 1 (Easy)Gentle hills, picture-postcard villages and tempting tea shops make this quintessentially English countryside perfect for walking. On this guided walking holiday you'll discover glorious golden stone villages, pastoral countryside and quiet country lanes. Let your leader bring the picturesque countryside and history of the Cotswolds to life and in the evenings relax and enjoy the period features and historic interest of Harrington House.

Nights: 7Departure dates: Available July-AugustWalking grade: 1-3 (Easy-to-moderate)The Brecon Beacons National Park has a wonderful selection of walking options from level walks on high ridges to more challenging walks ascending the peaks. There are gushing waterfalls (one of which you can walk behind!), impressive caves and even a fossilised seabed high in the hills. Have family fun at Nythfa House, with a burger and hotdog night and toast marshmallows around the fire.Under 18s go free!

Nights: 3Departure dates: Available March 2022Walking grade: 1-2 (Easy-to-moderate)Enjoy like-minded company and a great selection of guided walks. Blessed with breathtakingly beautiful beaches, Cornwall has more miles of coastline and more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in England. You'll discover the fantastic coastal path in all its glory, from hidden coves to rugged headlands. The tour leader will bring classic routes and offbeat areas to life as you explore peaceful corners, hidden coves and sleepy fishing villages.

Nights: 5Departure dates: Check back for new datesWalking grade: 3 (Moderate)Known for beautiful beaches, heather-clad moors, and rugged southwest coastline, wander through the Whiteford Burrows Nature Reserve and the Llanrhidian Marsh Site of Special Scientific Interest. Continuing to Rhossili village, the route takes in the famous "Worm's Head", the most westerly point on the Gower Peninsula and the fascinating ruins of the Salt House. The Mumbles lighthouse marks the end of the Welsh odyssey, an enduring symbol of this beautiful coastal landscape.