Betws-y-coed to Rhiwddolion
This circular walk from Betws-y-coed takes you to Rhiwddolion, a remote upland hamlet at the head of a valley of waterfalls, oak trees and rocks. Once home to a thriving community of slate miners, Rhiwddolion was largely abandoned in the early 20th century after the collapse of the quarry industry. The only remnants are our three Landmarks in the area – Ty Uchaf, Ty Coch and Ty Capel.
This gentle walk begins from the Pont-y-Pair Bridge in Betws-y-coed, where you'll follow a stream for about a mile to Miners' Bridge. The walk takes you on to the Sarn Helen, the Roman route through Wales that stretches from Aberconwy to Carmarthen. You will soon be surrounded by nothing but the sound of sheep and streams. Snowdonia is on your doorstep so there are plenty of other walks to keep you occupied during your stay. The Snowdonia National Park website has a great list of more walks around the area.
View the full route
(credit: North Wales Daily Post)
Length: About 6 miles
View our Landmarks at Rhiwddolion
Yockenthwaite to Deepdale following the River Wharfe, North Yorkshire
Our Landmark Cowside is the perfect base to explore the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales. This farmstead, an unaltered example of 17th/18th century North Yorkshire Dales architecture, lies at the heart of the beautiful Langstrothdale valley. The River Wharfe runs along the foot of Cowside’s north-facing fell.
You are spoiled for choice for walking when it comes to the Dales, but following the Wharfe is a good start. We’re partial to this simple circular route from the National Trust which follows the Wharfe from the hamlet of Yockenthwaite to Deepdale, with Cowside located roughly between the two.
The route starts at a packhorse bridge in Yockenthwaite and soon passes a Bronze Age burial mound. Highlights along the route include a lime kiln, rock pools, several caves and sweeping hay meadows once you reach Deepdale.
View the circular route
(credit: National Trust)
Length: 2 miles
Book your stay at Cowside
Glenluce to Luce Bay, Dumfries and Galloway
This route follows the Water of Luce through the ‘Valley of Light’ towards Luce Bay. It begins in the small village of Glenluce, where the Landmark Castle of Park has stood since the late 16th century. Behind its imposing exterior are plastered and spacious rooms, befitting the life of a Jacobean laird.
The route starts by Glenluce’s abandoned viaduct and ends on the shores of Luce Bay, which offers stunning views towards Auchenmalg and Port William. You can extend your walk further by exploring Luce Bay’s large beach. Along the way, you’ll be treated to glimpses of heron, swans and an array of wild flowers.
Find the route from Castle of Park
(credit: Discover South West Scotland)
Length: About 5 miles
Castle of Park is also a great location for those wishing to explore more of Dumfries and Galloway. Galloway Forest is just an hour’s drive away, with plenty of opportunities for trail walking, hill walking and cycling.
Book your stay at Castle of Park
Vindolanda to Peel Crags and Winshield Crags, Northumberland
Vindolanda is the base for countless walks along and around Hadrian’s Wall. You may be hard pressed to find a parking space there in the summer months but happily, our Landmark Causeway House is just a few hundred yards from the Roman Fort.
We recommend a circular route from Vindolanda that will take you to Peel Crags and Winshield Crags. The route begins to the east of Vindolanda, around a 10 minute walk from Causeway House down a Roman road. The walk takes in some of the more dramatic sections of Hadrian’s Wall, including views of Crag Lough and rugged Northumbrian crags. Keep an eye out for Shield On The Wall, one of several milecastles on the route. Once you’re finished, stick the fire on and take a well-deserved rest under Causeway House’s heather-thatched roof.
Visit the circular walk from Vindolanda
(credit: Lou Johnson, Walking Britain)
Length: About 8 miles
For more walks on and around the wall, make sure to read Hadrian's Wall Country's excellent leaflet - you can download a copy.
Book your stay at Causeway House
Lundy Island wildlife walk
No list about the best walks near Landmarks would be complete without mentioning Lundy. The island is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts with everything from rare lichens to wild ponies, as well as an increasingly healthy number of puffins.
You will be sure to spot a puffin or two on this walk. The route begins at Lundy's sole pub Marisco Tavern and passes Millcombe House, a large classical villa and one of 24 buildings you can rent on the island. You will eventually reach Jenny's Cove, a popular puffin hangout and one of the most iconic landscapes of the island. You will also pass the Old Light, Lundy's 19th-century lighthouse situated on one of the highest points of the island. The walk ends at Marisco Tavern, where you can treat yourself to a well-deserved drink.
Discover Lundy
(credit: National Trust)
Length: 4 miles
During the summer, you can also take part in walks around the island led by Lundy's Warden. Visit Lundy's website to find out more.
See all of our Landmarks on Lundy
We know there are countless other walks to explore near Landmarks, from the South West Coastal Path near our buildings at Lower Porthmeor to the Worcester & Birmingham Canal from Lock Cottage. Email us your favourite walk to [email protected] and we may do a follow-up list with the best suggestions.