Rural cottages with walks from your door
Walking is one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors, and the UK’s countryside offers the perfect setting to do just that. From challenging hill treks to relaxed coastal strolls, there are routes to suit every ability.
Choosing a rural cottage with walks from your door makes it even easier. Step outside, follow a footpath, and explore without needing to drive anywhere. To help you plan your next escape, we’ve rounded up some of the best walks in the UK, along with great places to stay nearby so you can make the most of every step.
Mountain & hill walks
The Yorkshire Three Peaks, in the Yorkshire Dales, is a 24-mile route tackling Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. The best place to stay is at the official start/finish point in picturesque Horton-in-Ribblesdale.
Where to stay: We’d recommend The Stables, an outstanding stone-built, semi-detached former stable block. Beautifully restored with quality fixtures and fittings, this cottage sleeps up to five people and two pets, meaning no one misses out on this walking holiday.
Conic Hill, in Balmaha on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond in Scotland, is a 361-meter peak renowned for offering some of the best, most accessible views of the loch and its islands. The 4-5 km walk takes 2-3 hours and features a steep but well-defined path, making it ideal for a half-day hike.
Where to stay: Stay nearby in Ptarmigan Lodge, which sleeps eight people over four bedrooms. It features a beautiful garden to enjoy the views and a hot tub to soothe those muscles after a day’s climb.
Snowdonia National Park in North West Wales features some of the best walking routes in the UK.
Where to stay: Aberserw Cottage is an idyllic retreat for up to three adults and one child, tucked away in a peaceful, secluded location. Offering the perfect spot for exploring thelandscapes of southern Snowdonia, Aberserw Cottage is surrounded by rolling fields and has direct access to off-road trails for walkers and mountain bikers alike.
Coastal walks
The 186-mile-long Pembrokeshire Coast Path in Wales is frequently voted one of the best coastal trails in the world. The best place to base yourself would be St Davids, ideal for central access and amenities.
Where to stay: This cosy three-bed cottage can accommodate up to six guests and is tastefully decorated. It provides a perfect base for walkers, cyclists and nature spotters eager to explore a stunning part of Pembrokeshire.
Another option is the South West Coast Path – a 630-mile National Trail running from Minehead, Somerset, along the Devon and Cornwall coasts to Poole, Dorset. Known as Britain's longest and most challenging trail, it passes through dramatic cliffs, fishing villages and sandy beaches. If you want to tackle a bite-sized portion of it, we’d suggest basing yourself in St. Ives in Cornwall.
Where to stay: Set overlooking Carbis Bay, Shamal is a three-bedroom, reverse-level, detached villa that enjoys sea views from most rooms, including the private balcony. Sleeping six, it's ideal as a family or friends escape to the Cornish coast to experience one of the most striking parts of the South West Coast Path.
Country & trail walks
The Hadrian’s Wall Path stretches for 84 miles from coast to coast across northern England. It’s spot-on for history lovers, with plenty of ancient Roman forts and ruins to discover en route.
Where to stay: There’s no better place to stay than at Felbrook Cottage, a dog-friendly retreat near Hexham, Northumberland, perfect for hiking, history, and relaxing by the woodburner.
The Cotswold Way is a 102-mile trek running along the Cotswold escarpment from Chipping Campden to Bath. It’s a moderate-level walk through historic villages and beautiful, picturesque landscapes.
Where to stay: We’d recommend Wyncliffe Cottage, a wonderful two-bedroom detached 19th-century cottage sleeping four people. Perched in the vibrant market town of Chipping Campden, it’s perfect for a small family or group of friends seeking day walks on the trail, followed by relaxing evenings in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Short or accessible walks
The New Forest in Hampshire is jam-packed with easy, scenic strolls through historic woodland.
Where to stay: There’s no better place for a couple to rest their heads at night than at Horseshoe Cottage. This recently renovated cottage is situated in the forest, in a unique, private location well over a mile from any road. Surrounded by wildlife, there are walks or cycle rides in every direction from the door, meandering along streams or on gravel tracks.
Enjoy a 5.9-mile walk from Corfe Castle along the Purbeck Ridgeway in Dorset with views of Poole Harbour, the Isle of Wight and the beach at Swanage.
Where to stay: We’ve found the perfect pad for up to five people who want to explore the area and stay in a traditional stone cottage, surrounded by beautiful countryside. This 3 Bed Cottage in Corfe Castle is a walker’s paradise, with plenty of trekking options on offer when you step outside. It boasts a cosy, inviting interior, complete with a warming wood burner and a modern kitchen.
Tying up your walking boots already? Our charming cottages are perfectly placed off the beaten track – browse our full range of remote cottages today.
