Uniwalks

Like most Vespucci Signature Hikes, this starts at a station: Durham Station. However, it could just as easily start and finish on Palace Green in front of Durham Cathedral. It is not a long hike but it packs a punch and leaves plenty of time to explore along the way. Top notch cafés at the start, a great restaurant near the finish and outstanding views and interesting places to see along the way. The magnificent cathedral is the linchpin of this walk viewed from every angle possible. We pass university colleges, the Durham Botanic Garden, reminders of the industrial heritage – the River Wear being our guide. There are a couple of short, sharp climbs but the payback is worth it. The bluebells are world class if you get the timing right.

Bristol is a city of tremendous diversity, with examples of every brand of architecture and a rich cultural and maritime history. It boasts some of Brunel’s greatest achievements, the SS Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge, is the home of Concorde and of Banksy. A great place to explore the urban landscape but also with easy access to the Downs, Leigh Woods and Ashton Court. We love Bristol and hope this whets your appetite for future explorations of a friendly and welcoming gem.

This beautiful and tranquil circular walk ticks all the Vespucci boxes. A great coffee at Opera in Walton Street, the stunning views across Port Meadow to the River Thames, a multitude of picnic spots, two great pubs and plenty of points of interest. Step off the train at Oxford Station and spend a day living in the present with family, friends, or colleagues. It’s a flat walk with a good opportunity to cut it short at The Trout (or indeed take a bus or taxi back at that point). Alternatively, stretch it out with a loop that skirts Wytham Woods and joins the Thames path. One word of caution: Port Meadow becomes impassable if the Thames has broken its banks!