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.

Skipton is often described as the ‘Gateway to the Dales’. The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the UK’s most spectacular, a landscape of sweeping glacial valleys, green upland pasture intersected by countless miles of dry-stone walls, and rugged limestone peaks. Skipton sits at the south-eastern extremity of the Dales and is connected to Leeds and Morecambe by the Airedale Line. It’s a lovely town, compact and lively with a friendly buzz. There are lots of shops selling high-quality local produce, a brilliant second-hand bookshop, and an array of excellent pubs and cafés. Skipton also boasts one of the grandest castles in northern England, which played a pivotal role in the English Civil War. If you’re extending your time here, the beautiful ruins of the medieval Bolton Abbey are a 15-minute taxi ride east of Skipton. It’s free to visit, simply beautiful, and a lovely place to spend a few hours wandering along the River Wharfe. Discover for yourself The Strid, the Valley of Desolation and the magnificent Abbey ruins. The paths are very well maintained and there are cafés along the way.

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!

From city to nature, this collection is perfect for any London lodgers keen to make a quick escape to the countryside. With all hikes’ starting points less than an hour from central London on the train, let us transport you into the best pockets of nature within striking distance of the capital.

Discover the beauty of the UK’s stunning coastline with this collection of hikes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual stroller, these meticulously crafted hikes will guide you along breathtaking coastal paths, revealing hidden coves, rugged cliffs, and picturesque beaches.

Explore some of the UK’s most breathtaking peaks with this collection of hilly hikes. Let Vespucci transport you to awe-inspiring summits, unveiling panoramic views, serene lakes, and rugged terrain. From the Brecon Beacons to the Peak District, this series is sure to take your breath away.

For people looking to add a splash of adventure to their hike, we give you our wild swim walk series. If you’re a seasoned water-baby or a wild-dipping novice, these great hikes all offer stunning swimming spots along the way to help get you feeling those wonderful cold-water benefits.

What an introduction to the Peak District! Arrive by train and stay at the Rambler Inn, two minutes from the station. It’s a walkers’ hotel with basic needs well catered for. This Vespucci Signature Hike starts from Edale station, next door to the Ramblers Inn and beside the Penny Pot Café.  Head up the lane to the start of the Pennine Way at the top of Edale Village, beside the Nag’s Head  – another very welcoming pub. The path is well defined with the ascent all coming within the first couple of hours. Jacob’s Ladder gives the lungs a decent workout but the payback is enormous as you look back over the beautiful Edale Valley with Mam Tor on the skyline. There is the option of a 20 minute diversion to see the Edale Cross and views towards Manchester. Otherwise, carry on to the Trig Point and views over Kinder Scout and across the Peak District. It’s outstanding and worth every breath you have taken to get here. Retracing your steps and then picking up the path, there are plenty of sheltered picnic spots as you pick your way through the rock scape with Pym Chair towering over you. It’s important to pick up the peaty path to your right, contouring the hill beneath Grindslow Knowle as you start the descent back to Edale. Enjoy a drink at the Nag’s Head or Rambler Inn and reflect on a memorable day out in the Peak District.

This Vespucci Signature Hike is a wonderful introduction to the Peak District. Easily accessible by train, alight at Hathersage station, pick up a coffee at The George and a picnic at the Deli and you are good to go. The route traverses the valley with Stanage Edge looming into view. It’s impressive but not intimidating. Almost all the uphill walking comes in the first hour and a half but it is so worth the effort. Enjoy your picnic looking out from Stanage Edge across the northern part of the Peak District. Look and listen out for the curlews, plovers, and (if you’re lucky) ring ouzels. Behind you is Hallam Moor and Sheffield beyond, out of sight but not mind. The descent is interrupted by the easy climb up to Higger Tor with wonderful views along Stanage Edge as well as up the Hope Valley. The final downhill stretch takes you through the churchyard and the resting place of Little John as well as gravestones remembering the Eyre family, subsequently immortalised by Charlotte Brontë. Finish up the day with a drink at The George, Long John Hotel or Bank House in the high street and reflect on a day well spent.

This hike circles Loughrigg Fell, the great hill (fell is an Old Norse word for mountain) that sits above Ambleside, taking in the summit and its spectacular views over some of the Lake District’s highest peaks and most beautiful lakes. The route climbs and dips its way over rough farmland and high, open fell land, before dropping down to Skelwith Bridge in good time for a morning coffee. Winding your way along the bank of the River Brathay, passing both the Skelwith Force waterfall and the small and peaceful Elterwater, you reach the charming stone village of Elterwater, where there’s a good pub, before climbing onto Loughrigg Fell once again and dropping into the shady woodland on its northern slopes. The steep climb up to Loughrigg’s summit is rewarded by the views when you reach it, and from here it’s all downhill. The descent takes you past the mystical-feeling Rydal cave, into the luscious, wooded river valley once lived in by Wordsworth, where a well-earned pit-stop at the Badger Bar pub in Rydal puts you on the home straight: a gentle walk along the river, back to Ambleside.

It’s not easy to find a great hike in Cornwall directly accessible by train but trust us, this shorter Vespucci hike has all the essential elements. Arrive at St Ives station (parking a car in St Ives can be a nightmare and we would recommend using the car park at St Erth and taking the short and famously beautiful train ride to St Ives). Enjoying the beautiful coastal walk before arriving at Carbis Bay, you’ll be off to a great start. In case you are wondering, Carbis Bay hit the headlines when it hosted the G7 Heads of Government Summit in 2021. Looking around, you can see why. We would suggest a coffee and a snack at the Carbis Bay Deli just off the route. The hike then heads inland, picking up the St Michael’s Way and up to Trencrom Hill. With a modicum of luck, your breath will be taken away by the views to the north and south. The next landmark is clearly visible and you leave Trencrom Hill with Knill’s Monument in sight. It’s a gentle pull up, mainly on a lane, before you reach this vainglorious monument. From here, it is downhill all the way back into St Ives with a plethora of refreshment options at your disposal.

North Downs, Surrey

The first proper peak that can be seen on the approach from London to the Brecon Beacons is the Sugar Loaf Mountain, a wonderful backdrop to a beautiful area. Starting from Abergavenny Station, this circular walk culminates with a great view from the top of the iconic Sugar Loaf and is a great starting point for exploring the mountains of Brecon Beacons National Park. The climbs are a gentle gradient and do not need a special level of fitness to be enjoyed. The walk can easily be tailored to your choice of distance and really has something for everyone. Make a weekend of it by staying in Abergavenny.

This undulating circular Vespucci Signature Hike explores the historic Fonthill Estate, described by its sale particulars in 1830 in glowing terms: ‘If Elysium can be contemplated on earth, the claims of Fonthill will be irresistible.’ The walk starts from Tisbury Station followed by a visit to the extraordinary Tithe Barn, now home to Messums Gallery. It continues into the Fonthill Estate, skirting the southern point of the lake before passing Fonthill House. The high point is both literal and metaphoric with a stunning view down a hidden valley to the northern point of the lake. Panoramic views to the north then unfold as you head gently down in to Fonthill Bishop. Pass through the grand archway before enjoying the lakeside walk with a recommended picnic spot. There is also chance to drop into The Beckford Arms en route to Tisbury. Tisbury Church is worth a visit and there is a good choice of tea rooms before returning to the station.

A stunning walk from the beautiful town of Stamford

Bath is a beautiful, historic city built from the iconic stone that bears its name. This hike starts in its heart and carries you above and around it, showing it off from every perspective. You’ll encounter a folly castle and a beautiful aqueduct on your walk through the woodland, along the canal and the river, with ample opportunity to put your feet up by the fire in the pub or reward yourself with an afternoon tea at cafés which have the Vespucci seal of approval and are waiting for you along the way. There are opportunities for wild swimming for the brave, and a shorter option to take you home from Freshford station if dinner and a well-earned sleep beckon! Along the way, you will even pass the final resting place of the longest surviving British soldier to fight in World War I. Once back in Bath, glowing from an unforgettable day out, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city itself, with great food spots, charming watering holes and the gorgeous sights it has to offer. All of this and more within an hour and a half by train from London Paddington.

This circular route from Hackney Wick has something for everyone. From canals to woodlands, stadiums to pubs – it certainly packs a punch.

There’s nothing like getting a bit of perspective to help put things into perspective…

This series brings together all of our Cotswolds based hikes, in both Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. Think quaint villages, that recognisable Cotswold stone and villages straight out of The Holiday.

With village names like Bledington, Adlestrop, Upper and Lower Oddington, this is a journey into the heart of the Cotswolds. At 22kms, it is a fair distance but the hills are undulating rather than steep. The views are outstanding punctuated by stunning country houses and churches. As you would expect from a Vespucci curated walk, there is are two excellent coffee stops as well as two stunning pubs with accommodation. Starting at Kingham Station, the walk takes you to Daylesford and onto Chasterton House. There’s an excellent short cut to reach The Oddington’s for lunch and the option of a taxi back if time gets away from you.

There are so many permutations for hikes in the Malvern Hills. We have put together a hike that can be done in a day but also split in two with an overnight stay. For those coming from further afield, this makes for an outstanding two-day adventure. The walk starts at Great Malvern Station and it is then uphill all the way to the Worcestershire Beacon, the highest point of the Malvern Hills. However, allow plenty of time to enjoy Great Malvern, its shops, cafes and Priory. Once on the top of the Malvern Hills, the ridgeway walk is spectacular and repays the effort expended to get there. We have added an extension to the Cottage in the Woods, a delightful hotel ideally positioned for an overnight stop. For those completing the walk in a day, the route winds its way back via North Hill with a short cut option using Colwall Station. It is not a walk for the faint hearted with a total ascent of 849m.

The quaint station at Gunton is a few miles inland from the Norfolk coast and is the starting point for this great walk. The beginning of the hike is filled with fresh country air, as you find yourself amidst green fields and birdsong. Joining the Paston Way, a path linking the medieval churches of the area, you can expect cute country lanes, expansive farmland and romantic old railways lines. The Paston Way leads you to Overstrand and the Norfolk Coastal Path, home to some of the UK’s most beautiful coastal walking. Our route then heads west, all the way up to Sheringham, passing characterful Cromer on the way. Either make a weekend of it or catch the train back from Sheringham to Cromer and a well-earned drink at the welcoming Suffield Arms.

It is said that Edinburgh was originally built on seven hills, in a sort of homage to the Seven Hills of Rome. However, the fact that there are more than seven hills in Edinburgh gives rise to the debate as to which hills are included in the named seven. For this hike, together with Tilly, we have included the six that are the most accessible and make the best hiking route. They are all within the main city, and have fantastic views stretching across it to the Firth of Forth and beyond.

Devon is not the easiest place to get to, and most of its hidden gems cannot be accessed from a train station in a day by foot. We’ve made sure that this hike is both accessible and takes in the best of the area, whilst also having a fantastic short cut option for all our Sunday strollers out there. This hike begins in the bohemian market town of Totnes, nestled in the South Devon AONB. After your morning coffee, the route heads out of town and onto the Dart Valley Trail. You will be walking along the banks of the River Dart to Dittisham – expect vineyards, quaint villages, seafood pubs and wonderful views. At Dittisham, you have the choice of continuing the walk via the passenger ferry across the river to Greenway or along the steep trails to Kingswear. If you are calling it a day at Dittisham, a great option is to enjoy a drink at the Ferry Boat Inn and take the half hour ferry all the way into Dartmouth. We recommend staying overnight in Dartmouth or Kingswear, before heading back to Totnes and beyond. This will also put you in prime position to experience our epic circular coastal walk on the Sunday, starting in Kingswear.

This hike is perfectly set up for a great Vespucci Weekender. The countryside surrounding Brighton is so beautiful and incredibly close to the city. It is amazing how you can be so immersed in nature but still be so close to the buzz of Brighton. The route is glorious and the views at Ditchling Beacon are some of the best around. Approaching Brighton from Moulescoomb Station is a great way to arrive and is the perfect way to end a day’s walking. The great thing about Brighton is that it is so accessible, all the best bits are within walking distance.

This Quick Escape really does take in the best of Stoke Newington’s natural and green spaces.

This lovely circular walk, within easy reach of London, demonstrates that we live in a less crowded island than you might imagine. It traverses two river valleys, the Glyme and the Evenlode – both of which join the Thames downstream. Passing several historic Oxfordshire estates, it also crests the Wychwood Way giving big-sky views, and touches on Shakespeare’s Way and the Oxfordshire Way. Pretty villages are separated by bluebell woods, open fields and wildflower meadows, all teeming with birds and other wildlife. With a great pub half way round, you won’t go thirsty for long. Back in Charlbury, the starting point, you have access to a coffee shop and two more good pubs with rooms. A lovely way to spend a day.

With a train journey of around half an hour from London, this relatively leisurely, circular walk set in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty feels like it’s a world away from the city. Take in stunning views across the Kent Weald, immerse yourself in history at two excellent National Trust properties, and enjoy the array of wildlife on offer, from the deer herd in Knole Park to bluebells and lavender fields in the Spring. Towards the end of the walk, take a load off and quench your thirst at The Bucks Head pub in Godden Green.

Alight at the wonderfully Victorian Box Hill and Westhumble Station and pick up a coffee from Ryka’s café before you begin your walk. Enjoy spectacular views and woodlands along the way, before stopping for a well-earned lunch at the King William IV pub, nestled away in Byttom Hill. If you’ve brought your own, there are plenty of picture-perfect picnic spots en route! Carry on through the Druid’s Glen and an ancient grove of yew trees before returning to the station and reflecting on a day well spent.

Just one hour on the train from London, this circular route weaves its way along the Essex-Suffolk border, amongst the stunning landscapes of Constable Country and Dedham Vale. Starting at Manningtree Station, the route encompasses all the best parts of the area. The first half of the hike meanders alongside the banks of the beautiful River Stour, taking you past historic Flatford. There is a lot to see in this beautiful hamlet, including Willy Lott’s Cottage, made famous by John Constable’s painting The Hay Wain. After Flatford, you then have the perfect chance to take the plunge! Fen Bridge is our recommended spot for a refreshing wild swim. Dedham village then appears at just the right time for lunch, the halfway point. With plenty of options for a pitstop, you can either treat yourself to a delicious pub lunch or pick the perfect spot for a picnic. The rest of the route is easy to walk, heading along The Essex Way and back to Manningtree Station. This hike is a perfect all-rounder with a beautiful route, steeped in culture.

A 6-mile walk from Dulwich Park to Nunhead Cemetery, following the Green Chain Walk – a route that connects green spaces throughout South London. 

Give someone the gift of adventure with a Vespucci Adventures with an E-Gift Card. Whether you’re not sure which one they’ll like or you want to leave it up to them, our E-Gift cards are the perfect present.

There’s no denying that Hadrian’s Wall is difficult to get to. However, its remote location is also its greatest attraction. Vespucci Adventure’s curated walk has distilled Hadrian’s Wall down to its essence. Whatever the weather, it’s not difficult to let your imagination run riot as one of the Roman Empire’s greatest achievements comes to life. It’s possible to spend plenty of time (and money) walking the length of the wall from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway. However, the best part lies in the middle. Two days’ walking is all you need to be able to savour the best of the views and the incredible legacy of the Roman Empire. You will return home amazed at what you have seen and achieved in such a short space of time.

This circular walk offers some of the best ridgeline and coastal walking that the UK has to offer. Corfe Castle serves as the focal point, providing exceptional views at every stage of the walk.  Enjoy a dip at Kimmeridge Bay and continue on for a welcome drink at The Scott Arms and possibly a sleepover. There is an excellent short cut opportunity . 

Margate has certainly had a resurgence over the past few years. Formerly a small fishing village, this town on the Kent coast is home to the renowned Turner Contemporary Gallery and is once again becoming a hot spot for Londoners in need of an escape for the weekend. This Signature Adventure takes you along the Viking coastal path from Margate to Broadstairs, taking in Walpole Bathing Pool, Botany Bay and some breathtaking coastal scenery.

This circular hike takes you on a beautiful tour through one of the UK’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Setting off from the sweet little station of Moreton-in-Marsh, the scene could not be more “Cotswolds”. With lovely old cottages and quaint tearooms lining the high streret, it’s a perfect introduction to the day ahead. Offering a mixture of rolling green hills and vibrant, pastoral scenes, there are plenty of views along the way to keep you going. Throw in a lovely pub in the middle of the walk and everything is in place for a lovely day out.

Within an hour and a quarter of London lies the beautiful High Weald of East Sussex, created an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1983. On this lovely walk through the Weald you can expect to see buzzards, foxes, deer, the occasional heron, woodpeckers and a variety of other interesting flora and fauna. The hike takes you through some historic sites; past mysterious houses with no access roads; stunning views; poignant memorials to past conflicts; timeless water meadows; not to mention many beautiful houses including Rudyard Kipling’s Bateman’s. You can pause for refreshment in traditional old inns and enjoy a stroll through one of the most beautiful and ancient villages in Sussex. You will leave your stunning exploration of the High Weald vowing to return.

Curated by Bertie and his dog, Ruby, this is a gem of a walk. So rural yet so close to London. Head off along the River Wey before heading up into the Chantries. Think ancient woodland, beautiful bluebells and outstanding views. Reflect at St Martha’s before heading to The Drummond Arms and a well earned rest. Return via the gunpowder mills and the llama’s before crossing over Pewley Down and back into Guildford.

This beautiful walk is easily accessible by train from Amberley Station and there is also good parking. Picking up the Monarch’s Way, the lungs get a decent work out shortly after entering the Arundel Estate. There are wonderful views to the South Downs before a short detour gives you a first glimpse of the magical Arundel Castle. Within a couple of hours of setting off, you have arrived in Arundel, a town well worth a linger. Enjoy a coffee at the Motte & Bailey on the high street before heading on and across the Arun. The George at Burpham is a great place for a pint or a bite to eat. Alternatively, enjoy your picnic overlooking the Arun Valley with Arundel Castle silhouetted on the skyline. Within an hour of the George, you are back at the station and completely reinvigorated after a great day’s walking.

This circular walk is beautifully crafted. It’s even more amazing for being so close to London. The walk upto the Ivinghoe Beacon provides outstanding views. There is plenty of wildlife to keep an eye out for before you reach the Beacon itself. The walks heads into the Ashridge Estate, now owned by the National Trust. It feels like a lost world of woodland with world-class bluebells (in the spring) before you come across the Bridgewater Monument and a welcome coffee shop. In fact, you have cracked the back of the walk as the lovely village of Aldbury is below you. Traverse across the escarpment and you will arrive at The Greyhound, a classic village pub with accommodation as an option. Tring Station is a short walk away.

Wander through wetlands, march through marshes and roam the banks of the River Lea. There are also plenty of great spots along the way to soak in East London life, see our top picks at the end of the guide.

East London isn’t exactly rich in big green spaces. That is of course, with the exception of Victoria Park, the go-to escape for East Londoners.

Riverside walking is always a delight and this walk is from the top drawer. It is so accessible by tube or train to Richmond with the return journey from Mortlake that there is really no excuse for not giving it a go.

Hampstead Heath is one of London’s most popular open spaces, a registered charity managed and funded by the City of London, and located just six kilometres from Trafalgar Square.

With the noticeably clean air filling your lungs, the chit-chat of birdsong filling your ears and the ubiquitous yet ever impressive Red Deer right in front of your eyes, all the senses mingle to create a very special ambiance at Richmond Park.

Follow in the wash of the Boat Race at your own pace, picking up the Thames Path and heading east. It’s an 8km walk to The Ship in Mortlake. 

Pick up a Thames Clipper from Embankment Pier and cruise for 50 minutes down the Thames to Greenwich. Surprise yourself with a plethora of iconic historical buildings and a browse round Greenwich Market.

Whether you’re looking to find a nice secluded spot for a picnic, on the hunt for some exotic plants, or simply just want to enjoy your coffee without bumping into Karen from HR, these hidden gems have all the answers.