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.

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. Uniwalks: Leeds to Skipton: 43 minutes by train

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!

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.

Uniwalks:

• Manchester Piccadilly to Edale: 44 minutes by train
• Sheffield to Edale: 32 minutes by train

 

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.

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.

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.

Uniwalks: Birmingham New Street to Great Malvern: 56 minutes by train 

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.

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.

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.

Uniwalks: Newcastle to Haltwhistle: 52 minutes by train plus a short taxi ride to Twice Brewed

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.

Uniwalks: Canterbury West to Margate: 35 minutes