Uniwalks

This classic British walk offers outstanding panoramic views thanks to the combination of flat, fertile clay vales intersected by the Downs, which snake pleasingly across the landscape. Climbing swiftly up the slope of Beddingham Hill, you witness the horizon retreating further and further away, and with it, the views getting greater and greater! Your route trundles in a leisurely way along the spine of the Downs, culminating at Firle Beacon Viewpoint. There are views of the sea to the south, and to the north, fields extending as far as your eyes permit you to see. A lovely spot for a picnic. However, should you wish to indulge in a pub lunch, The Ram Inn at Firle village offers a welcoming selection of gastronomic and alcoholic delights, sure to satisfy your appetite. This is a wonderful walk ideal for those wishing to feel that intangible thrill of liberation when looking upon only the most spectacular of rural vistas.

This wonderful circular walk has all the important elements that distinguish Vespucci Signature Hikes. Whilst the route starts inauspiciously from the station,  an embarrassment of riches lies ahead. There’s no shortage of lovely coffee and pub stops along the way and Mill Road highlights the city’s diversity before the university town begins to reveal itself. The lovely public spaces of Parker’s Piece and Christ’s Pieces mark the start of this transition. The River Cam becomes the thread by which the rest of the walk hangs.  We weave in and out of  many of the colleges enjoying glimpses of opulence and history. Arguably, the highlight is looking  from The Backs  to King’s College and its chapel. Just breathtaking. Leaving the colleges behind, the route  passes  Grantchester Meadows, the perfect riverside picnic spot  if the weather is friendly. If not, there are excellent eating options in the lovely village of Grantchester, immortalised by the poet, Rupert Brooke. The return is straight forward, leaving time to reflect on a day well spent. 

If arriving by train, sit back, relax and enjoy the train ride to Brockenhurst where you change for the connection to Lymington Pier.  The train practically pulls onto the ferry itself, awaiting your arrival at the end of the pier.  As you cross the Solent,  consider reading Tennyson’s “Crossing the Bar”, a poem he wrote on the ferry to Yarmouth, and included  later in this guidebook.  Enjoy a coffee in Yarmouth  before setting off alongside the River Yar.  Tennyson’s Monument soon comes into view on top of Tennyson Down, giving you a foretaste of what is to come. The route takes you through Freshwater Bay but not before a world class cresting moment revealing the English Channel in front of you and the Solent behind. Pick up a coffee and a snack at The Freshwater Gate Café  before heading up on Tennyson Down and the walk along its spine to the Needles view point. There are good short cut options all the way along or the Plan B  option of a bus ride back from Alum Bay. As you traverse off Tennyson Down, the hard work has been done and there is a lovely café or the excellent pub ready to welcome you.  From there it is a short hop back to Yarmouth, leaving time to reflect on a day well spent.

This walk offers the perfect opportunity to get a taste of all the amazing things to do and see in Exeter. You start off in the bustling city and its popular quayside walkways, passing beautiful weirs, interesting  bridges and (hopefully) majestic swans. As you head further down and along the canal, the city slowly gives way to the countryside, which offers tranquil scenery and beautiful wildlife. The canals then give way to the estuary, where you’ll see hundreds of boats sheltering on their moorings and the villages that lie across the water.  The riverside is steeped in history, with the estuary being one of the earliest areas populated in Devon, primarily because it served as a vital, navigable trade route. As you walk you can really picture the difficult journey up river that ships would have had to make  from the sea, up the estuary, and into the canal system through the locks to reach the city.  The route itself isn’t strenuous as it is relatively flat on the riverside throughout, crossing under and across bridges as you go. If you feel brave there are even a few good wild swimming spots along the way. Enjoy the walk and by the time you’ve reached the end you’ll have earned a refreshing pint as you wait for your train home.

Apart from the planes going overhead, it is sometimes difficult to believe you are with an hour of Waterloo. Enjoy the tranquillity of the Thames gliding by, looking out for the flash of a kingfisher or the circling of a heron. Windsor Great Park is a revelation for those who have never visited. Ancient oaks, the deer and birdsong transport you to another age. Moreover, it is impossible not to be aware of the hand of history with references to Magna Carta, the Royal Family, John F Kennedy along the way. The walk lends itself either to a perfect picnic spot at the feet of the Copper Horse looking down the Long Walk or to a great pub lunch at the Fox & Hounds. The climax of the walk is the cresting of the mound upon which the Copper Horse stands with breathtaking views towards Windsor Castle and the London skyline. For those who want to make a weekend of it, there is still Eton to explore, the possibility of a cruise on the River Thames, a visit to Windsor Castle  as well as a night out  at the Theatre Royal Windsor.

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.