People who love walking in the Peak District and other hills
and dales of England may like to hop across the pond to Northern
Ireland and take in some of the views that National Trust site
Castle Ward in County Down has to offer.

This part of the Lecale countryside has been featured as a walk
of the week by the Daily Telegraph and boasts any number of
attractions, including Audley’s Castle – a 15th-century tower house
- and Strangford Lough, a marine nature reserve.

Heading to this latter destination in winter could prove
particularly enjoyable to bird-watching enthusiasts as “virtually
the entire world population of light-bellied Brent geese”
congregate here at this time.

Walking expert John Bettes said of the region: “Strolling
through this 820-acre walled demesne takes you along trails that
wind their way through atmospheric woodland, parkland and
gardens.”

What’s more, visitors can also participate in a living history
house tour or spend time in the corn mill, learning about Irish
industrial heritage.

People who enjoy walking in the New Forest may be interested
to note that a report published yesterday (August 1st) suggests
that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
may consider axing the country’s proposed new coastal path in a bid
to save money.

The Conservative-Liberal Democrat alliance recently stated that
all governmental departments must reduce their spending bills by
around 40 per cent in the coming months as it seeks to implement
austerity measures to cut the nation’s fiscal budget deficit, which
is estimated to stand at more than £140 billion.

And according to journalist Jim Pickard, who was writing for the
Financial Times’ Westminster blog, the proposed £50 million outlay
on a 30-foot wide and 2,500-mile long walking path around the
country which was introduced by the former administration last year
could be targeted.

Mr Pickard wrote: “I asked a former Defra minister last week
what the easiest cut in his old department would be. The answer:
the new coastal path.”
 

The Brecon Beacons could be an ideal holiday destination for both walkers and families at any time of the year.

Anyone that enjoys walking in the Lake District or other rambling hotspots throughout the country might like to visit the Brecon Beacons in the near future as the Welsh national park has something to suit all tastes.

But the stunningly scenic location has much more to offer than just great walking trails and therefore could be ideal for either an action-packed family holiday or a peaceful and idyllic weekend staycation break.

Indeed, Wyn Morgan, warden and walk leader for the Brecon Beacons national park, has told the region’s official website that he wants people to understand the work of the national park and also how beautiful the countryside there is.

He went on to state that the area’s purpose is to be enjoyed by visitors and commented that “it’s the people who live here and work the land that make these places so beautiful” before advising anyone going to the park: “If they could remember one thing, it would be how exciting and wonderful a walk in the countryside can be”.

Despite the fact that there are many other attractions and activities within the boundaries of the Brecon Beacons to keep visitors of any age entertained and content on their holiday, the region’s walking routes are what it is most well-known for.

With various high peaks, the park offers expert walkers some of the UK’s most challenging trails. But, in equal measure, there are also easier and slightly less daunting rambling options open to those who are either not as experienced or confident enough to attempt to scale some of Britain’s toughest – yet most rewarding – paths.

Furthermore, in terms of walking, the Brecon Beacons affords visitors plenty of flexibility and freedom when it comes to selecting their chosen routes as it seeks to allow people the opportunity to choose individually how they spend their well-earned time away.

For example, guided walks – which are quite similar to taking a guided tour when you visit a city – involve a highly-trained expert accompanying ramblers on their trek in order to provide them with their knowledge and experience of the best routes and places to visit.

Meanwhile, the park’s authorities have made it easier for people unsure about how far or difficult they want their walk to be by splitting these guided walks into three categories – moderate, energetic and strenuous.

However, for any visitors who prefer to go it alone, the Brecon Beacons has also developed a wide range of self-guided walks on popular trails such as Abergavenny to Llanfoist Wharf, Cwm Gwdi to Pen y Fan and Cribyn and Abergavenny to The Sugar Loaf. 

But, as was mentioned previously, the Brecon Beacons is about much more than just walking.

Visitors are able to spot some of Britain’s rarest wildlife within the park’s boundaries, meaning that lovers of nature, as well as the outdoors, could enjoy a break there.

Also, there are many traditional Welsh pubs and eateries dotted around the park, so whatever you have been doing during the day time, there are plenty of excellent options for food and drink of an evening in the Brecon Beacons.