Walking Holidays – UK Walking Routes

Walks And Walking – Camping in Epping Forest

Camping in Epping Forest, for me, conjures up images of finding a secret spot next to a stream where I can pitch up my gear and spit roast a wild squirrel on my fire. Now, that’s never going to happen for several reasons; I don’t like camping, I’m scared of the dark and I can’t hunt.

This type of ‘wild camping’ is illegal in Epping Forest, as it is anywhere in England unless you have special permission from the land owner. Wild camping with motorhomes is also not allowed and you will be moved on by the forest rangers regardless of whether there is a ‘No Camping’ sign or not. The main parts of Epping Forest do get busy in to the early hours so you’re not likely to get much peace if you camp in close proximity to your transport but you may be fine if you just have a canopy, or make use of one of the many bivouacs in Epping Forest, and don’t light a fire.

In Scotland wild camping is far more acceptable and very popular. The best website I have found so far is this one, PTC* which includes some stunning, and I mean STUNNING, photography.

petesy wild camping

The most sensible and safe option is to camp nearby and enjoy Epping Forest during the day with plenty of walks in Epping Forest trying to track down some of Epping Forest’s native Fallow Deer or, failing that, a trip to the Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary.

Here is my quick guide to camping in Epping Forest for your walking holidays.

Walks And Walking – Camping in Epping Forest – Debden House

Debden House Centre – click here

Debden House Centre is situated in Loughton, Essex, and right next to Epping Forest. They have 7 fields, including 4 fire fields, with over 300 pitches, many with electric hookup for caravans and campervans. You have to fill in an enquiry form on their website for more details.
Debden campsite is open from 1st May to the 30th September yearly.

Walks And Walking – Camping in Epping Forest – Woodland Camp

Woodland Camp – click here

Woodland Camp is situated a short drive from Epping Forest in Romford, Essex. They have assorted areas for camping within a Woodland Valley, with one of the larger Woodland Plateau camping areas featuring a “camping shelter” large enough for 30 people, an outdoor BBQ and a campfire location. Their website is easy to use, very informative and includes a video and image gallery. Woodland Camp is open all year round.

Walks And Walking – Camping in Epping Forest – Lee Valley Campsite

Lee Valley Campsite – click here

Lee Valley Campsite is situated in Sewardstone, Chingford, Essex and offers a perfect location in Epping Forest. They have 1,000 acres for tents and caravans, or you can choose to stay in a cosy cocoon or family cabin. They have a very comprehensive website and you can book online quite easily. Lee Valley Campsite open all year round.

Walks And Walking – The Wales Coast Path With Saga Walking Holidays

If you are looking for a bracing few days walking then you can’t go too wrong with a visit to the Wales Coast Path where you can take in the lush rural landscapes, the dramatic coast, breathtaking mountains, secluded ancient forests and the rugged foothills of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Gower Peninsula and Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail.

I spent a week with the parents in South Wales a few years ago, where we walked a few sections of the Gower Peninsula and it was stunning, you can find them here Wales Walks. The Wales Coast Path officially opened earlier this year and you can see the whole 870 miles of the Wales Coast Path in a 5 minute video here Wales Coast Path video.

Walks And Walking – The Wales Coast Path With Saga Walking Holidays – The Gower Peninsula

In addition to the award winning golden beaches the walking routes along the Gower Peninsula also include 5 unique conversation areas, places of historical interest such as ancient monuments, caves and castles and an impressive 24 wildlife trust reserves to visit. You can also explore the town of Laugharne where the legacy of Dylan Thomas lives on, not forgetting the impressive Laugharne Castle that has influenced so many other writers and artists to this day.

From June 2013 Saga Holidays will be introducing walking holidays in Llanelli, at the Stradey Park Hotel, so you can enjoy the outstanding natural beauty of the Wales Coast Path. This classic converted Edwardian mansion has plenty of character and benefits from its elevated position overlooking the town with sweeping panoramic views across Llanelli, Carmarthen Bay and the world famous Gower Peninsula.

Walks And Walking – The Wales Coast Path With Saga Walking Holidays – Laugharne Castle

From its Celtic roots, Llanelli grew in the eighteenth and nineteenth-centuries with the mining of coal and tin. Today, sport plays a key role in the town, which is the location of the famous rugby union ground. You can also explore the historic town of Llanelli overlooks the Gower Penisula and Carmarthenshire coast as well as the 13 mile long shoreline of the Loughor estuary, which has been transformed into the Millennium Coastal Park.

Walking the Costa Blanca – Saga Walking Holidays

If you want to escape to sunnier climes (literally) this autumn/winter then Saga Holidays are currently offering walking holidays in the Costa Blanca from November. For more information on all Saga walking holidays you can visit Saga, use the drop down search menu and click on Walking. You can also chat with Saga Holidays on their facebook page here.