Perth’s Norrie Miller Park plays home to wildlife, gardens, walks and art | Kenny Lam
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Explore Britain's Regional Cities on our NEW Range of Active Tours
There's so much to do and see in the United Kingdom. When Samuel Johnson said: “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”, he easily could have broadened his statement to the whole of Britain.
At UTracks, we don't need any more encouragement to explore Britain's walking trails and bike paths. You can already choose from over 60 active holidays, including
9 National Trail routes.
However, we often get asked to extend trip itineraries to include days exploring nearby cities, such as Liverpool and Inverness.
Including gateway cities in your trip provides an interesting contrast to the outdoor journey. From a practical point, it also makes it easier to get to the 'Day 1' start point of the tour as these regional hubs are very accessible from across Britain.
This demand has led to the creation of our NEW range of iconic trails coupled with gateway cities. You can now explore:
Plus, in each of these cities you can stay in premium accommodation, allowing you to explore the city streets feeling extra relaxed and recharged.
Keep reading to see what's special about these NEW active tours in the UK.
Explore Regional Cities
These destinations are great hubs of culture, food and history, and will contribute to the overall experience of the trail. During your day exploring a regional city you can follow our self-guided walking itinerary at your own pace and discover the many local attractions.
Liverpool
Embrace life as a Liverpudlian and visit Liverpool's city centre, including the iconic Waterfront (Albert Dock, Cunard Building, Liver Birds), Liverpool Museum, Tate Liverpool, St George’s Hall, Liverpool Anglican Cathedral and the Western Approaches HQ (wartime tunnel complex). For soccer (football) fans, you could take a tour of Anfield (home of Liverpool Football Club) or take the ferry across the Mersey and see the U-Boat, a real German wartime submarine.
In recent times Liverpool has been voted the best place to live and work in the UK and will host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.
Newcastle
There are many interesting pockets to Newcastle, in the north-east of England. It is renowned for being Britain's industrial hub but it also has a more cosmopolitan side, with attractions including Newcastle Castle, Millennium Bridge and the Angel of the North statue. For soccer fans, a visit to St James Park, home of Newcastle United, is a must.
Two more inescapable experiences of Newcastle is the popular brown ale and the distinct 'Geordie' accent.
Inverness
More a cosy town than a small city, the lovely Inverness is at the end of the Great Glen Way in Scotland. Take this opportunity to fully explore the Botanic Gardens, walk the riverside path and admire the castle on the cliff and cathedral. As an optional extra, you could take the Jacobean Cruise along the Caledonian Canal and a trip up to Culloden, which is the site of the final decisive battle in the Jacobite Rebellion or Uprising in 1745.
Perth
In a former life, Perth was the capital of Scotland and a charming playground for kings and queens. This legacy can be seen today, with lavish architecture, well-tended gardens and a fascinating history.
Start your day exploring the River Tay Public Art trail, which is themed around some of the most notable achievements of the city and its people. Then see Fair Maid’s House, one of the oldest buildings in Perth and now the international headquarters for the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.
Visit the Perth Art Gallery, which is one of the more photographed buildings due to its domed roof and striking external columns. It's also recommended to visit Scone Palace (taxi required), which was the crowning place of Scottish kings and was where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II were once crowned. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and peaceful woodlands. Inside you can see the State Rooms where Queen Victoria was entertained and you can admire the needlework skills of Mary Queen of Scots.
Premium Accommodation
Indulge in deluxe accommodation on these special active tours. In the regional cities, you'll stay in premium hotels or boutique heritage villas that add an extra dimension to your overall experience.
Once you hit the trails and back roads of rural Britain, the accommodation will naturally reflect the surroundings. When possible, your itinerary will place you in premium lodging compared to the standard tour.
Iconic Trails
These new active tours follow some of the most popular walking routes in Britain.
Coast to Coast
Devised by renowned walker and writer Alfred Wainwright in 1973, the Coast to Coast Walk is the most famous long-distance trail in the UK. At 315km or 195 miles, the Coast to Coast Walk uses a network of public footpaths tracks, permissive paths and access land to cross England’s huge variety of landscapes, terrain, villages and three unique national parks – the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.
Great Glen Way
Follow undulating forest tracks along the shores of Loch Ness and walk through a mixture of farmland, exposed high moorlands and woodland as you make your way to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness. Take the time to explore Urquhart Castle and you may even spot '"Nessie" in Loch Ness, keep an eye out!
Hadrian's Wall Path
Hadrian’s Wall stretches from the aptly named Wallsend in Newcastle Upon Tyne to the quaint village of Bowness-on-Solway in the west. The 84 mile (135km) Hadrian’s Wall Path takes hikers across the rugged countryside of Northern England, following the world’s largest Roman artefact.
Hiking Hadrian’s Wall is one of the best ways to explore this British cultural icon. Immerse yourself while walking in the history and cultural significance of this ancient relic and its forts, listed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cycle Scottish Lochs from Perth
The Scottish Highlands have long been a favoured destination for cyclists and walkers keen to experience the mountain peaks, shimmering lochs and pretty glens. During this week long trip, you will take the backroads and country paths where cycle touring is pleasurable. Enroute you will visit charming historic towns such as Dunkeld, and the peaceful lochside towns of Kenmore, Lochearnhead, and Killin. A rest day at Killin is included to allow you time to visit the Falls of Dochart, sail the Loch or walk up Ben Lawers. En route there are opportunities to take a forest walk or visit one of the many castles and ancient monuments found along the way.
What do you like about exploring regional cities and iconic trails? Let us know in the comment section below!