Time to Explore - Showcase Collection

Heart-thumping hikes through epic landscapes or serene strolls down winding pathways; whichever type of walker you are, you’ll always need a welcoming bolthole to come back to.

We’re proud to have partnered with Ordnance Survey. Together we have created our Showcase Collection: Time to Explore, featuring a choice of out-of-the-ordinary retreats for walking holidays. Don’t forget that National #GetOutsideDay is taking place on the 29th September – follow Ordnance Survey on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter to become a part of it.

It’s time to plan a walking adventure to remember. Imagine soothing aching muscles in a hot tub or warming weary feet up by the fire post-walk in one of these very special properties, all based near enchanting hiking trails.

Omega, Cornwall

Set high up on a clifftop, this is a retreat that is wrapped up in sea views; look over lapping waves and sweeping seascapes that stretch for miles. This 1950s hut has gone through a couple of redesigns over the years to make it into the spectacular luxury escape it is today. Return to base and spend the afternoon resting your walking legs in the steaming hot tub, warming your toes on the underfloor heating, or sinking back in the sea-facing lounger with fresh orange juice and a well-thumbed book.

Our walking route | Rame Head Circular from Freathy

The iconic South West Coast Path runs along behind this property, that’s how close to the sea it is. Early morning walks as the mist rises off the sea are a must. Venture along the coast, passing sandy beaches and coves, and out towards Rame Head on the magical trail, before returning via the charming twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand. Survey views south to Roseland and north of Plymouth as you make your way around this wildlife-rich headland.

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Blackburn House, Yorkshire Dales

Take a peek inside this handsome holiday let for eight guests with a frontage of classic Peak District sandstone. Discover high-end décor and elegant furnishings – every room has been well-thought-out down to the stylish boot room, perfect for abandoning muddy footwear after a Dales ramble. Between the roaring wood burner in the lounge and the chic, sociable kitchen, there’s no shortage of settings to unwind. We can’t forget the impressive outdoor dining area either, with spellbinding views over the Dales hills and mountains. Sip champagne in the hot tub after your explorations.

Our walking route | Hebden Circular via Thorpe

This trail leads along a canal towpath, tracing old textile-industry routes worn down by weavers, and passes the dramatic scenery around Hell Hole Rocks. You’ll follow the broad River Wharfe, following part of The Dales Way, and pass over the Hebden Suspension Bridge. The sweeping rapids of the Linton Falls offer the perfect pit stop for a magical photo during this rural ramble – keep an eye out for the Linton Stepping Stones.

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Valley View at Lawnfields, Peak District

We know from the moment you step through the door, you’ll be longing to put your feet up at this sophisticated pad. It’s another hot tub hideaway but this time, there’s an additional spa facility: your very own private infrared sauna. If you feel you need to truly switch off and treat yourself, this is the place to be – this cottage has space for four guests, but that doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to a romantic getaway here. The outdoor space is something special, with a babbling brook running through the grounds and a fire pit area with seating and fairy lights for magical star-spangled evenings around crackling flames.

Our walking route | Waterhouses, Grindon and the Manifold Way

Valley View at Lawnfields’ nearby walking trail leads you along an old packhorse route, past Grindon’s ancient church with its tall spire. Following part of the famous Manifold Way trail, an old railway route, it continues to pass through picturesque Yorkshire scenery all the way. The impressive church spire at Grindon is a very photogenic spot along the route.

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Bodcott – Pembridge, Wye Valley

Hidden away in the serene and picturesque Wye Valley, you’ll discover this petite retreat for two. Woven, wattle fencing creates a private space where you’ll find three buildings just for you. A charm-filled shepherd’s hut with stable doors and views onto an apple orchard is your main base with its cushy king-size bed and quaint kitchen. To spread out and relax, enter the summer house, with glass doors out into the idyllic wider grounds. Finally, warm up in the private sauna, peering out through the window while taking in that woody sauna scent.

Our walking route | Pembridge, Luntley and Lower Bearwood Circular

This route starts in the medieval village of Pembridge where old, timbered buildings line the streets – a beautiful place to begin. Enchanting highlights include Duppa’s Almshouses, the 16th-century Old Market Hall, and a timber dovecote at Luntley Court. For a little history, look out for the old orchards and Dunkerton’s Cider Mill.

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The Hut – Seasalter, Kent

Step out through the sliding glass doors and tiptoe down to the lapping waves at Seasalter Beach each morning during your retreat at The Hut. A warm water tap outside ensures you can rinse sandy feet and paws on return. This exquisite escape full of contemporary design, welcomes six guests, with seafront views, a splendid balcony from the master bedroom, and a curved wood burner downstairs for atmospheric evenings. While the interior is incredibly impressive, we suspect you’ll be spending most of your post-walk evenings on the decking, cooking on the charcoal ‘Egg BBQ’ and dining around the crackling fire pit.

Our walking route | Seasalter to Faversham Short Circular

Originating along the sea wall at Faversham, alongside Seasalter Beach, this trail leads past sand and shingle beaches, riverbanks, scenic meadows, and vast open marshes. Faversham Creek and Castle Coote Bird Sanctuary are the real gems of this trail, both part of South Swale Nature Reserve covering 850 acres of coastal land – making this an enchanting wildlife-rich route to follow.

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Storm Barn, Brecon Beacons

It would be easy to miss this refined retreat hiding amongst the slopes of the Black Mountains. Inside, a contemporary interior, including state-of-the-art NEFF appliances, blends with old features in this ancient barn. It’s a lovely size for four guests, with an uncrowded feel emphasised by its open-tread staircase, clever lighting including sizable skylights over the kitchen, a striking wood burner and spectacular windows and glass doors. Gather in the sunken seating area with its crackling fire pit for dreamy evenings inside – completed by a backdrop of mountain peaks and starry skies.

Our walking route | Mynydd Troed Circular Walking Trail

Amongst the extraordinary scenery of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, you’ll find this unassuming trail that could lead you on a real mountain adventure. Set in the western peaks of the Black Mountains, a steep climb awaits hardy hikers on this rugged trail but, on clear days, the astounding view overlooking the magnificent Llangorse Lake is worth the effort. Your descent will be slow and steady along a mountain ridge, as you gradually leave behind the views when you return back down to earth.

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Whether you are keen to tramp well-trodden routes in famous UK destinations or explore secret local pathways to unspoilt beauty spots, the properties in our Showcase Collection: Time to Explore will leave you itching to roam.