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Exploring the great outdoors on a solo walking holiday all by yourself can be incredibly rewarding. But joining a guided group has its benefits, too. It allows you to discover new places without the need to navigate and find like-minded friends in a welcoming home-away-from-home. In short, they're perfect for a fulfilling and hassle-free walking escape.
We've handpicked 10 incredible UK hotels that are part of our guided walking tours. These hotels provide exceptional single room accommodation tailored for solo travellers.
The Moorland Hotel, Dartmoor
Nestled on the fringes of Dartmoor National Park, this countryside gem is a walker's dream base. Wake up to lovely views and discover the prehistoric sites and granite rocks that define the area's landscape.
After a day of exploring Dartmoor’s history-rich moors with our tour leaders, unwind with a post-walk drink in the hotel’s gorgeous gardens. There’s a relaxed bar with a fireplace where groups of friends can gather, plus a restaurant serving delicious meals made from locally-sourced ingredients. When it’s time to get some rest, you can look forward to homely guest rooms with comfortable beds.
Book: Dartmoor Guided Walking
Somerville Hotel, Jersey
Seafront strolls and coastal walks await at this elegant Victorian hotel overlooking the golden sands of St. Aubin's Bay. Soak up the Channel Island charm as you make your way across the island's flower-filled dunes and rocky headlands to highlights like Corbière lighthouse and the Neolithic standing stone known as La Dame Blanche.
Rest tired legs in the outdoor pool which the hotel heats from May to September, and relax in elegant rooms, many of which come with fabulous sea views. Round off your day by dining on Jersey’s rich culinary offerings in the award-winning restaurant.
Book: Jersey Guided Walking
Busta House, Shetland
A stay at this 16th century laird’s manor offers walkers the opportunity to hike along remote stretches of granite coastline and admire squawking seabird colonies in many an RSPB reserve.
Back at base, expect cosy guest rooms, and a restaurant serving hearty dishes prepared to traditional local recipes. If you’re after a nightcap the hotel’s lounge (known as the Long Room) has a collection of around 280 whiskies. To top it all, the hotel’s out of the way location makes it an ideal spot for watching the Northern Lights.
The Centre of Britain Hotel, Haltwhistle, Northumberland
A stay at the Centre of Britain Hotel puts the best-preserved sections of Hadrian’s Wall within easy reach. Spend time at Housesteads Roman fort, explore the southern part of Northumberland National Park, and visit Vindolanda – an archaeological site where some of Britain’s oldest Roman relics were discovered.
Formerly used as a manor house, coaching inn, post office, and pub, part of this hotel was a 15th century Pele Tower. In keeping with its location just a stone’s throw from the official Hadrian’s Wall Path trail, the restaurant serves a Roman-themed banquet on your final evening.
The Merkister, Orkney
We love Orkney’s family-run Merkister Hotel, not least for its enviable setting on the shores of Harray Loch. It puts rambles through rolling countryside and crofts on your doorstep and is just six miles from Skara Brae – one of the best-preserved Neolithic ruins in Europe.
Relax in rooms that are simple but homely or unwind in the cosy bar where you can recap on the day’s adventures with fellow guests. Be sure to reward yourself with a sumptuous selection of Scottish seafood and Aberdeen Angus beef in the award-winning restaurant overlooking the loch.
The Speech House Hotel, Forest of Dean
This boutique hotel is a former 17th-century hunting lodge just five miles from the wandering trails of the picturesque Wye Valley and just a stone’s throw from the Forest of Dean – home to whimsical woodland sculptures and Britain's most impressive outdoor art installations nestled on the border with Wales.
After enriching days spent spotting wildlife like otter and kingfishers in the Wye's limestone gorges and ancient woodlands with our knowledgeable guides, you'll relish retiring to your stylish en-suite room. Relax and swap stories with new hiking companions over delectable locally-sourced dishes at the hotel's AA Rosette-winning restaurant.
Caley Hall, Norfolk
Steeped in history dating back to 1648, Caley Hall seamlessly blends its original manor house charm with modern comforts in 40 chalet-style bedrooms converted from the estate's former stables. Its idyllic setting makes it the perfect base for great walks exploring Norfolk's fabled coastline.
The Norfolk Coast is a National Landscape and it’s also one of the flattest places to walk in the UK, making it suitable for every level of walker. Discover the dramatic seascape where The Wash empties into the North Sea, cross beaches patrolled by ringed plovers and oystercatchers, and visit Brancaster - the quaint village home of Britain's naval hero, Horatio Nelson. After invigorating coastal rambles, unwind in your stylish room before savour fine dining or pub classics at the hotel's AA Rosette-awarded restaurant.
St Davids Cross Hotel, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Located in the heart of Britain’s smallest city, St Davids Cross Hotel puts you on the doorstep of Pembrokeshire’s finest walks. This history-steeped hotel dates back over 200 years and is now one of the top places to stay in the city following a full refurbishment in 2016.
Walkers will love hiking across Pembrokeshire’s dramatic landscape of dark sandy beaches, cobalt lagoons, soaring arches, and curious rock formations untouched by time. Our guides will reveal ecological marvels like nesting seabird colonies as you hike to panoramic history-steeped summits like Carningli. After a day of exploring, you'll appreciate retreating to the welcoming restaurant for delectable local fare and a well-deserved pint at the cosy bar.
The Bulkeley Hotel, Anglesey
Set on the shores of Beaumaris beach, this Grade II-listed Georgian beauty was built for a royal visit to Anglesey in 1832. Step through the stately doors of The Bulkeley Hotel and be transported to an era of classic refinement with characterful rooms, manicured gardens, and an art gallery showcasing local talents.
Let our expert guides lead you on an Anglesey walking holiday across a landscape of ancient castles, sweeping golden beaches, and breathtaking clifftop trails where colonies of rare seabirds make their home. On your return, you can look forward to elegant dining in the stylish Hansoms Restaurant, live piano performances on weekends, and sharing a craft cocktail or two with new friends made on the trail.
The Ardlui Hotel, Ardlui
Situated on the banks of the legendary Loch Lomond, this family-run Scottish hideaway has been extending a warm welcome to weary explorers since 1959. The Ardlui's magnificent setting makes it a firm favourite for guests embarking on our guided West Highland Way walks. After invigorating hikes spotting wildlife in the RSPB Inversnaid reserve, you'll cross the loch by ferry - arriving in style for a well-earned rest in one of the 10 cozy en-suite rooms.
Once revived with TV lounging, a steaming shower, and a wee dram from the hotel's impressive whisky ambassador selection, you can enjoy sharing tales with your fellow hiking companions over a hearty meal. With new friendships forged and memories made, you'll quickly find yourself appreciating this landmark hotel's warm hospitality as much as its stunning surroundings.
Published 26th March 2024