National Day Walks
WITH SPR
Grading of our walks
Grade A - Easy
These walks will invariably be on good tracks, over fairly level ground .
Grade B – Moderate
These walks will also be over good tracks, fairly level ground but with some hills, involving ascent and descent.
Grade C – Challenging
These walks will mostly be in the mountains, and may involve walking over broken ground, with steep ascent and descent.
Grade D – Severe
These walks will usually be in the mountains and could involve walking aretes with steep drops either side or a certain amount of easy scrambling, with “hands on” required. A good level of fitness is required for these, with a good head for heights and a good sense of balance.
British Mountaineering Participation Statement
British Mountaineering Participation Statement
One Day Expeditions
The New Forest – 11 miles – Grade A
The New Forest is situated in South West Hampshire and South East Wiltshire, and this particular walk is 11 miles in length. It is a circular walk at the northern extremity of The New Forest. The forest is Britain's smallest national park and was created by William the Conqueror in 1079 as a royal hunting ground. You will find in this forest some of the oldest trees in western Europe, and it also contains the largest area of lowland heath in Britain. There are beautiful villages and lovely warm pubs to visit. The woods are enchanting with a mixture of wildlife and wild flowers. Trees to be found range from the Oak, Beech and Silver Birch, to the English Yew and Scots Pine. If you are very lucky, you may even glimpse a deer amongst them. A mainly flat walk, with a stop on route at the lovely 17th century thatched Royal Oak pub in Fritham.
The Shropshire Hills – 10 miles – Grade B
This is a 10 mile walk, taking in some of the less visited hills to the east of Church Stretton in the English county of Shropshire. The walk is steep in places, but is manageable for somebody of average fitness.
Starting at Church Stretton, we make our way to the village of Hope Bowdler which has family connections going back to the 14th century. From here we will ascend gently to the summit of Hope Bowdler Hill. Descending into a valley, the steep slopes of Caer Caradoc come into view, and its full majesty is revealed as we progress. As we ascend Caer Caradoc through the rocky outcrops, the scenery will become more dramatic all the time. At the summit which is 459m, we can look down upon Church Stretton lying beneath the line of The Long Mynd in the distance. The Clee Hills can be seen to the east above Corve Dale and the wooded ridge of Wenlock Edge runs above Ape Dale.
Upon leaving Caer Caradoc, we will descend to the village of Comley, before ascending The Lawley. The Lawley is rather a strange shape and we can only imagine that a massive geological upheaval along the Church Stretton fault line occurred at least 200 million years ago. Indeed, volcanic rocks that you will have noticed on Caer Caradoc will have been dated to over 800 million years ago. From The Lawley, we will descend to the most northerly point before turning back for a walk along the side of the hills back to Church Stretton.
This is a glorious walk providing the walker with some of the loveliest scenery in Shropshire. We will visit Church Stretton at the end of the walk and a stop will be taken for food and refreshment.
The Jurassic Coast – 5 to 10 miles – Grade B
England's first natural World Heritage Site, this status being awarded in December 2001. The site extends from Exmouth in East Devon, through West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland, to end near Old Harry Rocks in Purbeck. This includes 95 miles of unspoilt cliffs, 185 million years of the earth's history as seen through the records of the rock. This is a walk through time itself! Walks within the area of 'Jurassic Coast' will vary in content and length, but will always be between 5 and 10 miles.
The Forest of Dean – 10 miles – Grade A
The Forest of Dean lies between 2 major rivers, The River Severn and The River Wye. This is a unique landscape made up of woodland and farmland containing old settlements and modern day villages. There are ridges, valleys and forested slopes. Walking in The Forest of Dean it can feel as though as you have gone back in time. Our particular walk is 10 miles in length and takes place right in the middle of the forest. This is a classic woodland walk and includes industrial history, old mines and quarries and the remains of early tram roads. There is wildlife in abundance, including wild boar who forage in the woods. This is a great walk for peaceful reflection.
Brecon Beacons – Pen y Fan – 5 miles – Grade B
This walk is ideal for you to take on your first mountain. Only 5 miles in length, you will walk up to a height of 886m, passing the summit of Corn Du on the way. The views from the top of both Corn Du and Pen y Fan can be stunning if the weather is good. Prior to our ascent, we will visit the Brecon Beacons Mountain Centre, which demonstrates the history and geology of the range. This walk is acsending all the way to the top, but is easily manageable by somebody of reasonable fitness. This is another good family day out, and at the end of the day you can take some refreshment to celebrate your first mountain ascent.
Rhossili – 10 miles – Grade B
This 10 mile walk takes in a 5 mile hill walk, followed by a beautiful 5 mile beach walk around Rhossili Bay. The beach at Rhossili is located at the western extremity of the Gower Peninsula in South Wales. The Rhossili Hills contain some Second World War fortifications which we will visit. If you wish to spend some time on Rhossili Beach, should the weather be sunny, then you will have time to do that. Bathing in the sea off Rhossili Beach is at your own risk as there are strong currents at this point, including rip currents. At the end of the walk we will finish in Rhossili village, where you can eat in one of the cafes, or The Worms Head Hotel. This is a great day out for the whole family.
The Long Mynd – 10 miles – Grade B
This walk will take in the length of The Long Mynd and we will cover up to 10 miles. This is a pleasant walk, especially on a good day. The necessity of a good mountain leader for this expedition is due to the navigational work to be undertaken. Some paths are not included on the map and although most are well worn, some are nothing but sheep trails. Indeed, some paths come to a dead end. Bad weather needs even more consideration. This is truly an expedition to give you a sense of achievement.
Black Mountain – Sugar Loaf – 7 miles – Grade B
Sugar Loaf is situated to the south of the Black Mountains in Wales. It stands at 596m. This is a good hill walk for the beginner and does a circuit of 7 miles, finishing back in Abergavenny. A pleasant day out with good views if the weather permits. A break will be taken in Abergavenny before our return.
Black Mountains Range – 15 miles – Grade C
The Black Mountains in South Wales. This expedition is not for the faint hearted, and a good level of fitness is required. You can expect to walk 15 miles, with your second ascent being to the summit of Waun Fach at 810m, the highest point in the Eastern Black Mountains, and central to the range. At this point, you will be at the very heart of this wild terrain, an area extensively used for training purposes by the military. If you do have a good level of fitness, and enjoy wild places, then this could be for you.
The Black Mountain – 15 miles – Grade C
Situated to the west of the Brecon Beacons, The Black Mountain is a wild desolate place. This walk again needs a good level of fitness and will cover approximately 15 miles. However, distance can alter due to weather conditions and terrain. There are many metres of ascent and descent. Your rewards are, weather permitting, great unique views, trekking through the many shake holes in the landscape and generally enjoying a real wild day out. Be prepared!
The Mumbles – Grade A
The Mumbles are situated between Swansea and The Gower peninsula. We will visit Mumbles itself for a good look around the shops and local area, and this will be followed, at low tide, with a walk out to the Mumbles lighthouse. A great day for the whole family, but the walk to the lighthouse is not advised for very young children.
Worms Head – 5 miles – Grade B
Worms Head protrudes into the Bristol Channel from the western extremity of The Gower in South Wales. The walk itself is only 5 miles, but is strenuous in places. Access to Worms Head is only at low tide and has to be carefully planned. Some rock formations are encountered and care has to be taken. This expedition is not suitable for young children. At the end of the day, we will visit The Worms Head visitor centre and The Worms Head Hotel for refreshments.
Herefordshire - Symonds Yat - 10 Miles – Grade B
Follow the River Wye before climbing up to the famous viewpoint at Symonds Yat Rock, where Peregrine Falcons may be seen.
Cheddar Gorge & Caves – 5 miles – Grade A
The Cheddar Gorge is situated in Somerset. It is approximately 3 miles long and nearly 400 ft deep. Consequently, this is the largest gorge in England. It was formed during the last Ice Age and the Yeo river created the famous Cheddar caves. On this expedition, you will walk 5 miles exploring the upper heights of the gorge, before finishing at the caves themselves. The cave visit is optional but is not included in the expedition price. However, we highly recommend this visit. Once again, a great day out for all the family. You may like to take a cream tea at the end of the day.
Brecon Beacons Waterfalls - 6 miles - Grade B
This beautiful 6 mile walk takes in no less than 14 spectacular waterfalls, one of which you can actually walk behind. Add to this, a lovely country pub at the finish to enjoy some refreshment and you can see that you have a most enjoyable day.
Brecon Beacons & Dan yr Ogof Caves – 5 miles – Grade B
On this expedition, we will head to the Western Brecon Beacons. A 5 mile walk will see us ascend Fan Gyhirych. This is a lovely walk for a person of reasonable fitness. At the end of the walk, we will make the short drive for a visit to Dan yr Ogof Caves. Entry to the caves is optional, but not included in your ticket price. However, this visit is highly recommended.
Buckinghamshire - Chequers - 9 Miles – Grade A
Chequers is the country retreat of the Prime Minister, situated in The Chiltern Hills. This is a circular walk around the valley surrounding Chequers, and takes in some fabulous views over the Vale of Aylesbury.
Wiltshire - Aldbourne - 11 miles – Grade A
A trek through the Marlborough Downs, passing many bronze age and iron age tumuli and the enormous hill fort of Liddington Castle. Take in views over the downs and across to The Vale of the White Horse.
Wiltshire - Wylye Valley - 9 Miles – Grade B
The Wylye Valley is a typical English landscape. We follow a valley bottom through many small villages, before climbing on to the wooded hilltops above this lovely view below. Cottages, farmhouses and ancient churches all make an appearance.
Monmouthshire - Wye Valley - 12 Miles – Grade B
This is quite a challenging walk and takes in Chepstow Castle, the towering Eagle's Nest viewpoint, carpets of spring flowers in the woods, Tintern Abbey, Offas Dyke and to finish, the vertical cliffs at Wintour's Leap. A fantastic walk.
Shropshire - Wenlock Edge - 9 Miles – Grade B
Wenlock Edge stretches for 30km across Shropshire. On this walk, we will cover part of the western side along a disused railway track, before returning along the eastern side. We will then climb up to Ippikings Rock with some terrific views.
Powys - Drygarn Fawr - 11 Miles – Grade C
Within The Cambrian Mountains, this walk will take you into the middle of wilderness country, and you will ascend the summit of Drygarn Fawr at 641m. The terrain is rough and Red Kites abound. A most enjoyable wild walk.
Powys - Elan Valley - 11 Miles – Grade B
This walk will follow an 8 mile valley route through The Cambrian Mountains. We will follow an old railway track, taking in reservoirs and dams, constructed between 1892 and 1904. This is truly a beautiful and interesting walk, full of fresh mountain air.
Herefordshire - Hoarwithy - 12 Miles – Grade B
Enjoy the countryside surrounding the River Wye. You will cross the river 4 times on this walk, 2 of these crossings being on suspended footbridges. You will pass 4 churches on the route, which are very interesting to investigate.
Powys - Pistyll Rhaeadr - 7 Miles – Grade B
On this walk, we visit Pstyll Rhaeadr, the highest waterfall south of Scotland. It plummets over a cliff to a pool, then tumbles again for a total of 240ft. This makes it higher than Niagra Falls. Following a visit to the waterfall, we reach a ridge with spectacular views at 820m. This is quite a challenging walk.
Monmouthshire - Tintern - 9 Miles – Grade B
As well as visiting Tintern Abbey, we will walk through beech woods, pony tracks and the remains of former ironworks. There are lovely views over the River Wye as we go.
Herefordshire - Woolhope - 10 miles - Grade B
This walk takes us through grasslands, woodlands and over Marcle Hill and Ridge Hill.
There are beautiful views over The Cotswolds and Forest of Dean, and it includes several nature reserves.
At the end of the walk, we will finish with a visit to the town of Hereford.
Wiltshire – Avebury Circular – 7 miles – Grade A
This route takes in the world’s largest prehistoric stone circle, built between 22850 and 2200 BC. We also climb Silbury Hill, the tallest prehistoric man-made mound in Europe. Part of the route will include some of The Ridgeway National Trail and also some of The White Horse Trail.
A beautiful walk, with a look back at our very beginnings.
Wiltshire – Stonehenge – 11 miles – Grade B
We will walk a circular route through a beautiful landscape, and we will get almost within touching distance of the stones. If you do wish to go to the visitor centre, we will do this before the start of the walk. You can then buy a ticket to actually enter the compound.
Wiltshire – Marlborough Downs – 9 miles – Grade B
This circular walk on The North Wessex Downs is full of history. As we walk over the chalk grassland, there is plenty of flora to see, and we will take in “The Wansdyke”, Oldbury Castle and Cherhill White Horse.
The high point of the walk will be a visit to the Lansdowne Monument of 1845.
Four Day Expeditions
Ben Nevis - Grade C
The main objective of this 4 day expedition is to attain the highest summit in Great Britain, standing at 1344m. Total distance for this walk will be approximately 14 miles. This is attainable by the average walker.
There will also be a dramatic gorge walk of approximately 8 miles, taking you out into the wilds of the Highlands.
Included in the camping price is your transport to and from Scotland and to the walks, your camping fees for the Glen Nevis campsite and your leader for the 4 days. We will also provide you with a tent, safari bed and lighting.
Included in the B&B option is your transport to and from Scotland and to the walks, accommodation in The Ben Nevis Hotel or equivalent and your leader for the 4 days
Dartmoor - Grade B
This expedition is truly for those who want an adventure and a sense of achievement.
Over the 4 days, walking approximately 12 miles per day, we will walk from Okehampton in the North to Ivybridge in the South. The full length of Dartmoor.
The first night will be a wild camp in the middle of the North moor, the second night will on a campsite near Princetown, whilst the third night will be a wild camp in the centre of the South moor.
Included in the camping price is your transport to and from Dartmoor and to the walks, your camping fees for the campsite and your leader for the 4 days. We will also provide a lightweight tent, bed mat, Trangia cooker and lighting.
The Ring of Steall, Scottish Highlands - Grade D
This expedition will take in a real classic mountain route, traversing 4 Munroes, with scrambling along narrow, rocky aretes. The route will take in An Gearanach, Sto Am Bodach and then follows the Devils Ridge to Sgurr a’Mhim.
There is a good path for most of this route, but many sections include scrambling on rough rocks with exposure to height. A long, exhausting day.
The distance covered will be 10 miles. This will take 9-12 hours to complete and we will ascend 1676m.
4 Munroes will be completed.
Included in the camping price is your transport to and from Scotland and to your walks, your camping fees for the Glen Nevis campsite and your leader for the 4 days. We will also provide you with a tent, safari bed and lighting.
Included in the B&B option is your transport to and from Scotland and to the walks, accommodation in the Ben Nevis Hotel or equivalent and your leader for the 4 days.
The Pembrokeshire Coast - Grade B
Part 1
This first expedition will take in the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast from Amroth, which is the beginning of the coastal path, to Stackpole Quay. The walk will be split over 2 days, and will take in some of the most amazing scenery on the welsh coast. The distance covered will be approximately 10 miles on the 1st day and 12 miles on the 2nd day. There will be one spare day, where you can take in the lovely town of Tenby and perhaps take a boat trip to Caldy Island (the boat trip is not included in the price)
Included in the camping price is your transport to and from Pembrokeshire and to the walks, your campsite fees on the Meadow Farm campsite, Northcliffe, and your leader for the 4 days. We will also provide you with a tent, safari bed and lighting.
Included in the B&B price, is your transport to and from Pembrokeshire and to the walks, your accommodation in the Ivybank guest house or equivalent and your leader for the 4 days.
Part 2
For this second part of The Pembrokeshire Coast, we will be based in the area of St Davids, and we will make our way from Stackpole Quay, westwards around the coast. The distance travelled each day will be approximately 12 miles. The absolutely stunning cliff top scenery compliments the first part of The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.
Included in the camping price is your transport to and from Pembrokeshire and to the walks, your campsite fees on the Glan-y-Mor campsite, and your leader for the 4 days. We will also provide you with a tent, safari bed and lighting.
Included in the B&B price is your transport to and from Pembrokeshire and to the walks, your accommodation in the City Inn, St Davids or equivalent and your leader for the 4 days.
Snowdonia – Grade C
This walk will take us on an ascent of Mt Snowdon at 1085m, with the ascent being made via The Pyg Track and the descent being via The Ranger Path. This walk is good for people of average ability. We will also visit the slate mining museum in Llanberis and follow this with a walk around the old slate mining quarries, where many of the old Victorian buildings still stand. This makes for a very spectacular weekend.
Day 1 – free day to look around the town of Llanberis, capital of Snowdonia.
Day 2 – Ascent of Snowdon
Day 3 – Slate mining museum and quarries.
Included in the camping price is your transport to and from Snowdonia and to the walks, your campsite fees on the Llanberis campsite and your leader for the 4 days. We will also provide you with a tent, safari bed and lighting.
Included in the B&B option is your transport to and from Snowdonia and to the walks, accommodation in the Dolafon Guest House or equivalent and your leader for the 4 days.
The Gower Peninsula – Grade B
Explore the coastline of this beautiful peninsula in South Wales, over 4 days.
The mileage per day will be 12 miles.
Starting in Mumbles, we will progress all the way around as far as Llanmadoc. En route, we will take in the mumbles headland, Neolithic caves and at low tide, the 2.5 miles out onto The Worm. This will include the stack at the very end, for those who wish to attain it.
A glorious walk at any time of the year and a fantastic way to start 2021.
Included in the B&B price, is your transport to and from Gower and to the walks, your accommodation in The Worms Head Hotel or equivalent and your leader for the 4 days.
Night Walk – Night of the Full Moon
Jurassic Coast
Walk 7 miles of this beautiful coastline and see it in a completely different light. Transport for this expedition leaves Oxfordshire at 2000 hrs, returning early morning. Please bring a torch.
New Forest
Walk 11 miles of this lovely woodland, and take in the night sounds. Transport for this expedition leaves Oxfordshire at 2000 hrs, returning early morning. Please bring a torch.
Sugar Loaf
Walk 7 miles over The Black Mountains in Wales, looking down over Abergavenny lit up below. Transport for this expedition leaves Oxfordshire at 2000 hrs, returning early morning. Please bring a torch.
National Expeditions – Terms and Conditions for booking
2) Full payment is due at the time of booking on all our National Expeditions. On receipt of your payment, you will be sent a confirmation of your booking
3) Refunds - All National Expeditions are non-refundable, so any cancellations will incur a loss of all monies.
4) In the unlikely event of us needing to cancel the National Expedition, we will offer a full refund or the option to transfer onto a different expedition. All national walks must have at least 2 paying passengers or it will have to be cancelled and you will receive a full refund.
5) The itinerary on National Expeditions can change, due to circumstances beyond our control. Your mountain leader on the day will make all necessary decisions for your safety, comfort and enjoyment.
6) Many National Expeditions at high level depend on weather conditions. Should SPR Expeditions Ltd, or on the day, the mountain leader, decide that conditions are dangerous at height, then a low level route will be chosen. This for your safety. In buying one of our expedition tickets, should such an event occur, you accept this low level route as an alternative. Bad weather does not mean that you will not attain a summit. However, dangerous conditions are completely different.
“Having a good guide who loves his work and great travelling companions definitely made the trip much more enjoyable”
“Having a good guide who loves his work and great travelling companions definitely made the trip much more enjoyable”
Elaine Jael Quek
For general queries or more information about our service, get in touch with our highly skilled team today.
General query: SPR-2014@outlook.com
