Heavenly WALKS

These iconic trails offer thrilling scenery, en route camaraderie - and you'll feel fitter too

- ALICE MORRISON, CHRIS MORLEY

The Pilgrims' Way

This 230km path crosses Hampshire, Surrey and Kent, connecting the shrines of St Swithun at Winchester Cathedral and Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral.

Initially a pilgrim route, it's now a quiet walk through rolling hills and deep forests. Views are stupendous from the high point of Box Hill across the Weald and from St Martha's church at Chilworth - they epitomise the beauty of rural England. Go in spring to walk through carpets of bluebells.

* 8-14 nights, Farnham to Dover, with accommodation and bag transfers, from £1,120 to £1,950; contours.co.uk

The Thames Path

This long-distance path flows 298km from the river's source in the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier on the outskirts of London.