Home » A Guide for Walkers: Six Ferry Crossings That Connect Britain’s Best Trails

A Guide for Walkers: Six Ferry Crossings That Connect Britain’s Best Trails

by admin477351

For hikers and long-distance walkers, a well-placed ferry can be more than a convenience—it can be a scenic link, a welcome shortcut, or a beautiful final leg of a challenging trail. Across the UK, several ferry routes are perfectly positioned to enhance walking holidays, offering stunning new perspectives on the landscapes you’ve just traversed on foot.

At the end of the Suffolk coastal path, walkers are rewarded with the charming ferry from Landguard Fort near Felixstowe to historic Harwich. This short trip across the bustling harbour, formed by the rivers Orwell and Stour, saves a long detour and offers fantastic views of giant container ships and traditional Thames barges. Alternatively, walkers exploring the picturesque Shotley peninsula can embark at Shotley Gate for the same memorable crossing.

In Devon, those tackling the South West Coast Path can incorporate the River Dart ferry into their itinerary. A challenging 10-mile hike from Brixham brings you to Kingswear, where the classic tug-towed barge waits to carry you across to Dartmouth. The brief but dramatic crossing, with views of the steep, wooded valley, serves as a perfect punctuation mark to a day’s walking.

For those exploring the Wye Valley, the hand ferry at Symonds Yat offers a unique way to connect footpaths on either side of the river. After crossing, you can follow a trail up through the woods to the famous Symonds Yat rock for breathtaking views. These ferry links are not just about transport; they are an integral part of the walking experience, providing rest, new vistas, and a memorable chapter to any hiking adventure.

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