Nature Bathing this Spring by Rail
24th March 2023
Travelling during the cooler months brings the senses alive as journeys into nature help calm the mind and cleanse the soul. As we start to pull from winter, the transitional season continues to offer quieter and more peaceful surroundings so ‘nature-bathers’ can immerse themselves in solitude across rural retreats around Britain. What’s more, getting there by train, with the help of a Railcard means sanctuary-seekers can make great savings on their journey whilst also taking advantage of lower ‘out of season’ accommodation costs.
‘More travel for less’ couldn’t come at a better time. Railcards give 1/3 off adult fares on annual travel - choose from Family & Friends, (where accompanying kids travel with a 60% discount), Two Together, Senior, Veterans, 16-25 and and 26–30 Railcards at the annual cost of £30 – a Disabled Person’s card is £20 - and make the investment pay off with a year full of reduced rail fares.
Nature bathing or ‘Shinrin-yoku’ as it is known in Japan, is based on ancient Shinto and Buddhist practices. It allows nature into the body through the five senses and includes benefits such as reduced blood pressure, lower stress and anxiety levels and a boost to the immune system and mood.
So, why wait? Get your Railcard now and plan a trip to the coast for a crisp early Spring walk, capture the sound of rippling waves or gaze at starry skies from a National Park. Feel the wind blow cobwebs away and savour the season as you indulge in nature!
Cool coastal walks
With most British towns located within 70 miles of the sea, escaping to the coast for a walk in the cooler weather is within easy reach. Almost 1,000 stations on the National Rail network are classed as coastal, so grab the wellies and wrap up for stunning scenic walks where land meets sea. Visit the National Trust to find out more about walks in your area.
Northeast of England, Saltburn to Warsett Hill
Walk the 4.5-mile walking trail along the Yorkshire Coast and enjoy sculptures, seaside, wild flora and fauna along with historic sites depicting iron stone mining.
Nearest station: Saltburn
Example train fares: Newcastle to Saltburn - £25.60 Anytime Return, £16.90 with 1/3 off Railcard saving
Northwest of England, Whitehaven Coastal Walk
Tread 7 miles towards Wainwright’s Coast to Coast path and experience wild secluded beaches, dramatic clifftops and a 17th century harbour.
Nearest station: Whitehaven
Example train fare: Carlisle to Whitehaven - £12.00 Off Peak Return, £7.92 with 1/3 off Railcard saving
Southeast of England, East Head and Ellanore Circular Walk
Stroll 4 miles through Chichester harbour and West Wittering village, stopping off at cosy pubs dotted along the coastal path.
Nearest station: Chichester
Example train fare: London Bridge to Chichester - £36.50 Off Peak Return, £24.09 with 1/3 off Railcard saving
Southwest of England, Brownstone to Froward Point Circular walk
3 miles of spectacular coast with hidden coves.
Nearest station: Paignton
Example train fare: Bristol Temple Meads to Paignton- £46.80 Off Peak Return, £30.88 with 1/3 off Railcard saving
Cool starry sky gazing
National Parks are great places to stargaze, free of the lights of the city and with 15 parks to choose from, there is never one too far away. The Lake District, New Forest, South Downs, The Broads, Yorkshire Dales, Dartmoor, North Yorkshire Moors, Peak District, and Northumberland all offer National Park adventures from a direct rail link. With world-class landscapes on display both day and night, book in for a restful retreat at one of the many accommodations offered by Youth Hostel Association.
Northeast of England, Northumberland National Park
Lay beneath 1,483 square meters of twinkling skies at Europe’s largest area of protected night sky in Northumberland’s International Dark Sky Park. Awarded a gold tier designation by the International Dark Sky Association where the Milky Way and Andromeda Galaxy, almost 2.5m light years away are visible.
Nearest station: Hexham, Haydon Bridge, Bardon Mill
Example train fare: Carlisle to Hexham - £16.70 Return, £11.02 with 1/3 off Railcard saving
Wales, Pembrokeshire Coast
Head to Martin’s Haven for 360-degree panoramic views of the night sky where the National Trust has teamed with Pembrokeshire’s National Park Authority to create a map of Dark Sky Discovery sites.
Nearest station: Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire
Example train fare: Cardiff Central to Milford Haven - £33.80 return, £22.31 with 1/3 off Railcard saving
Southeast of England, South Downs National Park
Explore one of only 13 International Dark Sky Reserves in the world on your next trip to Hampshire. After a visit to the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, get set to gaze at the real thing at Old Winchester Hill, Iping Common or Devil’s Dyke.
Nearest station: Petersfield
Example train fare: London Waterloo to Petersfield £30.90 Advance Return, £20.39 with 1/3 off Railcard saving
For more great deals and to purchase your Railcard today, visit www.Railcard.co.uk
* All train fares taken from fares detailed on 15th March for travel in three weeks’ time (Saturday 8th April) from nationalrail.co.uk