The Road Less Travelled: Off the Beaten Path Adventures

If you are planning your next afternoon walk, day out, or holiday, and are looking for something more peaceful than a city getaway, then there are many options. These beautiful, quiet, and often hidden spaces exist around campus, across the country and all over the world. When you discover these places, they can be brilliant to take a few minutes out of the chaos of everyday life. But if you aren’t sure where to start finding these places, then here’s a few suggestions to help!

You may have a perception of the Warwick uni campus as lecture halls, cafes, and study spots. But both the campus itself and the surrounding areas are filled with hidden gems. These are perfect for moments when studying is getting overwhelming.

It is definitely a beautiful and underrated gem that takes you straight into nature.

The Tocil Wood and Nature Reserve is a beautiful spot, especially in the spring when filled with flowers. Located just behind Bluebell halls of residence, this Wildlife Trust woodland is peaceful, quiet, and perfect for a long afternoon walk to break up the library sessions. It is definitely a beautiful and underrated gem that takes you straight into nature.

And it isn’t just the university campus that has these beautiful spots, they are all over the Warwickshire and West Midlands area – perfect for a day out from uni. Kenilworth is only a 20 minute bus journey from campus and is often overlooked by students. It doesn’t have the nightlife of Leamington Spa or the city bustle of Coventry, but does have some brilliant hidden gems and adventures. Visit Kenilworth has compiled information about different trails, with wildlife guides showing what you can spot. Kenilworth Common is a beautiful space with a variety of wildlife, perfect for a hike.

The whole of the UK is home to these areas that are perfect for a moment out of everyday life. Whilst it can be quite a way to travel, the Scottish Islands can definitely be a hidden gem. All of the islands are unique and you can discover some truly brilliant places, especially going beyond the more touristy islands such as Mull and Skye.
One of my personal favourites is Tiree. The Isle has a population of about 650 people and is not a large island, but maintains a rich culture. There are a variety of events on the Island, such as the Tiree Music Festival.

The island has picturesque beaches, earning it the nickname “‘Hawaii of the North’”.

This annual event hosts some of the biggest names in Scottish music, and brings people together for three days from all over. If you are looking for something less noisy, then there is still plenty to do on the island. The island has picturesque beaches, earning it the nickname “‘Hawaii of the North’”. There are also plenty of rural walks if you’re looking to find a peaceful environment. There are a plethora of other options, such as watersports, horse riding, and a gin distillery. The island is small, but filled with cafes, local shops, and a real sense of community. The only downside is the distance, with it being over 450 miles from the uni. But with plenty of transport options, don’t let that distance discourage you from a truly breathtaking place.

If you enjoy long walks but your idea of a fun afternoon is also cafe-hopping or shopping then there are some great options all across the UK. If you find yourself with time to spare in the north of England, a trip to the Lake District town Keswick may be on the cards. On the edge of Lake Derwent, Keswick’s high street is not massive but does have plenty of shops. There are also many local cafes and restaurants to enjoy.

It’s about exploring and finding the places that are special to you.

There is even a pencil museum where you can learn about the history of pencils! It even claims to be: “Home of the world’s first pencil”. If that doesn’t catch your interest, then you can relax on a boat across the lake, or the more adventurous can feed the Geese! There are also many, many walks around there. Whether you prefer hill-walking or fancy a 10 mile hike around the lake, there are plenty of options for everyone.

The UK is filled with these unknown and adventure-filled spots, but they can be found anywhere you go. It’s about exploring and finding the places that are special to you. They may be right on your doorstep or on the other side of the world. They can be cafes, or bookshops, or just scenic walking trails. What’s important, though, is that you enjoy them and then leave them as you found them for the next people who visit. Have fun exploring!