Great walking ideas

The National Trust Walking Festival, New Forest hideaways and a cottage for ChristmasTake me there: National Trust Walking FestivalThere's more to the National Trust than stiff old stately homes. The charity manages some of Britain's wildest and most beautiful landscapes and is encouraging people to explore them with the launch of its first nationwide Walking Festival (22-30 October). There are hundreds of walks to embark on, from gentle family rambles to challenging 18-mile hikes. All offer an interesting take on the landscape, from a night hike in Sheringham Park to see the nocturnal wildlife to an archaeology walk at Stonehenge. And the real beauty of walking on National Trust land is that you're never far from a tea shop. For details, visit tinyurl.com/68bejk9Joanne's travel clinic: A cottage for ChristmasThe dilemma I've been given the task of booking a cottage for Christmas for a family group of eight adults and four children. We want a big country house, but all the good places seem to be booked up. Have I left it too late? Julia MJo replies Large houses do get snapped up well in advance, but there are still some (Christmas) crackers to be found. Monaltrie House in Royal Deeside offers tartan and tweed, four-poster beds, open fires and skiing in the nearby Cairngorms national park (�4,535 for a week, hoseasons.co.uk). A cluster of small cottages can work just as well for a large group and will give everyone some breathing space. Treworgey is a group of 10 cosy Cornish cottages. Not only is there a fab games room and farm animals to keep the kids amused, but the owners will supply festive goodies, such as mince pies and a tree. Book three properties (sleeping six, four and two) for �3,469 per week (premiercottages.co.uk). The four cottages at Pilgrims House in Bacton, Norfolk, sleep 18 and come with indoor pool and sauna (�4,000 per week, norfolkcottages.co.uk). There's a beach nearby for a bracing Boxing Day walk and everything for the festive period is supplied. This being Norfolk, they'll even throw in the turkey.Three of the best: New Forest hideawaysWith autumn's colour in the trees and the first chill in the air, the New Forest is a magical place to be at this time of year. Here are three brilliant boltholes for a seasonal escape1. The Pig, Brockenhurst Stylish but unstuffy, the Pig promised to redefine the country house hotel experience when it opened this summer. Job done (01590 622 354; thepighotel.co.uk)2. The Master Builder's, Buckler's Hard Between forest and sea, this quirky hotel combines ethnic chic with a maritime setting (01590 616 253; themasterbuilders.co.uk)3. Chewton Glen, New Milton A country house classic which gets everything right, from the spa to the scones served with afternoon tea (01425 275 341; chewtonglen.com)? If you have a travel dilemma, email Joanne O'Connor at magazine@observer.co.ukWalking holidaysFamily holidaysSelf-cateringShort breaksHotelsJoanne O'Connorguardian.co.uk © 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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