Visitors soon discover that long distance walking or cycling in Britain can be an enjoyable but sweaty and muddy activity. Staying at smart hotels with cream coloured upholstery and floors that can't be walked on with mucky hiking boots can be a problem. So can inconveniently set meal times. Days often start early and end late for hikers and cyclists, forcing them to leave before breakfast and arrive back after dinner has ended.
Recognizing this problem, the tourism authorities in Scotland and several other UK regions have come up with a new rating system that will allow visitors to take part in the UK's most popular outdoor activities while guiding them to some of the countries most pleasant accommodations.
Walkers Welcome
Look for the Walkers Welcome logo as a guarantee of hotel, B&B and guest house accommodation that provide:- a separate place to dry outdoor clothing and footwear
- a hot drink on arrival
- a late evening meal (until 8p.m.) or a snack (after 8p.m.)
- an early breakfast (from 7a.m.)
- a packed lunch, on request, or a filled flask
- information about local walking routes
- information about public transportation
- local weather reports.
To earn the logo, self-catering accommodation must provide:
- a separate clothes drying area for outdoor clothing and shoes
- information on local walks
- information on local transportation
- a telephone number for the weather forecast
- details of local rescue services
- details of the accommodation's Ordnance Survey Map Coordinates if it is outside a village
- clothes washing facilities.
Cyclists Welcome
Establishments displaying the Cyclists Welcome logo provide all the facilities offered to walkers as well as:- a lockable covered shed for cycle storage
- details of the nearest cycle specialist
- information about local cycle routes
- details of the nearest specialist cycle shop
