Neil Coates
Since reading geography at the University of Keele in the 1970’s, Neil – Lancashire born and southern Welsh Marches bred – has pursued employment in local planning, archaeology, sustainable public transport, rural tourism consultancy, heritage and landscape interpretation and recreational footpath development. Partners include AONB’s, National Parks, local authorities and tourism marketing companies. A long-established freelance writer with nearly 40 walking/guidebooks published, Manchester-based Neil has also contributed to national newspaper travel and outdoor supplements; frequent magazine articles in the heritage, touring and walking sectors and has a wide portfolio of published work extolling the virtues and delights of Britain’s pubs and inns.
Recent articles by Neil Coates
Dovestone Reservoir walk, Peak District
A 5.5-mile walk in Greater Manchester, threading between placid waters, through old woodland and below commanding gritstone edges.
Tintern Abbey walk, Monmouthshire/Gloucestershire
After exploring Tintern Abbey, set out on an 8.9-mile circular walk through pretty woodland and along the River Wye to Bigsweir Bridge, returning on Offa's Dyke Path
Claife Heights walk, Lake District
Wander along Windermere's wooded shoreline then climb to a series of atmospheric tarns and pasturelands atop Claife Heights
Marple walk, Greater Manchester
Explore the banks of the Peak Forest Canal and River Goyt on this divine circular walk in Marple on the edge of Manchester
Smardale Gill Viaduct walk, Yorkshire Dales
Enjoy a spectacular seven-mile walk through a secluded gorge in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The Roaches and Lud's Church circular walk, Staffordshire
Look out for wallabies while enjoying folklore and oatcakes amid striking Staffordshire gritstone outcrops with this six-mile walk along The Roaches to the mysterious gorge of Lud's Church in the Peak District National Park
Parkhouse Hill and Chrome Hill walk, Peak District
In this quiet corner of the Peak District National Park a turf-covered monster has lain sleeping for millions of years – discover the spectacular Dragon's Back with this 5.4-mile hill walk.
Britain's best daffodil walks
The cheering sight of daffodils is a sure sign that spring has sprung. Here is our pick of the best daffodil walks to enjoy this spring.
Chee Dale, Miller's Dale and Wye Dale walk, Peak District
This four-mile loop walk along the River Wye in the Peak District includes an exhilarating stretch along the Chee Dale's magical stepping stones.
Walk: Hawes, Aysgill Force and Hardraw Force, North Yorkshire
Visit a series of enchanting waterfalls on this seven-mile walk, starting and ending in the Yorkshire Dales village of Hawes.
Walk: Highmeadow Woods, Gloucestershire
Thread through the Forest of Dean's autumnal trees, stopping off half way at the White Horse Inn pub, before winding back on a woodland path.
Walk: Padley Gorge, Derbyshire
Enjoy an absorbing woodland amble en route to a striking post-industrial landscape veiled by Peak District trees
Day out: Burton Mere Wetlands, Cheshire/Flintshire
Journeys to the England-Wales border where one of the RSPB’s most active reserves hums with honking geese, whistling starlings, and ke-ke-ke-ing hen harriers.
Walk: Blackburn to Hoghton Bottoms, Lancashire
Billowing woodland, a rocky chasm and rumbling rapids enliven Lancashire’s industrial heartland threaded by the unsung River Darwen.
Walk: Ramblers’ Retreat, Alton, Staffordshire
After a leisurely walk in Staffordshire’s captivating Churnet Valley, seek out an engaging tearoom haven cosseted by tranquil wildflower-rich forest
Delamere Forest, Cheshire walk
Experience striking autumn contrasts on this gentle and walk in Cheshire's ancient green heart, stopping of for a half-way pint at a cosy country pub.
Bike ride: Middlewood Way and Macclesfield Canal, Cheshire
Cycle an old railway up the rural eastern edge of Cheshire then meander back along a pretty canal towpath – without doubt, a cut above the rest
Walk: Mellor Moor, Greater Manchester/Cheshire/Derbyshire
Seek out the shades of travellers long-past along old ways high above the Goyt Valley
Walk: Barnard Castle, County Durham
At the heart of the Tees Valley is a town full of delights, from an immense château to a charming antiques quarter and riverside walks following in the steps of Daniel Defoe
Day out: Trevellas Porth, Cornwall
Discover a quiet Cornish cove where opportunities for snorkelling, rock-pooling, paddles and swims abound
Walk: River Wye, Monmouthshire
Hike along a wooded bank past radiant wildflowers, foraging deer and a king’s cave on a seven-mile track beside the River Wye in Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire
Day out: Pentwyn Farm, Penallt, Monmouthshire
Visit a Welsh meadow, where wild orchids and golden buttercups grow amid graceful quaking grass on centuries-old farmland, high above the River Wye
Walk: Slieve Bearnagh, County Down
Take on this tough upland walk, following a 100-year-old wall over peaks and cols through Northern Ireland’s Mountains of Mourne
Day out: Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
The ancient trees of Sherwood Forest have centuries of tales to tell, none more so than the Major Oak, an ageing giant said to have been a valuable ally to one of England’s folk heroes