Did you know 2024 is a leap year in which February has one extra day, the 29th, an occurrence which happens just once every four years?
Whilst leap years only come once every four years, so does the tradition of ‘Bachelor’s Day’ on 29th February. This Irish tradition was started in the 5th century by St. Brigid who campaigned for St. Patrick to throw tradition aside and allow women to propose marriage to their men.1 It may sound archaic, but Google searches for ‘Bachelor’s Day’ have increased 600% in the past year2, suggesting it’s a tradition that is, in fact, gaining some interest.
Whilst choosing an engagement ring can seem a hard decision, picking the perfect place to propose shouldn’t be – even if there are 3,600 people searching online every month for ‘ideas for marriage proposal!’2
Luckily, walking shoe expert FitFlop has researched some stunning proposal spots around the UK which are suited to different interests. So, whether your partner’s a culture buff, social media sharer or a nature lover, these locations will provide you inspiration for making a long-lasting memory together.
1) The Traditionalist: County Kildare, Leinster (Eastern Ireland)
Photo by Gabriela Palero on Unsplash
If wishing to follow in the footsteps of St. Brigid, then a visit to Kildare, Ireland, is a must. Originally born as a slave in Dundalk, St. Brigid was later freed by the King of Leinster which allowed her to follow her faith to become a nun. She set up a small church in Kildare in 480 A.D, one of the earliest documented Irish Christian places of worship, which is now the site of St Brigid’s Cathedral and a holy place, indeed, for a leap year proposal. Symbolism of St. Brigid can be seen on the altar frontal and the stained glass west window3. Also well worth a visit is the nearby Killinthomas Woods with 200 acres of fairytale-like forest.
2) The Coastal Dude: Perranporth to St Ives, Cornwall Atlantic Coast (South West UK)
Photo by Karen Uppal on Unsplash
A great choice for a coast (and wildlife) lover, this trail takes in a variety of backdrops from rugged cliff tops to mining landscapes, with the chance to see seals, sunfish and basking sharks below, or guillemots and razorbills above. From Portreath you’ll pass Ralph’s Cupboard, a cove favoured by smugglers to hide their loot, the rolling sand dunes at Gwithian and Navax Point where the seals gather, cross Hayle’s 100-year-old swing bridge and finish off in the postcard-perfect town of St Ives – the perfect spot for a celebratory glass of fizz!
3) The Active Adventurer: Cheddar Gorge Trail, Somerset (South West UK)
Photo by Ian Kelsall on Unsplash
One for the adventurous couple, Cheddar Gorge in Somerset is England’s largest gorge which formed around one million years ago and spans almost 400ft (122m) deep and 3 miles (4.8km) long! Along this fairly challenging weathered and craggy trail you’ll find some steep climbs, a wide variety of plants and wildlife and, if you time it right, some stunning sundowners spot on for a proposal! Start at the Cheddar Visitor Information Centre and head down Cufic Lane, following the signposts for the ‘Gorge walk’ which will pass woodland to fields, then take you out to the cliff top viewpoint.
4) The Shy, Reflective Type: Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire (South West UK)
Photo by Lark Ascending on Flickr
Westonbirt Arboretum is one of the most diverse botanical tree collections in the world where you can explore 2,500 different species, making for a magical, sensory walk with plenty of private places. From the welcome centre, head right along the wheelchair-accessible path towards the old arboretum where you’ll pass The Acer Glade with trees, a pond and open grassland, followed by The Victory and The Savill Glades. Don’t forget to look out for blue labels on ‘champion’ trees – the largest of their species in Britain! If wanting a longer trail, the walk can be extended by 2 miles from the restaurant by following the Westerly trail toward the Cherry Glade and Japanese maple collection.
5) The Social Media Sharer: Belton House & Park, Lincolnshire (North East UK)
Photo by Brian on Flickr
The 17th century Belton House is a social media snapper’s dream, being hashtagged 30.7k times on Instagram alone. Established by the Brownlow family, it was more recently featured in the Netflix series ‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’ and makes for some seriously impressive ‘#engaged’ photos. Although the house interior cannot be accessed until 2nd March, the Belton Park circular walk boasts some wonderful, natural sights including a deer park, old woodland, historic structures, site of an old medieval village, and a wide range of wildlife.
6) The Nature Lover: Dunham Massey, Cheshire (North West UK)
Photo by Big Albert on Flickr
Dunham Massey is home to one of the finest collections of veteran trees in England and home to a beautiful trail which includes 150 resident fallow deer and many rare insect species, including the cobweb beetle and noctule bats. Starting at the Clock Tower, this walk passes by a 16th-century watermill, pretty variegated beech tree, a stretch of water called Dead Man’s Pool, the Langham Obelisk, 250-year old gnarled oak trees, pollarded lime trees and, by the Stallion Pound, a 500 year old oak tree. If nature’s his thing, this location ticks all the boxes.
7) The Culture Buff: Torcross to Brixham, South Devon (South West)
Photo by Michael Austin on Unsplash
This South Devon walk combines nature and culture passing open fields and woodland, Dartmouth’s vibrant art galleries and boutiques, then finishing in the colourful port town of Brixham which has excellent fish restaurants. The walk takes you along the Slapton Sands shingle beach, rising up the more rugged cliffs to Dartmouth. From here to Brixham you’ll pass the 15th-century Kingswear Castle which perches on the cliffs just above the sea, and provides a romantic place to pop the question.
If your walking footwear is in need of an upgrade, why not browse FitFlop’s walking shoes here: https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/womens-walking-shoes-uk.
Research Sources:
1 https://thicketpriory.co.uk/why-do-women-propose-on-a-leap-year/
2 https://ads.google.com/intl/en_uk/home/tools/keyword-planner/?
3 https://www.kildare.ie/heritage/details.asp?GCID=140
